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Updated on Jan 31, 2024

John Davis

Expert Automotive Writer

Reviewed by Kathleen Flear, Director of Content

Edited by Jessica Barrett, Senior Car & Insurance Editor

What's on this page?

How much does it cost to replace a starter solenoid?
Where can I get my starter solenoid replaced?
How will a mechanic replace my starter solenoid?
What happens if I don’t replace my starter solenoid?
What is a starter solenoid?
Can I replace my starter solenoid myself?
FAQs
Meet Our Experts

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How much does it cost to replace a starter solenoid?

On average, it costs a total of $105-$130. The exact price will depend on your car’s make and model.

How long does it take to replace a starter solenoid? It generally takes .50-1 hours for a certified mechanic to fully replace a starter solenoid. Your mechanic will inspect your vehicle, diagnose the problem, and proceed with the starter solenoid replacement if necessary.

How did we estimate these prices?
Jerry's experts researched and collected data from 2500+ real repair shops in all 50 states in the US, including everything from the total cost of repair services to the hourly labor cost for mechanic labor in each shop. We combined that data with our expert database of hundreds of real repair jobs, thousands of real cars, millions of real car part prices in order to best estimate the cost of each repair service. Our labor cost estimate is calculated by taking the average hourly labor rate for a certified mechanic in the US, times the number of hours it takes on average to complete a repair. We recommend you compare your local shops with Jerry and contact those shops directly to get final pricing for your vehicle.

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What parts do I need for my starter solenoid replacement and how much do those parts cost?

The components and replacement process for your starter solenoid will depend on your specific vehicle, but in general, you’ll need the following parts:

New starter solenoid: You will need a starter solenoid that meets the requirements of your vehicle’s specifications. Starter solenoids cost $40 on average.

New starter motor: While this is not necessary, you may need to replace your starter ‘s electric motor along with your starter solenoid if it's worn or damaged. The average cost of a new starter motor ranges between $100 to $500.

Tool kit: The job will require a wrench or socket kit, screwdrivers, terminal puller, and pliers to remove the bolts, nuts, and connectors that hold the starter solenoid and other connections in the vehicle. A full tool kit with all required tools can cost up to $400, but you can find smaller kits for $100 or less.

Battery disconnect wrench: A specific wrench or switch is required to disconnect the battery’s negative terminal during the replacement process. On average, these wrenches cost $25.

Sandpaper: The solenoid terminals and other electrical connectors involved in the job will need to be cleaned. Mechanics typically use sandpaper to remove corrosion. Sandpaper packs can be purchased for $20 or less.

Multimeter: A multimeter is used to test electrical voltage across each connector involved in a starter solenoid replacement. Multimeters range in price from $15 to $100.

Car jack: To access the starter compartment, the vehicle will be raised. Car jacks are typically $100 to $300.

You can buy starter solenoid parts for your car from auto parts stores like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts, as well as online retailers such as Amazon and eBay. Three of our recommended brands for starter solenoid parts are ACDelco, Standard Motor Products, and Denso. However, be mindful that the right parts and brands for your starter solenoid replacement will vary depending on your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

Should I buy OEM or aftermarket parts?

Due to their build quality and vehicle compatibility, OEM starter solenoids generally last longer than aftermarket starter solenoids. In fact, many car owners who replace their starter solenoid with an aftermarket part end up replacing the solenoid again not too long after.

While OEM parts are generally more expensive, they are also more reliable and usually come with warranties. Opt for an OEM start solenoid to avoid shorter maintenance intervals.

Where can I buy parts for my starter solenoid replacement?

For OEM parts, you can buy a replacement starter solenoid from your vehicle’s manufacturer—also known as the dealership—or an automotive parts shop like AutoZone, Advance Auto Parts, and O'Reilly Auto Parts. If you’re interested in aftermarket parts, you can also purchase these from auto body retailers, parts shops, or online sources like Amazon or eBay.

Find out what parts are recommended for my car

Where can I get my starter solenoid replaced?

You will need to get your starter solenoid replaced immediately if you notice any signs of malfunction, which means finding a trusted mechanic. Luckily,

Jerry's GarageGuard™

can help you find the best shop for the job by comparing car repair costs from over 2,500 vetted repair shops in the US.

Jerry's GarageGuard™ compares fair price estimates* from each shop using their real hourly labor rate and the general cost of parts for your replacement. You can even find information about diagnostic fees, and access real shop reviews to make the best pick for your auto repair service.

Check out some of our vetted shops below and download the app to compare car repair quotes in your area.

177 Reviews

54th Street Auto Center

415 W 54th St, New York, NY

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$191

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (212) 265-3120

153 Reviews

NuAuto

Compare this shop for free with Jerry

190 Reviews

AAMCO Transmissions & Total Car Care - Bronx

1027 E Gun Hill Rd, Alpine, NJ

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$100

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (718) 866-3274

107 Reviews

HMS Auto and Fleet

7887 F St, Omaha, NE

Shop Diagnostic Fee

(Included in service charges)

$134

Compare this shop for free with Jerry (402) 739-8061

How did we vet these shops?
Jerry experts researched 2500+ real repair shops across the US. We talked to real shop customers, and analyzed both real shop pricing data and thousands of real customer reviews from each shop to verify them individually. We do not partner with the shops listed above, and our analysis is always unbiased.

How will a mechanic replace my starter solenoid?

A starter solenoid replacement requires the correct tools and mechanical knowledge of your vehicle’s starting system. If your starter solenoid is malfunctioning, your mechanic will run a diagnostic test and replace it with these steps:

Preparation: Your mechanic will hoist your vehicle using a car jack or car lift. They will disconnect your car battery and get under the car to locate the starter motor and starter solenoid.

Access the starter: The location of your starter will depend on your vehicle, but the starter motor and solenoid are generally found near the transmission under the car. The starter solenoid is a cylindrical attachment on the starter with terminals on each flat end.

Disconnect the starter solenoid: Your mechanic will disconnect the wires attached to the starter solenoid, including a smaller wire on one terminal and a larger wire connected to both the solenoid and the starter.

Remove the old solenoid: Using the correct tools, your mechanic will unscrew the bolts or nuts that connect the starter solenoid from the motor or car engine.

Inspect the starter motor: Your mechanic will inspect the starter motor to make a final decision about whether or not it needs to be replaced. At this time, your mechanic may also clean up any areas of the starter that require attention.

Install the new solenoid: The new start solenoid will be replaced in the position of the old one, and your mechanic will secure it using the correct bolts and nuts. Your mechanic will also connect the appropriate wires to the new starter solenoid.

Test #1: Once the new solenoid is installed, your mechanic will run a few tests using a multimeter to ensure the starter solenoid is working alongside the motor.

Reassembly: If everything is working correctly, your mechanic will reinstall and assemble any vehicle parts that were moved or disconnected during the replacement process. Your car battery will also be reconnected.

Final test: Your mechanic will start the vehicle and run a few tests to ensure the starter system is working optimally.

What happens if I don’t replace my starter solenoid?

You should have your vehicle inspected immediately if you suspect any issues with your starter solenoid. A failing starter solenoid can lead to the following issues:

Starter motor failure

Issues starting your vehicle

Wear to the starter flywheel and flexplate

Battery issues, including a drained battery

Unanticipated vehicle movement

What is a starter solenoid?

A car starter solenoid receives electrical signals when you turn your key in the ignition or press the start button. When it receives electrical signals, it pulls a lever that moves the starter motor’s pinion gear, and the engine’s flywheel or flexplate engages. The starter motor then spins the engine’s crankshaft to start the combustion process, which runs your vehicle after the solenoid disengages.

When should I replace the starter solenoid on my car?

If you notice any of the following signs, it may be time to replace your starter solenoid:

Difficulty starting: If you turn your ignition key or press your vehicle’s start button and your car doesn’t turn on or the engine struggles with cranking, there may be an issue with your starter solenoid. Starter failure can occur intermittently and tends to happen when the vehicle is hot or recently driven.

Clicking sound: If you hear a consistent clicking sound, whirring, or other unusual noises when you try to start your car, it may signal an issue with your starter motor’s gear due to a bad solenoid.

Starter remains engaged: Your starter solenoid is meant to disengage once your crankshaft starts the combustion process. If your solenoid remains engaged, your starter motor will continue to run and you may hear a grinding noise from the flywheel or flexplate. A consistently engaged starter is not good for your vehicle and must be fixed as soon as possible.

Electrical issues: Your vehicle may suffer from electrical issues, like dim interior or exterior lights, due to a bad starter solenoid.

Burning smell or smoke: If your starter solenoid is severely failing, it may create smoke or a burning smell from your vehicle’s starter location.

How often should a starter solenoid be replaced?

Manufacturers do not recommend replacement intervals for starter solenoids. In some cases, a starter solenoid can last the entire lifetime of a vehicle.

To ensure your starter solenoid is in good condition, you should periodically inspect your vehicle and watch out for signs of a bad starter. Your starter motor and starter solenoid are typically serviced together, so if there’s an issue with one, the other will be inspected as well.

Can I replace my starter solenoid myself?

An engine starter solenoid replacement requires a fair understanding of your vehicle’s internal components, and it will take time. While you can perform this DIY car repair on your own, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for a correct starter solenoid replacement.

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FAQs

Can you just replace the solenoid on a starter?

Yes, you can replace the starter solenoid by itself without replacing the entire starter system or the starter motor. If you are experiencing issues with your starter, it may be due to a bad starter solenoid, which is much cheaper to replace than the motor itself.

How can I tell if my starter solenoid is bad?

If your vehicle is unresponsive when you attempt to start your car, you may be dealing with a bad starter solenoid. Some other signs of a malfunctioning starter solenoid include:

Clicking sound when you attempt to start the car

Car starts sometimes but doesn’t start other times

Difficulty starting your car after it was recently driven

Electrical issues

Burning smell

Smoke from the engine bay

Do I need to replace the whole starter or just the solenoid?

If you are experiencing issues with your starter, you should take your vehicle to a mechanic for an inspection. A mechanic will look over your starter system and diagnose whether there is an issue with the motor, or simply an issue with the starter solenoid.

If the starter solenoid is the only part of the starter system that is malfunctioning, you will not need to replace the entire starter. If your solenoid is among other starter components that are malfunctioning, such as your starter motor, starter relay, battery connection, and ignition switch, you may require a more indepth starter replacement. Starter replacement costs are considerably higher, so start by replacing the solenoid.

Is it worth replacing a starter?

Yes, you should replace your starter as soon as possible if you encounter starter problems. Without a well-working starter, your vehicle will not start and you will not be able to drive it. Additionally, a faulty starter can create other problems in your vehicle over time, which will lead to higher starter repair costs.

Meet Our Experts

John Davis

Car Expert

Certified mechanic with 10+ years of experience

John Davis is an expert automotive writer and former automotive mechanic. John's work spans multiple categories, and he relishes the opportunity to research a new subject and expand his area of expertise and industry knowledge. To date, John has written more than 200 articles covering car maintenance and care, car advice, how-to guides, and more.

Prior to joining Jerry’s editorial team, John worked as a mechanic and freelance writer, creating content for clients including HotCars and SetPower.

Jessica Barrett

Car Expert

Jessica Barrett is a senior insurance writer and editor with 10 years of experience in the automotive and travel industries. A specialist in car insurance, car loans, and car ownership, Jessica’s mission is to create comprehensive content that car owners can use to manage their costs and improve their lives. As a managing editor for a team of writers and insurance specialists, Jessica has edited over 2,000 articles for Jerry on topics ranging from local insurance shopping tips to refinancing car loans with bad credit.

Before joining Jerry as a senior content editor in 2021, Jessica created visual content for clients such as Expedia, Vivid Seats, Budget Direct Car Insurance, Angie’s List, and HomeAdvisor. Her content was published in Business Insider, Forbes, Apartment Therapy, and the BBC.

Kathleen Flear

Car Expert

Kathleen Flear is an expert insurance writer and editor who heads up Jerry’s editorial team as director of content. Kathleen empowers drivers to make smart car ownership decisions through best-in-class articles on insurance, loans, and maintenance. Prior to joining Jerry in 2021, Kathleen served as managing editor for a team of SEO content marketing professionals at Article-Writing.co and worked as a freelance writer and editor for a range of digital publications, including Chicago Literati magazine and Golden Words. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English language and literature from Queen’s University, and a master’s degree in creative writing and fiction from Sierra Nevada University.

*The price information provided on our car repair webpages is intended for general informational purposes only. Actual prices for car repair services may vary based on various factors, including but not limited to the make and model of your vehicle, the extent of repair required, and the prevailing market conditions. All prices for real repair shops are estimations based on our research only. Therefore, the prices listed on our webpages should not be considered as final quotes or binding offers.