How to Replace an Automotive Engine Starter Motor

A starter motor is a high torque motor that utilizes a small pinion gear to contact the flywheel and a starter solenoid to initiate the electrical connection when the ignition key is used to crank the car engine over and begin the internal combustion process, (engine running). This motor uses 12 volts from the battery which is transferred by the positive and negative battery cables. The engine is fitted with a flywheel or flex plate which acts like a large gear for which the starter engages to crank the engine over.

What Goes Wrong?

As with all electrical motors, they have a duty cycle and must be replaced with a new or rebuilt unit. When a starter motor fails, it can not work at all, grind when in use, crank the engine over slowly or make a rapid clicking sound.

What's the Cost?

A starter motor replacement at a shop will run between $350.00 and $550.00 depending on the engine configuration. You can get a new or rebuilt starter motor from RockAuto.com or Amazon.com for between $95.00 and $190.00 (US) in most cases.

Let's Jump In!

You must disconnect the negative side of the battery while making sure the cable end is clear of the battery terminal to avoid an accidental connection, also raise the car on jack stands to gain access to the starter motor. If you are having troubles locating the starter, or need specific instructions for your car please ask one of your experts, it is free. The image below shows the starter motor and the removal of the positive battery cable as well using a 13mm socket.

It's a little difficult to see but here we are using a 8mm socket to remove the starter trigger wire from the rear of the starter solenoid, note the position of the wires on the solenoid or take a picture with your phone to avoid confusion of its location.

Using a flashlight, locate the starter mounting bolts, the upper bolt may be slightly hidden, also there may be two or three bolts. Use a 13mm wrench or socket to remove them, (sizes may vary).

Now, the starter will become free from the bell housing or block, it weighs a few pounds so grasp the starter firmly and remove it from the engine bay area, again use a flashlight to inspect the flywheel or flex plate gear teeth condition. If wear is excessive the flywheel/flex plate will need to be replaced.

Match the old starter to the new unit to ensure a proper installation, count the teeth on the pinion gear and note the location of the mount bolts, they should be the same on both.

Watch the Video!

Please watch this video of the job being done, then continue down the guide to glean additional helpful information.

Gently install the new starter motor and insert one of the mounting bolts by hand to hold the starter motor in-place while you reinstall the remainder of the mounting bolts.

Use a socket and extension to tighten the bolts to the correct specification, which in this case is 28 foot pounds of torque, tighten evenly.

Reconnect the positive battery cable and starter trigger wire onto the solenoid and tighten the mounting nuts. Be careful when tightening these nuts because the solenoid is made of composite plastic and it can break if over-tightened. Before lowering the car, double check all wiring connections to ensure there is no contact to ground (engine block, frame, etc.). When reconnecting the negative battery cable, quickly (lightly) touch and release the cable to the battery terminal, this quick test checks for a short circuit, a light (little) spark is normal, a large zap means there is a problem with the starter wiring installation.

Once the job is complete, turn the ignition key to check the starter operation, if the engine does not crank over or makes abnormal noises you could have a defective starter replacement (common), recheck the job wiring and starter mounting bolts.

Starter Replacement Videos

Questions?

Our certified technicians are ready to answer starter replacement questions for free. We hope you saved money and learned from this guide. We are creating a full set of car repair guides. Please subscribe to our 2CarPros YouTube channel and check back often for new videos which are uploaded regularly.

Article published 2022-03-22