Easy step by step guide on how to replace a starter and solenoid, though appearances may vary, the process is the similar for most vehicles.
Difficulty Scale: 5 of 10
Begin with the engine off and the emergency brake set, then the car safely lifted on level ground using jack stands.
Step 1 - Lift the hood and remove the negative battery cable from the battery making sure the cable end is clear of the battery to avoid an accidental connection.
Step 2 - After the battery has been disconnected,
remove all access shielding and covering to expose the starter terminals on the
solenoid. (Note: Some starters may not have this.)
Step 3 - Exposing these terminals will allow access
to loosen and remove the battery cable and trigger wire, note the position of the
wires on the solenoid.
Step 4 - After the terminals have been exposed,
use a small socket or wrench to remove the starter solenoid trigger wire. (Note:
Next two steps can be done after the starter has been unbolted.)
Step 5 - Next, use a slightly larger socket or
wrench to remove the positive battery cable.
Step 6 - Once the wiring has been removed, locate
the starter mounting (2 or 3) bolts and remove them. (Note: The starter will become
free from the bell housing, it weighs a few pounds.)
Step 7 - After removing the starter motor mounting
bolts, grasp the starter and remove it from the bell housing area, take this opportunity
to inspect the flywheel gear condition.
Step 8 - Once the old starter has been removed,
match the replacement unit to ensure a proper installation.
Step 9 - After cleaning the mounting surfaces thoroughly,
gently install the starter motor. (Note: Starters contain magnets which are brittle
and can crack hindering the starter performance if not handled carefully.)
Step 10 - Position the starter into the transmission
bell housing, insert the mounting bolts and thread by hand.
Step 11 - After all starter bolts have been installed,
use a socket or wrench to tighten evenly.
Step 12 - After tightening mounting bolts, insert
the positive battery cable onto the starter solenoid.
Step 13 - Grasp the starter trigger wire and insert
in onto the starter solenoid.
Step 14 - Reinstall both positive battery, and
trigger wire mounting nuts by hand to avoid cross threading.
Step 15 - Use a wrench or socket to tighten both,
positive battery cable and trigger wire, do not to over tighten to avoid breaking
the solenoid end cap.
Step 16 - After wiring mounting nuts have been
tightened, reinstall the terminal cover. Before lowering the car, double check all
wiring connections to ensure there is no contact to ground (engine block, frame
etc.)
Step 17 - When reconnecting the negative battery
cable, quickly (lightly) touch and release the cable to battery terminal, this quick
check tests for a short circuit. Though a light (little) spark is normal, a large
"zap" means there is a problem with the starter installation.