Where is the starter motor located?

Tiny
STEVE BYRO
  • MEMBER
  • 1995 BUICK LESABRE
  • 135,000 MILES
Starter motor rotates but is not engaging with the engine. What is the cause for this?
Friday, January 31st, 2025 AT 7:10 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 50,192 POSTS
This happens when the starter Bendix goes bad, or the flex plate has had a problem. Either way you will need to remove the starter for inspection. Here is a guide to help you step by step and in the instructions and location for your car in the images below.

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

This guide may help as well:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair

The starter is either on the right or left side of the engine down low near the transmission bellhousing.

When removing starter, note if any shims are used between the starter and mounting surface. If shims are found, reinstall in original locations. If starter is noisy during cranking, remove one .015 inch double shim or add one .015 inch single shim to the outer bolt. If starter makes a high pitched whine after engine start, add .015 inch double shims until noise ceases.
1. Disconnect battery ground cable, then raise and support vehicle.
2. Remove starter braces, shields or other components that may hinder starter removal.
3. Support starter and remove mounting bolts.
4. Lower starter and disconnect solenoid wires and battery cable.
5. Remove starter from vehicle.
6. Reverse procedure to install.

Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
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Saturday, February 1st, 2025 AT 11:17 AM

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