7 Steps to Replace the Starter

The starter is an electrical motor that is more likely to fail like any other electrical component on the vehicle. After many start cycles, this starter may start wearing electrically and create an opening in the solenoid or electric motor attached to the starter.

If your vehicle is experiencing starter related problems, it is a good idea to take it to your local auto shop and get it tested to ensure whether or not the starter is bad. Or else, you are more likely to end up losing a functional starter which is obviously not a good idea.

Once you are sure that the problem is with the starter, below are the necessary steps to replace the starter.

1. Do not forget to separate the negative battery cables so you do not get electrocuted when replacing the starter.
2. Set the front end of the car and put on the jack stand. Take out good cable from the starter using a ratchet or wrench.
3. Take the starter signal connecter away from the starter solenoid. You can easily pull it off using your hands.
4. Slacken the two bolts off that hold the starter toward the engine block. A ratchet and extension can be used to untie the bolts.
5. Take the starter out of the engine and position the new one in place and make the bolts tighter.
6. Now join the positive cables to the starter and attach the signal connector to the starter solenoid.
7. Lower the car and rewire negative battery cables. Start the vehicle.

If your original shims had, make sure to place those shims on the new electrical component. These shims are essential to get enough space between the flywheel and starter driver. If you don’t use shims, it could cause damage to the flywheel and the starter.