Starter Replacement?

2012 HYUNDAI SONATA
184,000 MILES • 4.0L • AUTOMATIC
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JOE1953
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how to replace the starter motor on this 2012 Hyundai Sonata 2.4l and how many hours?
Jun 6, 2026 at 11:09 AM
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STRAILER
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
I would start by disconnecting the battery negative cable. Then raise the car up so you can get at the starter motor. Here is a video to help show you how to raise the car up safely.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLFn_bMkZc0&pp=0gcJCSgLAYcqIYzv

Next, remove the main power cables and the trigger wire from the starter solenoid. Here is a guide to help you step by step and I have included a diagram for your car in the images below.

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

Labor time is 1.2 hours to do the job. Check out the images (below). Let me know how it goes
Jun 6, 2026 at 11:05 PM
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JOE1953
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I did a bench test on the starter during the test the bendix will engage and slowly disengage what cause it to disengage?
Jun 12, 2026 at 3:51 AM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
That is normal, it is difficult to bench test the starter because you cannot load it down like an engine would, if there is a question, I would just replace it.
Jun 12, 2026 at 5:03 PM
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JOE1953
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the starter does the same thing on the car the bendix engage and then disengage i have to crank the car 3 or 4 time before the car start up how do i fix this problem?
Jun 13, 2026 at 1:41 PM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
  • 54,832 POSTS
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
When the starter is out can you use a flashlight and check the teeth of the flex plate? Check out this guide:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-flexplates-work/

Let me know how it goes


Jun 13, 2026 at 3:03 PM
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