Starter replacement

Hello,

Here is a guide to help walk you through the steps with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Yes you can use a long extension and universal.

It would be best for you to contact a dealer, there are a few bulletins concerning this exact type of problem.
1. 08-014-05
2. 08-015-05
The first is for a defective or bad hood switch.
The second is software related revisions.

Hi:

The engine is transverse so the starter will be located on the front of the engine near the oil filter. You will need to lay under the front of the van to see it.

I hope this helps. If you have any other questions, let me know.
Joe
Positive feedback and votes are appreciated.

Remove bolts and wiring. FIRST disconnect battery. 1 hr job see diagrams and guides below

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-starter-motor

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

REMOVAL - 3.3/3.8L 1. Release hood latch and open hood. 2. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable. 3. Hoist and support vehicle on safety stands. 4. Remove nut holding B+ terminal to starter solenoid (Fig. 7 ). Fig. 7: Identifying Starter Components Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. 5. Disconnect solenoid connector from starter. 6. Remove bolts holding starter to transaxle bell-housing (Fig. 8 ). Fig. 8: Locating Starter Bolts Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. 7. Remove starter from bellhousing (Fig. 9 ). Fig. 9: Locating Starter 3.3/3.8L Components Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP. 8. Separate starter spacer from transaxle bell-housing.
INSTALLATION - 3.3/3.8L 1. Place starter spacer in position on transaxle bellhousing, flange toward flywheel. 2. Place starter in position on bellhousing. 3. Install bolts and ground wire (Fig. 6 ) to hold starter to transaxle bellhousing. 4. Connect solenoid connector into starter. 5. Install nut to hold B+ terminal to starter solenoid. 6. Lower vehicle. 7. Connect battery negative cable. 8. Verify starter operation.

Before installing the new starter, the accumulated grease and grit must be cleaned from the bell housing and spacer to insure the new starter sits perfectly flat. Also it'd be nice to know the torque specs for the starter bolts.

Might want to have the ignition switch checked-possibly a starter motor relay and the starter motor-double check battery condition and connections

You set it in place and run the two bolts in, then attach the two wires.

I have a feeling there's more to the problem than that but you didn't bother to give any details. Do you have the old starter out to look at? Why are you installing a starter? What were the symptoms? The procedures are different for the different engine sizes but you didn't list that either. Without anything to go on, go to the dealer and order the service manual. It will list all the steps and include drawings. The guys at the dealership I worked for would even photocopy pages out of their service manuals for you.

Sorry that I can't upload a photo, but there's two bolts. The starter is right in front, and the bolts have 15mm heads. For the upper one you might need a swivel for the socket and a 6" extension.

Be aware that the most common problem is a single, rather loud clunk each time you turn the ignition switch to "crank", with a failure to crank unless you try it numerous times. There's an inexpensive fix for that which involves replacing the copper contacts in the solenoid. Many hardware stores have the kits for that repair.