Lesson 5: Step-by-Step Guide on How to Replace Starter Motor

Learning objectives: 

at the end of the lesson you must be able to:

1. Describe THE STEP BY STEP GUIDE ON HOW TO REPLACE STarter motor

2. APPRECIATE THE IMPORTANCE and attention to detail while handling delicate starter motor components.

3. Test the starter motor procedure to confirm functionality.

Starter motors are required for every automotive or apparatus that uses an engine that burns fuel. If your starting motor fails, you should replace it as quickly as possible to prevent harm to other equipment. This article will give you a quick summary of the starter motor replacement method, the necessity of repairing starter motors, and the proper time to do it.

Importance of Replacing Starter Motors

When a starting motor begins to malfunction, you should consider replacing it. A faulty or worn-out starting motor might leave you stranded in the middle of beyond. Let’s look at some of the most typical symptoms of a defective starter.

Slow Cranking: If your motor struggles to start or produces a grinding, whirring, or clicking noise when you press a button, it might be due to a faulty starter.

Engine Just Won’t Crank Over: The engine will just not start if the starting motor dies altogether.

Clicking Sound: If you hear a clicking sound when you turn the ignition key/press the start button, but the engine doesn’t turn over, it may indicate starter motor problems.

Intermittent Starting: If your engine starts and then fails, it might be due to burnt-out electronic parts in the starting motor.

Starter motor remains engaged- Replacing the starter motor is a must if the motor remains engaged at all times and produces loud grinding noise.

When to replace starter motors

The longevity of a starting motor varies per vehicle, but the factory starter should last roughly 100,000 miles. Starting to leak motor oil from the cylinder block or engine gasket is one factor that might cause your engine to die prematurely. If you detect one or more of the following symptoms of a faulty starter, come to the store right away so they can fix it.

Clicking Before Ignition: The starter will occasionally give them a sign that it is faulty. This normally occurs before the engine starts. The most typical sound produced by a defective starter is a clicking noise. A whirring sound can also be produced by a dying starter.

Completely Dead Engine: The starter supports the transfer of air and fuel into the chamber, allowing the engine to start and run. A fully dead engine indicates that the starting motors have failed.

Lights that are Working: Check the lights on their car to confirm this. If you have a dead engine and no lights, the fault is most likely with the battery or alternator rather than the starter. If the lights do not turn on, the battery or alternator is not supplying enough electricity.

Smoke and Burning Odors: If your starting motor has failed, no amount of effort will be sufficient to start the engine. Instead, it will merely exhaust the starting motor, resulting in heat and burning scents from the engine.

Preparing for Starter Motor Replacement

Once we’ve gone through the equipment and preparations, we’ll go through how to change a starter. Before you change your starter, you should complete the following:

Allow your car’s engine to cool down. The first thing to consider in replacing your starter motor is making the parts to repair cool down.

Purchase the proper engine and solenoid for your car. Make sure to check the type and size of your starter motor. Engine and solenoids to buy will base on it.

Get all of the essential equipment. Complete all the needed equipment before proceeding.

Have a copy of the vehicle’s or owner’s guide on hand. Having these will make the work easier and faster.

When replacing the starting, take note of the location of each wire and electrical connector in the beginning and solenoid.

Be sure the ignition is off, then remove the negative (grounded) battery cable from the battery with the puller after loosening the attaching bolt.

Gathering necessary tools and equipment

These items can be purchased from any internet, hardware, or auto shop. Here are some items to keep on hand:

Sockets Wrench are often used as hand tools for easy tightening and loosening of standard fasteners, such as nuts and bolts. They function similarly to standard spanners and twists, but their ratcheting construction allows the operator to apply torque with less effort and weariness.

Screwdriver and Pliers. A screwdriver is a manual or motorized instrument used to turn screws. A standard screwdriver features a handle and a shaft that ends in a tip that the user inserts into the screw head before rotating the handle.

Mounting bolts. An engine mounting bolt is a vital component of a vehicle’s engine. This bolt, usually composed of steel, secures the motor mount to the car’s frame. The engine mount’s principal function is to dampen engine vibration and hold the engine in place.

Puller for battery terminals. They are intended to remove the terminal clamp without damaging the battery post. Just loosen the clamp bolt, then position a jaw under each side and pull the clamp free using the middle bolt.

Drive-on ramps. Are used to span a height gap while transferring a moving vehicle into or into another car.

How to properly disconnect the battery and starter motor

It’s easy to do and just takes a few tools. But, you must learn how to do it correctly to assure and that nothing harmful occurs to the vehicle or its electrical system. If you follow these procedures, the procedure will run smoothly and swiftly.

Locate the Battery: They are usually fastened in place beneath the hood of most automobiles. You’ll need to get started. Some automobiles have their batteries hidden away in the trunk. If you can’t find the batteries beneath the hood, it’s almost certainly in the trunk. Again, double-check the owner’s handbook.

Locate the Positive and Negative Terminals: This is a crucial phase. The positive terminal is denoted by a “+,” and the negative terminal is denoted by a “-.” Some batteries have plastic lids protecting the terminals which have to be removed to have access to the power supply cables—the wires that connect the battery to the entirety of the vehicle and the cable clamps that must be removed to disconnect the battery.

Find the Right Wrenches: According to the quantity of room, there is to maneuver the wrench and if the battery cable relies solely on a bolt on the clamp or a pair that utilizes a nut on the other end, they will only require a couple of wrenches to complete the operation. You’ll need to acquire or buy a set of wrenches from a friend or family.

Unbolt the Cables: Here is where it’s necessary to exercise caution. Check that the car’s ignition is turned off. While dealing with batteries, it’s a great idea to use eye protection. Then, unbolt and unhook the negative battery cable by pulling it free. Never allow the wrench to come into contact with both the negative and positive terminals at the same time.

Remove the Battery Hold-Down Clamp: Many batteries are held in place by a clamp that secures the battery to the tray it rests on. This clamp must be removed before you can take it out of the car. As the screws that connect the battery can be found low in the battery tray, a socket wrench, potentially with an attachment, will be required.

Replacing the Starter Motor

To get started on replacing a starter motor, let’s first identify the methods that they needed. Also, when you’re unfamiliar with the insides of a car, it is best to delegate this duty to a mechanic.

Locate the starter motor: The starting motor is typically situated near the engine block and is linked to the flywheel or flexplate through starting gear.

Disconnect the battery: To avoid electrical shock and short circuits, unplug the battery terminals cable when replacing the starting motor.

Remove any obstructions: Based on where the starting motor is located, you could have to remove other components to obtain access to it. Air intake tubes, engine covers, and other items that impede the starting motor are examples.

Disconnect electrical connections: Unplug the wires connected to the starting motor with a socket wrench or pliers. Identify the wires to make future connections easy.

Remove the mounting bolts: Disconnect the mounting nuts that hold the starting motor to the engine block with a socket wrench.

Remove the starter motor: Remove the starting motor from the engine block with care and put it away. This can help confirm that you are dealing with the relevant automobile problem.

Install the new starter motor: Replace the new starting motor in the opposite order that it was removed. Replace the mounting nuts once you’ve installed the new starting motor. Reconnect the power cables and any other items that were removed previously. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Test the new starter motor: Following installation, test the new starting motor to ensure it is working correctly. Turn the engine key to the start position and wait for the engine to start. If everything is in order, the engine would start right away.

Step-by-Step Process of Replacing the Starter Motor

The following are the typical steps for replacing your old starting motor. Several automobile models may differ in their starting motor placement, so only use this as a reference to aid you along the route. For specs and suggestions, consult your service manual.

Prepare the Workspace: Collect all of the required tools and supplies and keep them close to reach. They must have a kit of sockets, ratchets, and screwdrivers. For electrical components, a piece of nose pliers will prove helpful.

Take the Necessary Safety Precautions Before You Start Working: Protect yourself by using insulating gloves and safety eyewear. To avoid electric shocks, remember to unplug the batteries before beginning electrical operations. Lift the vehicle with a hydraulic or manual jack to expose the starting motor.

Remove the Old Starter Motor: Unplug the power cables to the starting motor and battery. Some wires and cables in the assembly may need to be removed.

Install the New Starter Motor: Make that the new starting motor fits snugly in the mounting brackets. Install the new starting motor and secure it in place by aligning it with the bolts. Attach the power lines and other electrical connections to the starting solenoid and other components.

How to properly reconnect the battery and starter motor

Reconnecting a car battery is a straightforward procedure that takes only a few minutes to perform. All they need is a new battery, some basic tools, and these simple steps:

1. Remove the Ignition Keys – The first step is to remove the ignition keys. This ensures that no devices are turned on throughout the procedure.

2. Insert and Secure the new battery – The new battery will then be installed in the car. Before proceeding to the following step, double-check that it is properly fastened in the mounting bracket. To attach it, you may need a tiny wrench or flat-head screwdriver.

3. Connect The Positive Battery Cable – When detaching an automobile battery, always start with the negative terminal. Before reconnecting, however, connect the positive terminal first. These will aid in the prevention of short circuits.

4. Connect The Negative Battery Cable – After connecting the positive battery cable, attach the negative battery cable. The negative terminal is often black and denoted by a “-” symbol.

5. Secure both battery cables – When you’ve connected both battery wires, tighten them down. These will keep them from coming free while you’re driving.

6. Check if the vehicle starts – Next, switch on the ignition and check whether the vehicle starts. If so, you’ve appropriately reconnected the battery. If it does not start, you should double-check the connections. In addition, inspect the terminals for corrosion. If there is corrosion, you must clean it before proceeding.

SUMMARY oF THE TOPIC

Replacing a starter motor involves several important steps to ensure a safe and effective installation. First, the vehicle's battery must be disconnected to prevent electrical shock or short circuits. Next, the starter motor’s location is identified, usually near the bottom of the engine, and any components obstructing access such as engine covers or intake parts are removed. The electrical connections on the starter, including the main power cable and signal wire, are carefully disconnected. The mounting bolts are then unfastened, allowing the faulty starter motor to be removed. A new or rebuilt starter motor is installed in its place, secured with the mounting bolts, and reconnected to the electrical wiring. Once everything is properly tightened and secured, the battery is reconnected. Finally, the engine is started to ensure the new starter motor is functioning correctly.