How to diagnose and replace a car starter in Fairfax

Used car owners often think that if their car doesn’t start, it has something to do with their used car’s battery. If your used car won’t start, there is a chance you may need to perform a car starter replacement. Airport Auto Sales Used Car Dealership in Fairfax, Virginia can make you find out what might be wrong with your car starter and how to perform a car starter installation through this blog. Be aware that the car starter is the one who receives the charge from your used car’s battery. The battery sends some charge to the starter that sends it to the alternator that enables your used car to start. If you encounter having trouble starting up your used car, used car dealerships advise you to check the voltage of your battery.

You can buy a new starter, but it is expensive. You can also have an option to rebuild your starter, which makes it as good as a new one. If you see that the problem lies in the starter, Airport Auto Sales Used car Dealership in Fairfax, Virginia provides you ways on how to replace and diagnose your car starter on your own, saving some bucks to repair it from a mechanic.

Car Starter Problems

The following are the signs that you could need a car starter replacement, including:

  1. You hear a grinding noise or a whining sound coming from the starter when you turn the ignition.
  2. There is a smoke that comes from the starter or under the hood.
  3. There is oil all over the starter.
  4. The solenoid is not already working.

Direction on how to diagnose and replace a car starter

You have the option to take your car to a trusted technician to handle the installation of your car starter, or you can decide to do a do-it-yourself car starter installation. All you need is to follow the step-by-step procedures enlisted below:

Step 1: You should purchase a rebuilt starter. Most used car dealership recommends it because it is much cheaper than a new one while typically of the same quality.

Step 2: You should turn off the ignition of your used car.

Step 3:  Take the negative battery cable out from your used car’s battery.

Step 4: Remove the positive cable from the starter. You can distinguish it as the large cable that runs to your battery.

Step 5: With the aid of a ratchet, disconnect all the bolts that hold the starter to the block.

Step 6: Take out all other supporting brackets that hold the starter in place.

Step 7: Start removing all the bolts that hold the starter. Used car dealership recommends you to use grease or lubricants to help loosen the bolts. Do not force any bolts that very tight and difficult to remove.

Step 8: Remove the starter from your used car.

Step 9: You should mount the new starter in the block and begin attacking it with the bolts.

Step 10: Reconnect the positive battery cable to the new starter before you begin tightening the bolts.

Step 11: Tighten the starter’s bolts.

Step 12: Reconnect the negative cable to the battery.

How much does a car starter cost?

You should expect between 50 and 100 dollars for a new car starter. It depends on the make, model, and whether you buy a rebuilt or new starter. You will pay more for labor fees if you don’t install it on your own.

How can we help?

For used car DIY maintenance FAQs, you can always count on to useful car repair tips at Airport Auto Sales Used Car Dealership in Fairfax, Virginia. Don’t hesitate to elicit our help by contacting us at our hotline number: 540-658-1900, or you may opt to visit us personally at 1521 Jefferson Davis Highway Fairfax, Virginia 22405.

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