Starter Replacement (updated)

[intraterrestre]

The starter for the 2000 and up models are exactly the same starter except for the battery and grounds connections. 2000 and up models the battery connection (purple wire) is where the solenoid screw is and vice versa.

[chicagorex]

Thanks again for this video. I just replaced the starter in my son's 97 SL2 Saturn. My friend let me use his lift. I can't imagine trying to do this laying underneath the car. Now that I've been under there, I'm super impressed that you were able to video yourself. Thanks for taking the trouble to do that. The heads up on the tape and mirror as well as size of the bolts were great preparation. It was a lot easier putting the top bolt on than taking it off! The tape trick worked great!

[richpin06a]

@chicagorex Thank you for realizing how difficult it is to get the camera in all these tight places.

[hp11208]

@richpin06a Yep not easy to hold cam and do repair at the same time especially in tight space.

[greenchilecheesehead]

Hey Richpin! Thanks for saving me $350! Changed my starter and it was awesome!

[richpin06a]

@greenchilecheesehead Ya all right!!!!

[BennettGang]

I just thought I'd add for the sake of those who get to their starter and don't see the purple wire: The new replacements sometimes have the posts on the top of the part, it is inverted.

Thanks for the vid!

[richpin06a]

@BennettGang Thank you for letting everyone know that.

[deelowhoe]

lmfao yea right i just did my flywheel and starter today .................. i dont needf your stupid vid for 2 bolts i found them blind folded

[deelowhoe]

this video is for retards that cant take 2 bolts out and take the wires off

[crb791979]

@deelowhoe and look who found the video.... I guess it was indeed meant for at least one retard, you.

[Pbinder1981]

@crb791979 lololol

[13ryan886]

thanks for the great videos! my 98 saturn sl1 usually will not start after the engine is hot, especially if it's a hot summer day. I hear the relays clicking but the motor won't engage. sometimes it will churn a little then quit. I'm not sure if its the starter or one of the relays. any thoughts? the only idea i had was to test the voltage when starting it to test whether the starter motor is getting enough juice.

[richpin06a]

@13ryan886 Sounds like a classic bad starter to me.You can remove it and test it for piece of mind.

[kokahemant]

Hi eich, i hav a 2000 ford escort. I am not able to find the starter.

[richpin06a]

@kokahemant Follow the positive cable from the battery it will lead you right to it.

[cdscreener]

Thanks a million for ALL your videos !!! My wife's 98 Saturn SW2 and a friend's 95 Saturn have benefited huge from your instruction !!! I replaced the starter this morning for $400 less than it would have cost me to tow it, parts, and labor and it took a little over 2 hours including running out to get the new starter. This is the 4th or 5th time I've used your videos, always perfect. THANK YOU !!!

[richpin06a]

@cdscreener Thank you for being a dedicated follower of my channel.If you happen to run across any of my videos with google adds in them give them a click i get a few cents and it helps in putting bread on the table again thank you.

[samuelbrainsample]

I did this job today. After doing the radiator a month or two ago and this I hope I don't have to do anything major soon! Finding, removing and replacing that upper bolt is a biatch! My bolts were in there really snug too, so removal took longer than installation.

[lexlexpie1]

thanks, very nice video!!!

[screwpimp]

rich, i cannot even find the starter on the car even by watching this video i cannot find it. ive jacked it up and i cant find it, its a 99 sl1

[richpin06a]

@screwpimp Check out my video "EVAP Solenoid Location " 40 sec in to the video you will see the starter right there in plain sight.

[crackmunch]

Thank you very much.

[haganegenkotsu]

This video was an excellent tutorial! Thank you very much. :D

[jonesy48341]

Richpin, thank you very much for this video. So far, I've done three (brakes, belt replacement, and this) of yours. All have saved me a lot of $.

[richpin06a]

@jonesy48341 wow i am glad i save you some money now you can take your girlfriend or wife out to dinner on ME!

[jmellef]

I think you should run for president... your savings American people there hard earn cash.

[richpin06a]

@jmellef thank you

[jtgoshaff]

thanks for the vid tons of help that top bolt was tough but got it done keep making these excellent vids

[richpin06a]

@jtgoshaff thank you will do

[morlockthewarlock]

as a 'do-it-yourselfer' with little car knowledge, thisvideo is proving very useful, thank you much.

[nightmathzombieethan]

I'm attempting this with crummy jack stands and a worthless jack (It doesn't really raise high enough). The work angle is just ridiculous and I wasn't making any progress. Man what a difference a lift (Or even a decent jack) makes! I'm trying attempt #2 Tomorrow.

[richpin06a]

@nightmathzombieethan Be safe now.

[nightmathzombieethan]

@richpin06a Thanks! Well I did it, it was a pain in the butt but I got it done. I always end up getting jobs where I have to work "by feel". And even though it was a tight squeeze, I tried a different "angle of attack" than yesterday Your vid helped a lot, thanks for posting! Only bad part is we went to test it and the car didn't start (We were thinking the worst since the "new" starter was used.)....on further investigation it seems the battery is shot! The fight continues.....

[richpin06a]

@nightmathzombieethan Now you are an expert at replacing the s-series starter.

[nightmathzombieethan]

@richpin06a LOL Thanks! Now if only I could get paid like an expert!

[DarthJeebus]

As an S-series owner, thanks for taking the time to make these videos.

[rwayne73]

Awesome Video!!! Great job! Especially capturing that video coverage in such a small enclosed area. The commentary was great too!

[richpin06a]

@rwayne73 I look back at that  video which was 2 years ago and say what a long way i have come.

[dleeret]

Richpin - do you have any videos on a Saturn Neutral Start Switch that sits on the backside of the transaxle? The terminal that's at a 45 degree angle has two connector tabs but I only have one wire going to it. Should there be another wire on there? It's a 98 SC1 automatic.

[richpin06a]

@dleeret I do not have a video or even a picture but i do have PDF file on it.

[dleeret]

@richpin06a - can you please email the PDF? I set up a temporary email address of saturn (at) leeret (dot) com that I will disable as soon as I receive the PDF. Thanks!

[richpin06a]

@dleeret ok will do

[richpin06a]

@dleeret mail got sent back

[dleeret]

@richpin06a - Huh. double check it was Leeret . com. Lower case L and upper case i look the same...sorry about that!

[Craigmp50]

Thanks for the great video, complete with wrench & socket sizes. I got my new (not rebuilt) starter on Ebay for 52 bucks. Installed it today following this video, about 2 hours total including prep & clean up. 1996 SL-1

[fromindia2008]

GR8 Video ............ Thank You very much !!!!

[kron25]

thanks!! I do have a 2000 SL It just has a third wire which is connected to the alternator but same concept, it worked !!!

[streetracingali]

What years are the parts compatible i have a SL2? Are you on ramps when doing this

?

[richpin06a]

@streetracingali I believe all the starters on the s-series are the same,yes i am on ramps.

[darre901]

Thanks richpin06a! Just did my starter today on a 2000 SL. I have the Haynes book, but it's really hard to tell anything based on the dark, black/white photos -- only two of them. This made it a lot smoother. That back bolt was *&#$, but I managed to get the new one in. You got a site I'd donate. Thanks again.

[richpin06a]

@darre901 To show your appreciation look for the google ads in my videos and click on them that will pay be back for the videos.

[dah97765]

Thanks! I've used your videos for replacing my water pump and now the starter. Very helpful!

[993Darek]

looks like it is easy job

[nickizcool20]

hey rich pin, i have a 95 isuzu rodeo, and i think my starter is going bad. im going to clean the battery terminals, and see if that works but can you tell me where the starter is? im not sure where ti find it! thanks email too im at cowboynick1988@yahoo.com thanks rich

[richpin06a]

@nickizcool20 The easiest way to find the stater is to follow the positive battery cable from the battery when you get to the end of the cable that is were the starter will be.

[fauferdaufer]

does it matter what position the positive lead from the battery and the fuseable link from the alternator are in?

[aardvark1111]

Thanks! It was still a bitch getting that top bolt off, but your video made it as easy as possible.

[cyraschris]

thanks for making and uploading this, made the starter swap out i had to do MUCH easier!

[blakebolick]

richpin your videos walked me thru a water pump/thermostat/exhaust valve replacement and a brake job on my 96 SL2. Thank you.

I have tracked an starting problem to the solenoid/starter. I get lights and hear the fuel pump, but no click and turn over - intermittently. When this happens I either pop the clutch or tap on the solenoid and I then get going. I've read the boards on this, but it's the solenoid/starter isn't it?

[richpin06a]

@blakebolick Yes it does sound like a possible starter problem if all the connections at the starter and battery are clean.

[Danktolker]

Richpin I can't thank you enough for these videos they've saved me so much time and money.

[pinkharleys66]

Very helpful. I guided my husband who is not mechanically inclined and we replaced the starter on the saturn. THANKS.

[jimmyjones870]

how do I tell what the starter looks like?

[hp11208]

hey rich how do i replace a starter on a bmw e 28 m5 series

[richpin06a]

@hp11208 what year do you have

[bmwfankatwijk]

@hp11208 you have a e28?

that is almost old school

[hp11208]

does the neg terminal have to be disconected

[richpin06a]

@hp11208 O yes definitely

[garloks]

@hp11208 he did mension

[stitchyman]

great vid.. perfect.

[JCVDFan1]

Lol at the end " now all you gotta do is replace the.....***video clicks off***" but this video is very helpful, I'm helping my cousin this Sunday on removing the starter, you may say that this video certifies people :D

[richpin06a]

@JCVDFan1 I didn't even know the video cut off at the end.This was one of early videos with the sound dubbed in.I think i have come a long way sense then.

[DasFresh]

ahh yes, once again your amazing s series videos have aided me in a repair job.

[richpin06a]

@DasFresh That is good to hear.

[AKingM]

Installed my starter today thanks to your video. I used my extendable handled mirror to locate the upper hidden bolt. However, it was the most time consuming part just getting it off. I broke two 13mm sockets on just the back bolt the day prior, but they were cheap Taiwanese made so I went and bought a premium socket. It was a lot easier getting it back on.

P.S. you should tell people to used penetrating fluid with the little straw on the bolts prior to trying to take them off.

[140leon]

mr. rich, i just wonder what is wrong with my automatic 2001 DOHC 1.9 saturn sl2 because RPM is at zero while engine is runing. car is in park or when you stop at traffic light ETC. but when you take off RPM is back to normal? this happen twice a month!. is this ignition wiring related? THANK YOU.

[richpin06a]

@140leon I have not run into this problem but if nothing else is affected i would suspect the tachometer.

[macbigballs]

hope this solves my car problem. because my car is not starting, its trying to but its just not catching

[richpin06a]

@macbigballs If when you turn the key to start the engine is turning over but not starting then it is not the starter.

[KyserTheHun]

Helped a lot thanks, that 'blind bolt' was a horrible bolt to find.

[gpkyle11]

you just saved me hours of re-reading the Haynes description over and over, thanks so much for posting this!

[kylecorreia]

im getting a major short somewere like a direct short it killed my battery and and heated up the negative side of the cable almost sdo hot it cought my whole car on fire i thought it was a short in the starter so i replaced it still the same problem. ANY Suggestions?

[lovemym16]

replace the battery cables, you have resistence in them wich is creating the heat

[samking12]

thanks

[djpavers]

richpin, you da man. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a million. Many thanks.

[vladika07]

Thanks very nice confidence inspiring video.

[cdoghizzel]

it was the starter it was swelling when it was hot and couldnt rotate so i just replaced it and thanks to your video i saved a ton of money thanks for your help-Christy

[yz250frider1]

you could of saved even more money if you just bought this cover that goes over the started i did that for my truck cuz it has headers and got 2 hot the cover was only 15 bucks

[cdoghizzel]

i have a 97 staurn sl2 and lately after i have driven a while if i turn the car off and try to start it it wont turn over but if i let it sit for 30-45min it starts after that do you have any suggestions on what the problem might be?

[richpin06a]

By turn over do you mean you turn the key to start and there is nothing,no sound,no rotation of the engine.

[guspoedark]

This is EXACTLY what my wifes Saturn is doing lately... I thought it might be a starter problem, thanks for the info!

[joh04667]

hopefully this will be pretty similar to my l-series

[goaliecam]

Thanks for the help.  the tape trick worked great. Keep up the good work.

[Dubeyest]

richpin you rock

[lookaspolynoth]

Thanks alot..

you just saved me like $200.00 :)

[jcolli100]

You Rock RichPin06,

I have a 1997 saturn SL and you have saved me not big bucks via labor costs from a repair shop...........but your videos are priceless. I didn't want to tackle that starter job but after your video it was a piece of cake (That top bolt is a son-of-a-gun to get)! Thanks again for keeping my saturn running!

[sourmanofcoal]

yeh man this guy is good, i'll just do all the repairs myself

[Bornn368]

Are you doin hand puppets at 2:50 :P

[richpin06a]

Who Knew

[Bornn368]

But love your videos i have a car just like it and this will help when i have to fix different stuss 2000 saturn sc2 210,000 miles

[EatMyDust999]

so you mean to tell me that a garage wants to charge me an hour for like a 20 min max job?

[sourmanofcoal]

yeh

[bamendaboy]

Man, i spend a whole day yesterday trying to do this. Thanks for the trick. Why do i have a feeling that it would be easier to just take the intake out of the way?

[1020rocker]

I really found this video helpful before I replaced the starter motor on my '98 SW2.

Loved the trick about taping the bolt to the socket so that it doesn't fall off.

Thanks much !!

[paulberry1121]

He has the plastic shield and bracket off already so don't freak out. If your doing the job solo use the mirror trick you cannot do this blind with a 6 inch extension. Remove air intake tube from top and you have access to the top bolt. Have someone with small hands reach in and hold the socket on for you it will save you lots of pain. When bolt is free have person from top unscrew completely. If buying starter from JY make sure you get hardware(bolts)or match up hardware at parts store first.

[uncoverbrother]

hey richpin! i'm almost half done with replacing my starter. just can't remove the bolts holding the old starter to the frame--very tight! am i doing something wrong? any suggestions??

[richpin06a]

I use a small pipe(8 inch long) just for a job like this.

[uncoverbrother]

thanks for the tips! looks easy enuff!