How Much It Costs to Replace a Starter on a 2002 Honda Civic
Expect to pay roughly $350–$700 total in the U.S. to replace a starter on a 2002 Honda Civic, with most independent shops landing around $300–$500 using a quality remanufactured unit and dealerships typically $600–$800 with new OEM parts. Prices vary by engine (1.7L vs. Si 2.0L), parts choice, and local labor rates. Below is a breakdown of what drives the cost and how to budget for the job in 2025.
Contents
What Owners Are Paying in 2025
Across major metro areas, starter replacement on a seventh‑gen Civic (2001–2005) usually falls in the mid-hundreds. The 1.7L DX/LX/EX models tend to be on the lower end, while the 2002 Civic Si (2.0L) can run slightly higher on labor. Independent shops using remanufactured parts often represent the best value; dealerships charge more, but you’ll generally get new OEM parts and a longer parts warranty.
Price Breakdown: Parts and Labor
The final bill is split between the price of the starter itself and the labor to remove and replace it. The ranges below reflect typical 2025 retail/shop pricing in the U.S. and account for regional variability.
- Remanufactured aftermarket starter: $120–$220 (often plus a refundable core charge of $20–$60)
- New aftermarket starter: $180–$300
- New OEM Honda starter: $350–$500
- Shop fees/taxes: $15–$60, depending on local regulations and supplies
Choosing a remanufactured unit is the most affordable route for many owners, while OEM parts purchased and installed at a dealership typically command the highest price but may carry longer, brand-backed warranties.
Labor costs depend on book time and hourly rates. Access on the 1.7L engine is straightforward; the Si’s 2.0L can take a bit longer.
- Estimated labor time: about 0.9–1.3 hours (1.7L DX/LX/EX); 1.2–1.6 hours (2002 Si)
- Independent shop rates: roughly $95–$180 per hour; dealerships: $160–$240 per hour
- Estimated labor cost: about $110–$380, depending on engine and local rates
In practice, many shops quote a flat out‑the‑door price combining parts, labor, and fees; always ask for a line-item estimate if you want to compare apples to apples.
What Affects the Final Price
Several variables can push your total higher or lower. Understanding these helps you choose the right shop and parts for your budget and priorities.
- Engine/trim: 1.7L models are slightly cheaper on labor than the 2.0L Si.
- Parts choice: remanufactured vs. new aftermarket vs. OEM Honda.
- Labor rates: urban and coastal markets usually run higher than smaller towns.
- Warranty length: longer coverage can cost more upfront.
- Core charges: reman units often carry a refundable fee if you return the old starter.
- Related fixes: corroded battery cables, damaged terminals, or ground straps may add parts and time.
If a quote seems unusually high or low, ask what brand of starter is being used, the warranty terms, and whether any additional electrical work is included.
DIY vs. Professional Replacement
Mechanically inclined owners can replace a Civic starter at home, but electrical safety and access can challenge first-timers. Always disconnect the negative battery cable and verify radio/security codes before doing so on older Civics.
- Skill level: moderate; access is tighter on the Si (K20) than on 1.7L models (D17).
- Time: typically 45–120 minutes, depending on experience and engine.
- Tools: metric sockets/wrenches (10/12/14mm), ratchet extensions, torque wrench, and a jack/stands if working from below.
- Costs: part ($120–$500) plus any core charge; you save labor but assume the diagnostic risk.
If you’re not comfortable diagnosing electrical issues or working around the intake/exhaust in tight quarters, a professional install is the safer bet and often comes with a parts-and-labor warranty.
Avoid Replacing the Wrong Part: Quick Diagnosis Tips
Starter-like symptoms can be caused by weak batteries, failing cables, or ignition switch issues. A few basic checks can confirm the starter is the culprit.
- Battery health: load-test or measure voltage (12.6V rested; ~10V+ during crank). Replace if weak.
- Cable/terminal condition: clean corrosion; check for loose or damaged terminals and grounds.
- Solenoid click vs. silence: a single click with no crank often points to the starter/solenoid; silence may indicate an upstream electrical issue.
- Voltage drop test: excessive drop on the positive or ground cable indicates wiring issues, not the starter.
- Neutral/clutch interlock: try starting in Neutral (automatic) or fully depress the clutch (manual).
- Security/immobilizer: ensure key/immobilizer is recognized; look for flashing security indicators.
Many shops include these checks in a diagnosis fee that’s waived if you proceed with the repair—ask before authorizing work.
Timing, Warranty, and What to Expect
The job itself is typically same-day. Good shops offer at least 12 months/12,000 miles on parts and labor; premium or OEM parts may carry longer coverage (up to 24–36 months). Keep in mind you’ll lose radio presets and may need a radio code after battery disconnect on some 2002 Civics.
How to Shop Quotes and Save
A little upfront comparison can trim the bill without sacrificing reliability. Focus on clarity of parts used, warranty, and total out-the-door cost.
- Request two quotes from each shop: one with a reputable remanufactured starter, one with new/OEM.
- Ask for written parts-and-labor warranties and brand/model of the starter.
- Verify whether the quote includes the core charge, taxes, and shop supplies.
- Consider an independent shop with strong reviews for electrical work; quality is often comparable to dealerships at lower labor rates.
- If supplying your own part, confirm the shop’s labor-only policy and warranty limitations.
Comparing three local quotes that specify parts brand and warranty terms typically gives you a fair market price and avoids surprises at checkout.
Summary
For a 2002 Honda Civic, starter replacement usually costs $350–$700 in 2025, with independents commonly $300–$500 using remanufactured parts and dealerships $600–$800 with new OEM components. Parts choice, engine/trim, and local labor rates drive the spread. Confirm the diagnosis, compare itemized quotes, and choose the warranty and parts quality that best fit your budget and ownership plans.
How much to replace starter 2002 Honda Civic?
| Car | Service | Shop/Dealer Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2002 Honda CivicL4-1.7L | Service typeCar Starter Repair | Shop/Dealer Price$589.39 – $855.73 |
| 2006 Honda CivicL4-1.3L Hybrid | Service typeCar Starter Repair | Shop/Dealer Price$853.61 – $1278.47 |
| 2006 Honda CivicL4-2.0L | Service typeCar Starter Repair | Shop/Dealer Price$1240.82 – $1784.49 |
How do I know if my Honda Civic starter is bad?
You know your Honda Civic starter is bad if your engine makes a single click, a rapid clicking noise, or a grinding noise when you try to start it. Other symptoms include the engine cranking slowly or failing to crank at all, dimming dashboard lights when you attempt to start, or seeing smoke or an electrical burning smell.
Common Symptoms of a Bad Starter
- Clicking Noises: A rapid, clicking sound when you turn the key often signals a weak battery or failing starter. A single click could mean the starter solenoid is bad or the starter isn’t engaging properly.
- Engine Cranks Slowly or Not at All: If the engine turns over very slowly or just won’t start, your starter motor may be worn out.
- Grinding or Whirring Sounds: A grinding noise can happen if the starter’s pinion gear doesn’t disengage from the engine’s flywheel, or if the starter drive is faulty.
- Dimming Lights: When you try to start the car, if the headlights or dashboard lights dim significantly, the battery might be weak, or the starter is drawing too much power.
- Smoke or Burning Smell: These are clear indicators of an electrical issue, possibly from the starter overheating or having a fluid leak.
- Intermittent Starting Issues: The starter may fail sometimes and work other times, a classic sign of impending failure.
Troubleshooting Steps
- 1. Check Your Battery: . Opens in new tabBefore assuming the starter is bad, test your battery. A weak battery is a more common cause of starting problems.
- 2. Check Connections: . Opens in new tabInspect the battery terminals and connections for corrosion or looseness.
- 3. Check the Starter Relay and Fuses: . Opens in new tabA blown fuse or a faulty starter relay can prevent the starter from working.
- 4. Perform a Voltage Test: . Opens in new tabYou can test the starter by applying full battery voltage to it when in the “crank” position. If there’s no voltage, the starter is likely bad.
- 5. Listen to the Starter: . Opens in new tabIf you hear a click but the engine doesn’t turn, and the battery is good, the starter motor or its solenoid is likely the issue.
How much should I pay someone to change my starter?
A brand-new starter can range from $80 to over $350. For a qualified mechanic to replace or rebuild your starter, you can expect to pay between $150 and over $1,100. These estimates vary dramatically depending on the particular issue and the make, model, and year of your vehicle.
How much does it cost to get a starter replaced on a Honda Civic?
Labor costs are estimated between $159 and $234 while parts are priced between $340 and $682.
