Q: Car been sitting in garage for over a year. Bad starter.

asked by on October 17, 2016

Year ago starter went out. Too expensive to fix so let it sit for over a year. Tires are going low. Going to put starter in myself. Doesn't seem that hard to install. Question is once starter installed. What needs to be done before driving? Oil/ gas .... procedurally what needs to be done? Thanks

My car has 68000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Starter Replacement $169.22 - $1153.49 Get a Quote
Change Oil and Filter $103.58 - $181.08 Get a Quote

Hello. There are quite a few things that you should do. The extent to which you do them will depend on need as you prioritize it with the budget you have. After replacing the starter, you will also want to change the oil. Oil that sits that long wont protect the engine, and may even cause other problems. If possible to add some fresh gas to the tank, you should do that as well. The better option is to drain the fuel and refill with fresh fuel, but that option is not always practical in a home setting. The fuel system needs to be disposed of properly.

It is likely that the battery is dead and needs a charge. Visually inspect all of the components in the engine bay. When a vehicle sits that long, it is possible for animals and other small creatures to crawl inside places you don’t want them to be when the engine starts. Make sure the tires are properly inflated. Be careful to not over inflate them. If the tires are in poor condition when the air inside them expands, its risks a blowout. If you need further help with this getting your car back on the road, a certified mechanic from YourMechanic can give you a comprehensive inspection of your car and perform any services needed at your home.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I customize the Auto Door Unlock?
The Auto Door Unlock feature allows some of your doors to automatically be unlocked when the vehicle is shifted into P (Park). To customize the Auto Door Unlock settings, follow these easy steps: 1. Turn on the infotainment system. 2....
Tires blow out very fast
Often times, premature tire wear can be attributed to how a vehicle's suspension is aligned (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/why-is-it-important-to-have-a-vehicle-s-suspension-aligned). On the CLK320, the manufacturer settings indicate a slight positive toe setting (tires are toed inward) and a negative camber setting (top of the...
My water pump pulley won't spin, making the serpentine belt squeak & start smoking. Do I replace the water pump or just the pulley?
Hi. Usually there is nothing wrong with the actual pulley when this happens. In most cases, the water pump is binding up, causing the pulley to stop spinning. Replacement of the water pump will fix your problem. The pulley will...
Which is luxurious SUV with less vibrations
Hi there: Unfortunately, based on your budget for 9 to 13 Lakh (which if I remember correctly is an India currency) I'm not sure we can help you with this, as we are a US based company and have expertise...
BOTH AC FAN AND RADIATOR FAN NOT COMING ON
The problem you are describing likely stems from an electrical fault which would include things like a break in circuit wiring, bad grounds, relays, fuses, resistors, the fan motors themselves as well as the engine cooling temperature sensor. If engine...
After my check engine light for my 2003 Honda Civic came on, I took it in and the code said it needed spark plug and ignition coil.
Hi there. Check the computer for any other codes to see if the same code came back or if something else popped up. If the same code came back, then there could be an issue with the wiring to the...
charge indicator light is on, alternator is charging fine and battery is good. what is the fault
The charging system light may be computer controlled on some vehicles or controlled by the instrument cluster circuit or the alternator output. We would need your vehicle year, make and model with engine size to give a better diagnosis for...
Starter keeps going after car is on. When i turn the key just to see the dash the car starts and it keeps trying to start.
Hi Omar. Thanks for contacting us tonight. The starter problem you are describing is probably the starter solenoid, a power switch (integrated into the starter assembly) that takes a small current from the ignition switch and engages a large current...
Will the code po171 effect the emissions test?
Hi Cassi. Thanks for sending us a message tonight. Yes, the P-0171 OBD-II trouble code (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0171-obd-ii-trouble-code-system-too-lean-bank-1-by-andrew-quinn) indicates a lean mixture issue, which will impact the pass/fail of most emissions tests. Depending on where you live, any check engine light or...

Related articles

What Does API Stand for in Motor Oil?
The The API designation in motor oil stands for the American Petroleum Institute. The API is the largest oil and gas industry trade organization. Among its many tasks, the API distributes more than 200,000 copies of its technical documents every...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d
The The 2012 BMW X5 xDrive35d offer contour seats and smooth acceleration. The suspension offers a smooth ride to the driver and passengers in the vehicle, even for long road trips. It can handle tight curves without any problem while...
How Do I Prepare My Car for the Rainy Season?
Rain Rain doesn’t typically require making major modifications to your car, but following a few precautions at the start of any rainy season can make driving easier and safer. Check your tire tread to detect wear: Try the penny test....