Common No-Start Repair Costs
Dead Battery
Battery replacement: $150-300 for parts plus 0.5 hours labor ($62.50)
Total estimated cost: $212.50-362.50
Failed Starter Motor
Starter replacement: $250-600 for parts plus 1.5-2 hours labor ($187.50-250)
Total estimated cost: $437.50-850
Bad Alternator
Alternator replacement: $300-800 for parts plus 1.5-2 hours labor ($187.50-250)
Total estimated cost: $487.50-1,050
Fuel Pump Failure
Fuel pump replacement: $400-1000 for parts plus 2-3 hours labor ($250-375)
Total estimated cost: $650-1,375
Ignition Switch Problems
Switch replacement: $150-300 for parts plus 1-2 hours labor ($125-250)
Total estimated cost: $275-550
Security System Issues
Diagnostic and repair: 1-2 hours labor ($125-250) plus potential parts
Total estimated cost: $125-400
Blown Fuses
Fuse replacement: $5-20 for parts plus 0.5 hours labor ($62.50)
Total estimated cost: $67.50-82.50
Timing Belt Failure
Belt replacement: $500-1000 for parts plus 4-6 hours labor ($500-750)
Total estimated cost: $1,000-1,750
Note: These are estimated costs. Actual prices may vary depending on vehicle make, model, and year. Additional diagnostic time may be required in some cases.
Common No-Start Repair Procedures
Dead Battery
Repair Steps:
- Test battery voltage with multimeter to confirm (should be 12.6V)
- Inspect battery terminals for corrosion and clean if necessary
- If battery won't hold charge, replace with new battery of correct size/rating
- Test charging system to ensure proper operation
Failed Starter Motor
Repair Steps:
- Verify starter is receiving proper voltage
- Remove starter motor from vehicle
- Replace with new or remanufactured unit
- Test operation and ensure proper mounting
- Check charging system operation
Fuel Pump Failure
Repair Steps:
- Verify fuel pump operation by listening for prime when key turned on
- Test fuel pressure at rail
- Drop fuel tank if necessary
- Replace fuel pump assembly
- Prime system and check for leaks
- Verify proper operation
Failed Ignition Switch
Repair Steps:
- Test switch operation with multimeter
- Remove steering column covers
- Replace ignition switch assembly
- Program new key if required
- Verify proper operation of all starting/accessory positions
Security System Issues
Repair Steps:
- Scan vehicle computer for security codes
- Verify key programming
- Reprogram or replace key if necessary
- Reset vehicle security system
- Test start operation multiple times
Timing Belt/Chain Failure
Repair Steps:
- Remove timing covers to inspect damage
- Check for bent valves if interference engine
- Replace timing belt/chain and associated components
- Set proper timing marks
- Rotate engine by hand to verify free operation
- Start engine and verify proper timing
Clogged Fuel Filter
Repair Steps:
- Locate fuel filter position
- Relieve fuel system pressure
- Replace fuel filter
- Prime fuel system
- Check for leaks
- Verify proper fuel pressure
Note: These are general repair procedures. Specific steps may vary by vehicle make and model. Always consult manufacturer service information for detailed instructions.
Understanding No Start Diagnosis
A No Start Diagnosis is a systematic process of identifying why a vehicle won't start. This diagnostic service is essential when your car fails to turn over or run properly when you attempt to start it.
Types of No Start Diagnoses
Cranking No Start
This diagnosis addresses situations where the engine turns over (cranks) but won't start. Our technicians check fuel delivery, spark production, and engine compression to identify the root cause.
No Crank No Start
When your vehicle doesn't even crank, we examine the starter system, battery condition, and electrical connections. This diagnosis focuses on the starting system components and electrical supply issues.
Hard Start Diagnosis
For vehicles that eventually start but require multiple attempts, we analyze fuel system pressure, ignition timing, and sensor operations to determine why the engine struggles to fire up.
What Our No Start Diagnosis Includes
- Complete battery and charging system analysis
- Starter circuit testing
- Fuel system pressure testing
- Ignition system evaluation
- Computer system scan for relevant trouble codes
- Comprehensive written report of findings
Benefits of Professional No Start Diagnosis:
- Saves time and money by accurately identifying the problem
- Prevents unnecessary parts replacement
- Provides clear understanding of required repairs
- Ensures safe and reliable vehicle operation
Note: Our certified technicians use advanced diagnostic equipment and follow manufacturer-specific procedures to ensure accurate diagnosis of your vehicle's starting issues.
Common No-Start Failure Symptoms: Identifying Key Signs and Patterns
Common No Start Diagnosis & Maintenance Guide
Dead Battery
Signs of Failure:
- Clicking sound when turning key
- Dim or no interior lights
- No response when turning key
- Dashboard lights flicker or don't illuminate
Maintenance Schedule: Replace every 3-5 years depending on usage and climate conditions. Test battery annually after 2 years of use.
Failed Starter
Signs of Failure:
- Grinding noise when starting
- Intermittent starting issues
- Smoke from engine area during start attempts
- Starter continues running after engine starts
Maintenance Schedule: No regular maintenance required. Typically lasts 100,000-150,000 miles under normal conditions.
Fuel Pump Issues
Signs of Failure:
- Whining noise from fuel tank
- Engine sputters at high speeds
- Loss of power during acceleration
- Engine won't start but cranks normally
Maintenance Schedule: Replace fuel filter every 20,000-30,000 miles to protect pump. Fuel pump typically lasts vehicle's lifetime if properly maintained.
Ignition Switch Problems
Signs of Failure:
- Key won't turn in ignition
- Car stalls while driving
- No noise when key is turned
- Steering wheel locked
Maintenance Schedule: No regular maintenance required. Inspect if experiencing difficulty turning key.
Alternator Failure
Signs of Failure:
- Battery warning light illuminated
- Dim headlights that brighten with acceleration
- Electrical systems working slowly
- Burning rubber smell
Maintenance Schedule: Typically lasts 7-10 years or 80,000-150,000 miles. Have it tested during routine service after 80,000 miles.
Security System Malfunction
Signs of Failure:
- Security light flashing on dashboard
- Key fob not responding
- Engine cranks but won't start
- Door locks cycling repeatedly
Maintenance Schedule: Replace key fob battery every 2-3 years. Have system diagnosed if experiencing repeated issues.
Note: These are general guidelines. Specific maintenance schedules may vary by vehicle make, model, and year. Always consult your owner's manual for manufacturer recommendations.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
