Starter Motor: Service and Repair

STARTER MOTOR REPLACEMENT

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

CAUTION: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

For Vehicles equipped with OnStar (UE1) with Back Up Battery:
The Back Up Battery is a redundant power supply to allow limited OnStar functionality in the event of a main vehicle battery power disruption to the VCIM (OnStar module). Do not disconnect the main vehicle battery or remove the OnStar fuse with the ignition key in any position other than OFF. Retained accessory power (RAP) should be allowed to time out or be disabled (simply opening the driver door should disable RAP) before disconnecting power. Disconnecting power to the OnStar� module in any way while the ignition is On or with RAP activated may cause activation of the OnStar Back-Up Battery (BUB) system and will discharge and permanently damage the back-up battery. Once the Back-Up Battery is activated it will stay on until it has completely discharged. The BUB is not rechargeable and once activated the BUB must be replaced.




1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
3. Remove the positive cable nut.
4. Remove the positive cable from the starter solenoid.




5. Remove the engine harness ground nut from the starter solenoid.
6. Remove the engine harness ground (4) from the starter solenoid.




7. Remove the starter motor bolts.
8. Remove the starter motor.




9. Remove the starter heat shield bolts, nut, and shield, if necessary.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE




1. Install the starter heat shield, nut and bolts, if necessary.
- Tighten the bolts to 3 N.m (35 lb in).
- Tighten the nut to 5 N.m (44 lb in).

NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.




2. Install the starter motor.
3. Install the starter motor bolts.

Tighten the bolts to 50 N.m (37 lb ft).




4. Install the engine harness ground (4) to the starter solenoid.
5. Install the starter solenoid nut.

Tighten the nut to 3.4 N.m (30 lb in).




6. Install the positive cable to the starter solenoid.
7. Install the starter lead nut.

Tighten the nut to 9 N.m (80 lb in).

8. Lower the vehicle.
9. Connect the negative battery cable.