Starter

Hi:

You need to use an extension to access the inner bolt from above the starter motor a wrench will not work. Here is a guide that shows how to do it and diagrams below to show you how the starter comes out in your car 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.

The starter is mounted where the transmission and engine block come together. I believe it is on the front of the engine facing the grill. It is about level with the top of the oil pan.

Remove electrical after first step then reinstall is pretty much reverse of removal. See pictures.

Heres a screen shot from a manual for parts/labor. You can call around for other labor prices and different starters (Reman vs. New)

Note:Part and labor varies within location.
Labor is about $70.00-$130.00 an hour.

I would suggest purchasing a repair manual or having a professional do it.

It is located on the engine by the bell housing where the engine and transmission meet each other, it unbolts and pulls out after you unhook the cables.

I'm not sure if you've spoken with a tech previously with your issue, but in order for me to help you I'd need a little more detail.

What kind of starter problem are you having? And what kind of noise are you hearing?

Does your car start? And when it does, is there a grinding or high pitched squeal, like metal-on-metal?

A defective starter can't damage the ignition switch. There is a relay in between them and even that is not likely to get damaged. What they might be looking for depends on how you describe the problem. Unless they hear the symptoms themselves, "doesn't start" can mean lots of different things, just like "I'm in pain" doesn't tell you much.

If the problem is intermittent and hard to duplicate, you can best help in the diagnosis by making as many observations as possible. Turn on the head lights or open the door and watch the dome light. Do they dim just a little, not at all, or go completely off when you try to start the engine? Before you try to start it, does the radio play properly, power windows work, things like that. Do you hear a light click from under the hood when you try to start the engine? How about a single rather loud clunk each time you turn the ignition switch to "crank"?

Keep in mind all of those suggestions pertain to a starter motor that will not crank the engine. If it DOES spin the engine but the engine doesn't run, that is also called a no-start condition but the symptoms are totally different.

If they were working with the starter motor, my guess is it wasn't cranking the engine. Based on the repeat nature of the problem, I'd suspect a problem with one of the battery cables or connections. GM doesn't have a real lot of starter motor trouble, and the chances of the replacement being defective isn't too likely either.

A more common problem is the neutral safety switch. When it doesn't start, try shifting to neutral instead of park, and try it again. If moving it between neutral and park a few times makes it work, it's almost certain that is the problem. They are often intermittent before they fail completely.

Disconnect the battery, remove the wiring to the starter (front of engine), and there are two bolts that hold it on. Remove them and the starter will come off.