Things You'll Need:
- Wrench
- Ratchet and socket set
- Floor jack and 2 jack stands
- Ratchet extension
- Scan tool for 3.0L engine models
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Step 1
Remove the negative battery cable using a wrench.
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Step 2
Take the engine harness off the motor mount to gain access to the starter mounting bolts using a ratchet and socket, if necessary.
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Step 3
Raise the front of your Pontiac Sunbird using a floor jack and support it on two jack stands. On some Sunbird models, you may have access to the upper starter-mounting bolt from the top of the engine compartment.
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Step 4
Unbolt the solenoid cover from the top of the starter motor, if your particular model is equipped with it. Use a ratchet and socket.
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Step 5
Label the wires connected to the starter solenoid, mounted on top of the starter motor, if necessary. Then remove the wires and the battery cable from the solenoid using a wrench or ratchet and socket.
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Step 6
Detach the rear support bracket from the starter motor using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
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Step 7
Unscrew the two starter-to-engine bolts using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket. Depending on your particular Sunbird model, these starter-mounting bolts may be different in size and there might be one or more shims mounted between the starter and engine block. Make a note of these items to make starter installation easier, if necessary.
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Step 8
Remove the starter from the vehicle.
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Step 1
Set the starter motor and shims in place.
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Step 2
Start the two starter-to-engine mounting bolts by hand or use the ratchet extension. Then tighten the bolts using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
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Step 3
Attach the rear support bracket from the starter motor using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
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Step 4
Connect the wires and battery cable to the starter solenoid using the wrench or ratchet and socket.
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Step 5
Install the solenoid cover to the top of the starter motor, if your particular model is equipped with it. Use the ratchet and socket.
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Step 6
Lower the vehicle.
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Step 7
Attach the engine harness to the motor mount using the ratchet and socket, if you had to remove it to gain access to the starter mounting bolts.
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Step 8
Connect the negative battery cable using the wrench.
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Step 1
Perform an "Idle Learn" procedure on your Pontiac Sunbird if it is equipped with a 3.0L engine. See the Tip box at the bottom of this article for more information.
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Step 2
Hook up a suitable scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC) located under the dashboard.
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Step 3
Turn the ignition switch to the On position but do not start the engine.
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Step 4
Select the Idle Air Controller (IAC) on the scan tool; go to Miscellaneous Test Mode and select Idle Learn.
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Step 5
Make sure the transmission is in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual).
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Step 6
Run the test following the instructions on the scan tool.
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Step 7
Unplug the scan tool and turn off the ignition switch when you have finished the test.
