Engine Electrical
Starter
The starter motor turns your engine over until it fires and runs on its own. We carry 38 starters from $24 to $197 by Pure Energy, AC Delco, Autopart Premium, TYC and Powermaster, with strong coverage for Chevrolet Camaro and Silverado 1500 plus Honda Accord, Ford F150 and Hyundai Sonata.
Shop starter by vehicle
Signs of a failing starter
Common signs include a single click with no crank, slow or labored cranking, a grinding noise as the starter engages, and a starter that keeps spinning after the engine starts. Intermittent no-crank problems that clear up after a tap on the starter are also typical.
A weak battery, corroded cables, a bad ground or a faulty ignition switch can cause the same symptoms. Test the battery and connections first.
Matching the right starter
Starters differ by engine, transmission and mounting. Many here use permanent magnet gear reduction designs, which are smaller and lighter than older direct drive starters.
Tooth count matters. Starters in this group have 9, 11 or 12 teeth on the drive gear, and the count must match your flywheel or flexplate. Power ratings range from 1.1 kW to 1.6 kW. Check the fitment table for engine and transmission.
Replacing a starter
Disconnect the negative battery cable before touching the starter, because the main cable is always live. Support the vehicle on jack stands if you work from underneath.
Label the wires before removing them, clean the terminals, and reuse any shims your vehicle had between the starter and block. Tighten mounting bolts to spec and test the starter before you reinstall any heat shields.
Starter questions
How do I know if it is the starter or the battery?
Check the battery voltage and the cable connections first. If the battery is charged and the connections are clean, but you hear a click with no crank, the starter or its solenoid is the likely cause.
Why does my starter grind?
Grinding often means the starter gear is not meshing fully with the flywheel teeth. A worn starter drive, loose mounting bolts, missing shims or damaged flywheel teeth can all cause it.
Does tooth count matter on a starter?
Yes. The drive gear must match the flywheel or flexplate. A mismatch can cause grinding and damage. Check the tooth count in the listing against your old starter.