How much does ignition repair cost?

A car ignition system starts and runs a car's engine and is usually powered by the car's battery. The ignition system includes the ignition switch, the ignition coil, starter motor, spark plugs, distributor and ignition wires.

Car ignition repairs can start from as little as £60 to replace the spark plugs while a starter motor replacement can cost around £200. Hence, the exact cost of an ignition repair will depend on the nature of the faults and the parts that need to be repaired or replaced. Your location can also be a key factor in determining the price of car ignition repair. For example, average hourly labour rates and demand in cities like London is around £50-£100 while in towns with lower demand, the labour rates can range from £35-£50. The type of mechanic, for example, a mobile mechanic vs a dealership garage technician can also affect the total cost of car’s ignition system

Average cost of an ignition repair by location

Average cost of an ignition repair by manufacturer

How do you know if your car ignition needs to be repaired?

There are several signs that can indicate a failing ignition system and can include one or more of the following symptoms:

• A vehicle that is difficult to start
• Intermittent engine misfires
• Unusual noises when starting the engine
• Key won’t turn
• Flickering lights
• Poor fuel efficiency
• Engine stalling
• Check engine light on

Car fails to start

A click noise when the key is turned, or the engine will not turn over could indicate an issue with the starter motor. Note that a car failing to start can also be caused due to a dead battery or even a fuel system issue.

Engine stalling

A faulty alternator could be a cause for the engine stalling. This is often accompanied by dim headlights, tail lights, poor electrical performance and a dashboard warning light. Additionally, if a spark plug is faulty, it will usually cause the engine to run erratically. The engine may misfire, and it may be difficult to start.

Flickering or dimming lights

Dimming or flickering lights is almost always a sign of a weak battery issue, loose wiring or a faulty alternator. If the lights flicker and the car won’t start either, then it can be an issue with the ignition switch too.

Frequently asked questions about ignition repair cost

How do I know if the ignition switch is bad?

When you turn the key in the ignition – two important things should occur. The first step is to turn on the ignition. It should still be on when you turn it a bit more, but the ignition switch should also send a signal to the starter motor to turn. If the electrical parts are worn or faulty the car will not start at all. Hence, if you notice that the car has trouble starting or if the car stalls while driving, then it could be caused due to a faulty ignition switch or a faulty starter motor. ClickMechanic is currently unable to replace ignition switches.

Can ignition faults be repaired?

In most cases, it is much better and more cost-effective to get a replacement rather than attempt to repair car ignition problems. For example in the case of a faulty starter motor, due to the cost of parts and labour involved, it is generally more economical to get it replaced rather than repaired. A mechanic will be able to provide further guidance depending on the nature of the repairs needed.

How long does an ignition repair take?

The time it takes to carry out ignition system-related repair depends on the type of repair, the extent of damage as well as the make and model of the car. For example, a simple spark plug change can be done in an hour whereas ignition coil replacements may take up to 2 hours.

Can I carry out ignition repair myself?

Ignition system-related repairs can be a complex task and require advanced auto repair knowledge and electrical skills along with special tools and equipment.
Unless you are a qualified mechanic with the required skills, training and equipment to do the job, we strongly recommend ignition repairs are only carried out by a professional mechanic. ClickMechanic can help get you a vetted and local mechanic to carry out the work. Just enter your postcode and your car's registration number at the top of this page and select the work needed to get an instant fixed price upfront.

What else could be the problem if my car ignition system is not broken?

Ignition system issues are commonly mistaken for a flat or dead battery. In many cases, low fuel or fuel delivery can also exhibit symptoms outlined above. If you’re having difficulty starting the vehicle, a qualified mechanic can run a diagnostic and inspection to determine the exact cause of the issue.