How to Replace a Starter Solenoid
The starter solenoid on your vehicle functions as a switch that sends an electrical relay to the starter, activating the starter mechanism. When the solenoid is damaged or worn out, the starter will not receive that electrical impulse and will not activate. If the starter solenoid in your car is not working properly, you can replace it in about an hour and save the expense and time of taking it to a shop.
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Instructions
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1
Detach the negative battery cable from your vehicle's battery with an open end wrench and move the cable away from any metal parts.
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2
Slide a floor jack under the front passenger side of your vehicle and lift the car until you can place a jack stand under the front axle of the vehicle, allowing you clearance to work underneath the engine.
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3
Lower the floor jack so that the vehicle is resting on the jack stand and locate the starter solenoid on the bottom of the engine, attached to the back of the motor. The solenoid will be connected to the starter.
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4
Remove the electrical wiring connectors from the solenoid and starter using a socket wrench to remove the nuts that hold the electrical wires in place.
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5
Detach the starter from the engine by removing the two nuts that secure it to the motor with a socket wrench, then remove the solenoid from the starter with a socket wrench.
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6
Attach the new solenoid to the starter with a socket wrench then reattach the starter to the motor, securing the nuts with the socket wrench.
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Connect the electrical wiring to the starter and solenoid with the socket wrench and verify that everything is secured.
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8
Raise the vehicle up with the floor jack and remove the jack stand from under the axle, then lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the floor jack.
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9
Reconnect the negative battery cable to the vehicle's battery and start the engine to verify that the solenoid is working properly.
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Tips & Warnings
Although you can replace the solenoid alone, it is sometimes more cost effective to replace the entire starter assembly at the same time in case the starter has also gone bad.
To prevent burn injuries, always allow your vehicle's engine to cool down before beginning work near the starter solenoid.
