1. Preparatory Steps
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal to avoid any electrical accidents.
- Jack up the front of the vehicle and secure it with jack stands.
- Remove the front tire on the passenger side.
- Remove the inner fender liner for easier access to the starter.
2. Starter Removal
- Locate the starter, which is usually mounted on the bottom of the engine near the transmission.
- Disconnect any wiring harness or connectors attached to the starter.
- Remove the nuts or bolts that are holding the starter in place.
- Carefully remove the starter from its position in the engine bay.
3. Inspecting the Removed Starter
- Check the teeth on the starter's gear for any signs of wear or damage.
- Also, check the starter motor itself for any signs of damage or corrosion.
- If any part of the starter appears damaged, replace the starter assembly.
4. Installing the New Starter
- Position the new starter in place, ensuring it aligns correctly with the mounting bolts.
- Hand-tighten the mounting bolts or nuts that secure the starter.
- Then, tighten them using a socket wrench or ratchet.
- Reconnect any wiring harnesses or connectors you disconnected earlier.
5. Reassembly and Testing
- Reinstall the inner fender liner.
- Reinstall the tire and lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
- Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- Turn the ignition to the "ON" position without starting the engine to test the starter's engagement with the flywheel.
- If the starter cranks the engine properly, start the vehicle, and let it run for a few minutes to ensure the starter is functioning correctly.
Note: If you're not comfortable performing this task, it's recommended to seek assistance from a professional mechanic to ensure a proper starter replacement and avoid any complications.
