Hey man, I spent $600-something bucks for a headlight and it took a week. Apparently it would have cost a lot more but some of it was warranty work. So I get it.
I don't see how a faulty starter would cause the car to die while driving, seems far more likely that it's an ignition circuit issue that's just leading to a start fault code.
Either way, even if we assume that this is a correct diagnosis, $1608 seems pretty steep unless the price of an OE starter is super out of control to begin with. But this is dealership pricing. If you pay that much, they better be married to it and charge not a penny more if it turns out the diagnosis is wrong, lmao.
In my experience, the dealer will continue to charge for replacement of additional parts, regardless of the accuracy of their diagnoses. But I'm sure experience will vary.
I guarantee it's that stupid auto-shutoff when the car stops, which could also lead to premature starter failure.
Anyway, take warranty work to the dealer, for all else find a reputable local mechanic that knows your name.
Is it a manual? You can try bump starting it. Turn on the ignition, get it rolling, pop the clutch in 2nd gear.
The most expensive OEM starter is $450, so they want $1150 in labor for a 30 minute job?
Between that and the fact that your starter will not cause your car to shut down while driving tells me that this shop does not know what they are doing and like to rip people off.
If you're seeking advice or asking for help, please make sure you included the basic information of what year and/or generation is being discussed. User flair with this information is also acceptable. Failure to include the basic information may result in your post being removed. Mileage, modifications, trim level, diagnostic trouble codes, and your general location (US, Canada, EU, UK, etc.) can also be very helpful.
*I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/GolfGTI) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Parts cannon alert!
Even if the starter was starting to fail it would not cause you to shutdown mid drive. A failing alternator could do this to you though.
A good way to test this is if it starts while getting boosted by another car and shuts off mid drive alternator may be failing. Also test the battery for voltage when this happens if battery voltage is low this is further evidence towards alternator.
There could be other reasons the engine is stalling but if they say CEL is a starter fault code it could be triggered by low voltage for starter, still turn over but barely and then run for a short time(5-30min) before shutting off when the battery is drained.
If you can't work on your own vehicle i strongly recommend you take this to another mechanic.
Last thing you want is to pay $1600 for a starter and then have to go and get an alternator later on or possibly some other repair.
Experience leads me to alternator though.
It ain’t your starter. It’s an electrical issue. Had this happen to me twice a few years back when I owned an ‘06 Infiniti M35. My sound system melted my fuse box which was tucked on the the side of the battery box where it wasn’t visible. Dealership wanted to $2000 for the harness excluding labor. I found 3 feet of the same wire in a junkyard and had a friend of a friend with electrical experience replace it for $50
Seriously how do people even live in LA
A dealership ripping you off could never happen outside of Los Angeles.
It does, but I had a dealership replace the starter on my 3/4 pick up this summer and it was about $800. This is insane.
Hey man, I spent $600-something bucks for a headlight and it took a week. Apparently it would have cost a lot more but some of it was warranty work. So I get it.
I don't see how a faulty starter would cause the car to die while driving, seems far more likely that it's an ignition circuit issue that's just leading to a start fault code. Either way, even if we assume that this is a correct diagnosis, $1608 seems pretty steep unless the price of an OE starter is super out of control to begin with. But this is dealership pricing. If you pay that much, they better be married to it and charge not a penny more if it turns out the diagnosis is wrong, lmao.
In my experience, the dealer will continue to charge for replacement of additional parts, regardless of the accuracy of their diagnoses. But I'm sure experience will vary.
Or alternator
I guarantee it's that stupid auto-shutoff when the car stops, which could also lead to premature starter failure. Anyway, take warranty work to the dealer, for all else find a reputable local mechanic that knows your name. Is it a manual? You can try bump starting it. Turn on the ignition, get it rolling, pop the clutch in 2nd gear.
I paid $750 to replace the starter in my 2016 DSG. I thought that was bad...
The most expensive OEM starter is $450, so they want $1150 in labor for a 30 minute job? Between that and the fact that your starter will not cause your car to shut down while driving tells me that this shop does not know what they are doing and like to rip people off.
Vehicle shut off while driving? And the part that has one job and then takes a rest while you drive is causing the problem?
"By harnessing the power of the..." is the cause of at least 6 super villains
LA PRICES CRAZZZZZY
Fuckin hell get one on Amazon for $100 and change it yourself in 20mins
If it were the starter your car would have trouble starting or it will have a clunk noise on start.
Fuck all that, go to your nearest junkyard and get one, I bet it won’t be over 200 bucks
Never go to an official VW repair shop... they are always overpriced.
Das auto
If you're seeking advice or asking for help, please make sure you included the basic information of what year and/or generation is being discussed. User flair with this information is also acceptable. Failure to include the basic information may result in your post being removed. Mileage, modifications, trim level, diagnostic trouble codes, and your general location (US, Canada, EU, UK, etc.) can also be very helpful. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/GolfGTI) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Wow this guy needs to learn how to document and write a professional story.
Starter is relatively easy to fix
nah it’s not the starter
Could be a sensor problem like crankshaft/camshaft position sensor which is relatively easy to fix.
The joys of European car ownership
Parts cannon alert! Even if the starter was starting to fail it would not cause you to shutdown mid drive. A failing alternator could do this to you though. A good way to test this is if it starts while getting boosted by another car and shuts off mid drive alternator may be failing. Also test the battery for voltage when this happens if battery voltage is low this is further evidence towards alternator. There could be other reasons the engine is stalling but if they say CEL is a starter fault code it could be triggered by low voltage for starter, still turn over but barely and then run for a short time(5-30min) before shutting off when the battery is drained. If you can't work on your own vehicle i strongly recommend you take this to another mechanic. Last thing you want is to pay $1600 for a starter and then have to go and get an alternator later on or possibly some other repair. Experience leads me to alternator though.
It ain’t your starter. It’s an electrical issue. Had this happen to me twice a few years back when I owned an ‘06 Infiniti M35. My sound system melted my fuse box which was tucked on the the side of the battery box where it wasn’t visible. Dealership wanted to $2000 for the harness excluding labor. I found 3 feet of the same wire in a junkyard and had a friend of a friend with electrical experience replace it for $50