Replace Starter Motor and Solenoid
The starter motor on
your car's engine is designed to crank the engine over fast enough to allow the
normal engine internal combustion
process to take over. Most starters are operated by using a high current
12 volt battery with large gauge
positive battery cable connecting
the starter to the battery and engine ground to complete the circuit. The
ignition switch is used to
supply a trigger voltage signal to the starter solenoid. The solenoid in turn controls
the high amperage voltage used to operated the starter motor. On the nose of the
starter motor is a bendix gear which is thrown out into the
flywheel or
flex plate when the starter
has been activated. Once the engine starts the bendix gear is forced back into the
starter motor. The starter motor has built in safety devices to not allow the starter
to operate if the cars transmission
is left in gear. These safety devices are called a
neutral safety switch
and a clutch safety switch depending on the
transmission type
of the vehicle. When a starter fails it can do so in a variety of ways such as a
rapid clicking noise,
one click when the ignition key is turned to the crank position, slow cranking and
grinding noise when the starter bendix gear contacts the flywheel. The car battery
must be in good working order with a proper state of charge in order for the starter
to work properly. Low battery voltage can cause the starter to create a rapid clicking
noise often described as a "machine gun" sound. If you suspect the battery could
be your problem visit: How to check
a car battery. Battery cables can cause starter problems as well, inspect the
cables and look for corrosion, overheated connections and melted or bulged insulation.
These are all signs the battery cable could be failing under load.
Before we start, place your car on level ground with the emergency brake on and
the engine in cool condition. Also, wear protective clothing, gloves, and eyewear.
Tools and Supplies Needed to Complete This Job 1. Set of sockets and socket wrench with extensions 2. Phillips and standard screw drivers 3. Pliers 4. Wrench set 5. Replacement starter
Replacement Directions Step 1 - Start with engine cold Step 2 - Remove the negative battery cable at the battery Step 3 - Remove all electrical wires that lead to the wiring harness and main battery cable connections. (note: sometimes this step is easier after the starter motor has been removed) Step 4 - Remove all accessories (if any) to access starter motor mounting bolts, next remove starter motor mounting bolts, remove the starter. Step 5 - Clean starter mounting surfaces thoroughly
Step 6 - Install new starter and tighten evenly Step 7 - Reconnect wiring and cable Step 8 - Reconnect the negative battery cable (note: if major spark are present when the battery is re-connected the starter battery connection needs to be inspected) Step 9 - Recheck starter operation (note: if the starter motor operation is excessively noisy the starter motor may need to be repositioned using shims)
Best Practices
Tools and Supplies Needed to Complete This Job 1. Set of sockets and socket wrench with extensions 2. Phillips and standard screw drivers 3. Pliers 4. Wrench set 5. Replacement starter
Replacement Directions Step 1 - Start with engine cold Step 2 - Remove the negative battery cable at the battery Step 3 - Remove all electrical wires that lead to the wiring harness and main battery cable connections. (note: sometimes this step is easier after the starter motor has been removed) Step 4 - Remove all accessories (if any) to access starter motor mounting bolts, next remove starter motor mounting bolts, remove the starter. Step 5 - Clean starter mounting surfaces thoroughly
Step 6 - Install new starter and tighten evenly Step 7 - Reconnect wiring and cable Step 8 - Reconnect the negative battery cable (note: if major spark are present when the battery is re-connected the starter battery connection needs to be inspected) Step 9 - Recheck starter operation (note: if the starter motor operation is excessively noisy the starter motor may need to be repositioned using shims)
Best Practices
- Always check all battery cables and terminals condition, look for overheating and corrosion. A starter's life can be cut short if bad connections exist.
- Use factory replacement parts for best results and longest starter operation.