Yes, AutoZone will test your starter at no charge
AutoZone offers free starter testing at most of their locations. You can bring your car in, and a staff member will remove the starter, test it on their equipment, and tell you whether it is working or has failed. The test takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and you pay nothing for the diagnosis.
This service is part of AutoZone's free testing program, which also covers batteries, alternators, and other electrical components. The goal is to help you figure out what is actually broken before you buy a replacement part. Many people assume they need a new starter when the real problem is a dead battery or a bad alternator, so the test can save you money by pointing you toward the actual cause.
Key Takeaways
- AutoZone tests starters for free at most locations, though you should call ahead to confirm your store offers the service.
- The test requires removing the starter from your vehicle, which takes 30 minutes to an hour depending on how accessible it is in your car.
- A starter test tells you whether the starter itself is bad or whether the problem is something else, like a weak battery or failed alternator.
- You do not have to buy anything from AutoZone to get the test done, and the results are yours to use anywhere.
What happens during a starter test at AutoZone
When you arrive with your car, tell the staff member you want a starter test. They will ask you to describe what is happening — whether the engine cranks slowly, does not crank at all, or makes a clicking sound. This helps them understand what they are looking for.
Next, they will remove the starter from your vehicle. This is the time-consuming part and depends on your car's design. On some vehicles, the starter is straightforward to reach; on others, it sits deep in the engine bay and takes longer to extract. Once it is out, they place it on a test bench that applies electrical current to the starter motor and checks whether it spins and produces the right amount of force.
The tester will then tell you the results: either the starter is good and something else is causing your problem, or the starter has failed and needs replacement. If it has failed, they can show you replacement starters in stock and give you a price, but you are free to buy elsewhere or take the information to your own mechanic.
When a starter test might not be the answer
A starter test only checks the starter motor itself. It does not test the battery, the alternator, the starter solenoid, or the wiring between these components. If your battery is dead, the starter will not spin even if it is perfectly good. If your alternator is not charging, the battery will drain and the starter will seem weak.
Before you go in for a starter test, AutoZone can also test your battery and alternator for free. If those come back good, then a starter test makes sense. If your battery is weak or your alternator is failing, fixing those first might solve your cranking problem without ever needing a new starter.
A starter test also cannot diagnose wiring problems or a bad starter solenoid — the relay that sends power to the starter. If the test shows your starter is good but your car still will not crank, the problem may be in the wiring or solenoid, and you may need a mechanic to dig deeper.
How to prepare for a starter test
Call your local AutoZone before you go. Not every location has the equipment to test starters, and some may have a wait time. Asking ahead saves you a trip.
Bring your car keys and be ready to describe the problem in detail. Tell them whether the engine cranks slowly, does not crank at all, or makes a clicking or grinding noise. The more specific you are, the better they can interpret the test results.
If you have already had work done on your car recently — a battery replacement, alternator work, or anything electrical — mention that. It helps the tester understand the history and whether the starter problem is new or has been building.
What to do with the test results
If the starter is good, ask the tester what they recommend next. They may suggest testing your battery or alternator if those have not been checked yet. Write down the test results so you can show them to a mechanic if you decide to take your car elsewhere.
If the starter has failed, you have options. You can buy a replacement starter from AutoZone and either install it yourself or take it to a mechanic. You can also take the test results to an independent repair shop and have them install a starter there. Some shops will install parts you buy elsewhere, though they may charge a small fee for labor.
Keep in mind that AutoZone sells both new and remanufactured starters. A remanufactured starter is cheaper and comes with a warranty, but a new one may last longer. Ask the staff member about the difference and what warranty comes with each option.
Why AutoZone offers free testing
AutoZone runs free testing programs because it drives sales of parts and tools. When you find out your starter is bad, you are likely to buy a replacement from them. When you find out your battery is weak, you may buy a new battery. The free test is a way to get you in the door and help you identify what you need.
This does not mean the test is a sales pitch or that the results are unreliable. AutoZone's testing equipment is the same equipment professional shops use, and the results are accurate. But it is worth knowing that the business model depends on you buying parts after the diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a starter test without removing the starter from my car?
No. A starter test requires the starter to be removed and placed on a test bench. There is no way to accurately test a starter while it is still installed in the vehicle. If you want to avoid removal, you would need to take your car to a mechanic and pay for diagnostic labor.
What if the test says my starter is good but my car still will not start?
The problem is likely your battery, alternator, wiring, or starter solenoid. Ask AutoZone to test your battery and alternator next — both are free. If those are good, a mechanic will need to check the wiring and solenoid, which requires paid labor.
Do I have to buy a starter from AutoZone if I get it tested there?
No. The test is free whether you buy from them or not. You can take the results to any mechanic or parts store. Some people use the free test to confirm the problem, then shop around for the best price on a replacement.
How long does a starter test take?
The test itself takes 10 to 15 minutes, but removing and reinstalling the starter can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on your vehicle. Call ahead to ask about wait times at your location.
Will AutoZone test a starter I already removed from my car?
Yes. If you have already taken the starter out, you can bring it in and they will test it on the bench. This is faster than having them remove it, since removal time is eliminated.