Starter Motor: Service and Repair

Removal

WARNING: When servicing starter or performing any maintenance in the area of starter, note the heavy gauge input lead connected to the starter solenoid is hot at all times. Make sure the protective cap is installed over the terminal and is replaced after service.

NOTE: When battery has been disconnected and reconnected, some abnormal drive symptoms may occur while the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) relearns its adaptive strategy. The vehicle may need to be driven 10 miles or more to relearn the strategy.

1. Disconnect battery ground cable.
2. Raise and support the vehicle on a hoist.
3. Remove splash shield from front sub-frame and lower radiator support.
4. Remove red starter solenoid safety cap from the starter solenoid.
5. Remove POSITIVE battery cable and S-terminal wiring retaining nuts from starter solenoid.
6. Remove POSITIVE battery cable and S-terminal wiring retaining nuts from starter solenoid and position connector and cable out of the way.
7. Remove two starter motor retaining bolts.
8. Lift starter motor and disengage alignment pins from transaxle case. Carefully remove starter motor from vehicle.

Installation
1. Position starter motor to transaxle case and install retaining bolts finger-tight.
2. Make sure starter motor is positioned correctly. Tighten the retaining bolts to 20-27 Nm (15-20 lb-ft).
3. Install POSITIVE battery cable (B-terminal) and S-terminal connector to starter solenoid. Tighten B-terminal nut to 9-14 Nm (80-124 lb-in). Tighten S-terminal nut to 5-7 Nm (45-62 lb-in).
4. Replace red starter solenoid safety cap.
5. Install splash shield to front sub-frame and lower radiator support. Tighten retaining screws securely.
6. Lower vehicle to floor.
7. Connect battery ground cable.