Starter motor · Autobedrijf Willemsbrug Rotterdam

Starter motor replacement in our own workshop in Rotterdam

Do you hear only a click when you turn the key, or does the engine not turn over? We first test whether it really is the starter motor. Then we replace it in our own workshop. You hear the price in advance.

4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews | All makes | Price agreed in advance

CALL +31 10 479 00 00

The short answer

If you hear one loud click when you start and the engine does not turn, while the battery has enough charge, the starter motor is often the cause. Autobedrijf Willemsbrug at Boterdiep 11 in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde first tests whether it really is the starter motor and then replaces it in its own workshop. According to the ANWB, a new starter motor for an average car costs about € 300 and a reconditioned one about € 200. You hear what it costs for your car in advance. We only start once you agree.

Jump to: warning signs · how to spot it and costs · frequently asked questions · directions

Signs of a faulty starter motor

You often notice a failing starter motor like this:

One loud click and the engine does not turn
The engine sometimes turns over and sometimes does not
A whining or grinding noise when starting
The engine turns over very slowly, while the battery is fine
The starter motor keeps running after the engine has started
A burning smell or smoke after starting

Rapid clicking when starting usually points to a weak battery, not the starter motor. Do you hear other noises while driving too? Then read more about a car that makes a noise. Does the starter motor turn, but the engine will not fire? Then read what to do when your car will not start.

What does the starter motor do?

The starter motor is a small electric motor that takes its power from the battery. When you start the car, a gear engages with the ring gear on the engine and turns the engine over until it runs. After that, the gear disengages by itself.

A starter motor wears slowly. The brushes, the gear and the solenoid wear a little with every start. A car with a start-stop system starts far more often and so usually has a heavier-duty starter motor.

Not every starting problem is down to the starter motor. According to the ANWB, the starter relay, the ignition switch or a cut-out can also be the cause. That is why we test first.

What we do

Testing the battery, so we know for sure there is enough power
Testing the starter motor, the relay and the cables
Reading fault codes if needed
Replacing the starter motor in our own workshop
Choosing between a new and a reconditioned starter motor, with the price for each
Checking the alternator charge after the replacement

Extra work is only done with your approval.

Starter motor replacement: how to recognise the problem and what to do

This table shows what a starting problem often means. One sign on its own does not tell the whole story. We only know what is really wrong after a test.

Starter motor or something else? How to tell the difference
What you notice	What it may mean	What to do
One loud click, the engine does not turn over	The starter motor, the starter relay or a poor battery cable connection	Have the starter motor and cables tested
Rapid clicking or rattling, the lights go dim	Usually a weak battery	Have the battery tested first
The starter motor turns, but the engine will not fire	Usually not the starter motor, but for example fuel, ignition or a sensor	Have the fault codes read. Read more about a car that will not start
Whining or grinding noise when starting	The starter motor gear is not engaging properly	Do not keep trying. Have it checked
The starter motor works sometimes, but not every time	Wear in the starter motor or a poor connection	Have it checked before it fails completely
A burning smell or smoke after starting	The starter motor keeps running or overheats	Switch off the ignition and do not try to start again. Have it checked

In our own workshop

We repair and replace starter motors in our own workshop, as we do with alternators, clutches and internal engine work such as a head gasket. We do not outsource this work. So you have one point of contact from start to finish.

Starter motor replacement: what does it cost?

According to the ANWB, a new starter motor for an average car costs about € 300 and a reconditioned one about € 200. On many cars the replacement takes about an hour. This is a guide and not a quote from us. You hear what it costs for your car after the check.

We work on all makes and models. You are also welcome with a van or motorhome up to 3,500 kg. Our mechanics hold the GMTO certificate (the Dutch qualification for working on high-voltage systems), so they can work on hybrid and electric cars.

Test first, then replace

A starter motor is not cheap. That is why we first test whether it really is the cause. Sometimes it is the battery, a battery terminal or the relay, and then the repair costs a lot less. Does your diesel engine turn over well but struggle to start in the cold? Then the glow plugs are often the cause. Read more about a diesel that is hard to start. If in doubt, we read the fault codes with car diagnostics. After that you hear what is wrong, what it costs and how long it takes.

Our repairs come with a warranty. With the quote you hear which warranty applies. Call +31 10 479 00 00 for a check or a quote.

Frequently asked questions about the starter motor

No need to click. All the answers are already open below.

How do I know if my starter motor is faulty?

Do you hear one loud click when you start and the engine does not turn, while the battery has enough charge? Then the starter motor may be faulty. According to the ANWB, the starter relay, the ignition switch or a cut-out can also be the cause. That is why we test first. That way you do not replace a part that still works.

How much does it cost to replace a starter motor?

According to the ANWB, a new starter motor for an average car costs about € 300 and a reconditioned one about € 200. On many cars the replacement takes about an hour, and according to the ANWB that costs about € 80. This is a guide and not a quote from us. You hear what it costs for your car after the check, and we only start once you agree.

Is it the battery or the starter motor?

A weak battery often gives rapid clicking, or the engine turns over very slowly. If a jump-start works, the battery is usually the cause. If the car will not start even with a jump-start and you hear only a click, it may be the starter motor. You only know for sure after a test. We test the battery, the starter motor and the alternator.

Which is better: a new or a reconditioned starter motor?

A reconditioned starter motor has been fully stripped, cleaned and fitted with new wear parts. It costs less than a new one. A new starter motor is sometimes the better choice, for example when no good reconditioned unit is available for your car. We tell you what is available for your car, with the price. The choice is yours.

How long does a starter motor last?

According to the ANWB, a starter motor lasts at least six years or 100,000 kilometres with normal use and maintenance. Often it lasts longer. A car with a start-stop system starts far more often. That is why such a car usually has a heavier-duty starter motor.

Can I still drive with a faulty starter motor?

Yes. As long as the engine is running, you can drive, because the starter motor only works when you start. But you do not know whether the car will start next time. So do not switch the engine off when you do not need to, and call for an appointment as soon as you can. If the car will no longer start, call your breakdown service and have the car brought to us. Read how that works on our page about breakdowns.

How does a hybrid car start?

Many full hybrids have no separate starter motor. In those cars the electric motor starts the combustion engine. A mild hybrid often has a belt-driven starter generator. If your hybrid will not start, the 12-volt battery is often the cause. Our mechanics hold the GMTO certificate (the Dutch qualification for working on high-voltage systems) for work on hybrid and electric cars. Read more about hybrid car maintenance.

How long does it take to replace a starter motor?

On many cars it takes about an hour. We do this work ourselves, in our own workshop. If the starter motor is hard to reach, for example under the manifold or behind the engine, it takes longer. If the starter motor needs to be ordered, we tell you when it will arrive. We call you when the car is ready.

Starter motor replacement in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde

You will find us at Boterdiep 11 (3077 AW) in Rotterdam-IJsselmonde, close to Stadion Feijenoord (De Kuip) and exit 24 Rotterdam-Feijenoord on the A16. The A15 is five minutes’ drive away. There is free parking outside if there is space. The Stadion Feijenoord tram stop (line 3) is close by.

We are also easy to reach from Barendrecht, Ridderkerk, Capelle aan den IJssel, Krimpen aan den IJssel, Hendrik-Ido-Ambacht and Zwijndrecht. Appointments are made by phone.

Plan your route to Boterdiep 11 or see our contact page.

Opening hours
Monday to Friday: 8.00 to 17.30
Saturday: 9.00 to 15.00
Sunday: closed
We are closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Need your starter motor checked or replaced?

Call us during opening hours with your registration number. You drop the car off Monday to Friday between 8.00 and 8.30 am, or on Saturday at 9.00 am. You will hear the cost in advance and we only start once you agree.

Our score: 4.8 / 5 from 235 reviews. Read what our customers say.

Call +31 10 479 00 00

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