Tips For Replacing Your Car's Starter Yourself
If the starter has failed on your car and you want to try to replace it yourself, then you will be happy to know that this is a fairly simple repair project even if you have never worked on your car before. However, since your car's starter is located on the underside of the car's motor, you will need to jack your car up and place it on jack stands to be safe while working on the starter replacement. If you are confident in performing this step, then you have the mechanical skills necessary to replace the starter.
In order to successfully replace your car's starter, follow each of these important tips:
Tip: Remove the Positive Battery Cable Before Working on the Failed Starter
To prevent the danger of electrical shock, you need to remove the positive battery cable from your car's battery before you attempt to work on the failed starter. If you fail to do so, then you could be shocked or the electrical system on your car could spark and cause other electrical components to fail.
Tip: Disconnect the Old Starter's Electrical Connections and Mark Them on the New Starter
The solenoid connected to your car's starter has three electrical wires connected to it. Since you need to remove each of the wires and then correctly connect them to the new starter, you should mark each wire and its new location on the replacement starter as you remove them. You can use colored permanent markers to do this. Just make a small mark on each wire and its corresponding location on the new starter in a different color.
Tip: Carefully Remove the Starter by Its Long Bolts
Using the correct sized socket, you need to remove the two long bolts that hold your car's starter in place. You may need to use an extension piece for your ratchet if you are having issues reaching the heads of the bolts. As you remove the second bolt, make sure that the starter is well supported. Your car's starter is very heavy and can gravely injure you if it falls out of place and lands on your head or neck.
Tip: Ensure that the Auto Parts Store Sold You the Right Replacement Starter for Your Car
Finally, before you put in the new starter, compare it to the old one and make sure that they look identical to each other. If they do not look the same, then the auto parts store likely sold you the wrong part and you need to take it back and get the correct starter.
For more information or assistance, contact companies like Blue Valley Garage.