Starter Replacement
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Katy Tx
Starter Replacement
I think I will be getting my starter replaced on my 02 in the morning at the local Chevy dealership. What sort of pricing should I expect when I get there?? Not just the starter, but the install/labor too. 
I tried to start her up this afternoon and the accessory power would come on as well as all lights and the A/C fan, but it wouldn't crank.
Not even click or anything, just dead as soon as the key was turned to start her up. I figured it is either a starter problem or security system problem. I thoroughly checked the battery and connections and am positive that is not it. So I had her towed to the dealership this evening since I don't currently have a way to lift the car to check out / replace the starter and have not a clue about the security system.
I will be finding out for sure what the problem and price are tom., but just curious for input tonight. Thanks.
I tried to start her up this afternoon and the accessory power would come on as well as all lights and the A/C fan, but it wouldn't crank.
Not even click or anything, just dead as soon as the key was turned to start her up. I figured it is either a starter problem or security system problem. I thoroughly checked the battery and connections and am positive that is not it. So I had her towed to the dealership this evening since I don't currently have a way to lift the car to check out / replace the starter and have not a clue about the security system. I will be finding out for sure what the problem and price are tom., but just curious for input tonight. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 16,477
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From: Gone
CI 6-7-8-9-10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03
If you have the stock exhaust manifolds, it's not a bad job, and should consume no more than a couple hours labor. (I don't know what the official shop rate is for this, jut guessing as I've done this job before).
If you have LT headers, it's a bit more time consuming, as the pass. side header will have to be removed to get to the starter. It took me about 4 hours including the time running around finding the replacement starter and the header gasket. Plus that was the first time I did it, so of course I could probably do it quicker next time.
I paid $120 for a reman. starter at a parts store, so I can only imagine what a dealer will get for a new GM unit.
Just an estimate, but if it is the starter, and the dealer throws a new one in, I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see a $400+ bill for it. Hopefully it won't be that bad...but like I said, it wouldn't surprise me.
If you have LT headers, it's a bit more time consuming, as the pass. side header will have to be removed to get to the starter. It took me about 4 hours including the time running around finding the replacement starter and the header gasket. Plus that was the first time I did it, so of course I could probably do it quicker next time.
I paid $120 for a reman. starter at a parts store, so I can only imagine what a dealer will get for a new GM unit.
Just an estimate, but if it is the starter, and the dealer throws a new one in, I honestly wouldn't be surprised to see a $400+ bill for it. Hopefully it won't be that bad...but like I said, it wouldn't surprise me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2003
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From: Roswell New Mexico
St. Jude Donor '07-'08
If it is a 6 speed, it may be a clutch switch. the time involved in changing a starter is no more 30 min. Most mechanics can change it in about 15 min. Two bolts, three wires. I would venture to say it is not the starter
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,597
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From: Columbus, OH
check fuses! 
Don't ask me how I know....OK: a friend of mine had his camaro towed home (4 hours) one time because it wouldn't start. Come to find out, a fuse was blown. 
I wan't to stress this was a friend of mine - NOT ME!
Don't ask me how I know....OK: a friend of mine had his camaro towed home (4 hours) one time because it wouldn't start. Come to find out, a fuse was blown. I wan't to stress this was a friend of mine - NOT ME!
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Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Katy Tx
Yeah, the fuse box was the second thing I checked after trying to jump it.
But the word from the dealership tech today is that a wire in the fuse box (actually under it) was loose that he found. He is going to continue to check things out supposedly but he was able to start it after messing with it.
So it looks like I won't have a large parts bill, but a big labor one since the guy also said I couldn't get the car back today because he currently has the entire dash out.
I should find out the damage tom.
But the word from the dealership tech today is that a wire in the fuse box (actually under it) was loose that he found. He is going to continue to check things out supposedly but he was able to start it after messing with it.
So it looks like I won't have a large parts bill, but a big labor one since the guy also said I couldn't get the car back today because he currently has the entire dash out.
I should find out the damage tom.
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From: Katy Tx
Well I just got the car home and it was a loose connection below the fuse box on the lead going to the starter. Thankfully extended warrenty covered most of it and I got away from the dealership for under a hundred bucks including the Sunday afternoon tow to the dealer.
