How to Replace the Starter on a 2001 Saturn Car

If the starter motor is not working properly in your car, you will have a very hard time getting the car to run. Removing and replacing a starter motor in a 2001 Saturn car will vary slightly depending on the exact model. In each case, you will need to access the starter motor from underneath. It can prove difficult to access the starter's bolts and other components in some cases.

Print this article

Wrench
Floor jack
Jack stands
Flat-blade screwdriver

Instructions

Removal
- 1
  
  Disconnect the car's negative battery cable--loosen the cable clamp nut with an insulated wrench.
- 2
  
  Raise the car's front end and support it on jack stands.
- 3
  
  Remove the nuts and bolts for the starter brace with a wrench if you are working on an S-Series model (SC, SL or SW) and separate the brace from the starter motor.
- 4
  
  Pry off the wire harness from the transmission bell-housing brace if the car has one, using a long, flat-blade screwdriver. This is also needed only on an S-Series car.
- 5
  
  Remove the starter motor's two mounting bolts with your wrench and then lower the starter so you can disconnect the electrical connectors from the solenoid terminals. On an L-Series model, disconnect the connectors before removing the bolts.
- 6
  
  Remove the starter motor from the engine.
Installation
- 7
  
  Install the starter motor in place and then apply the bolts and connect the wires to the terminals in the order required for your model.
- 8
  
  Reconnect the wire harness to the transmission bell-housing brace and then connect the starter brace with its nuts and bolts if needed.
- 9
  
  Lower the car off the jack stands and reconnect the battery cable.

Tips & Warnings

The car's Powertrain Control Module should need to re-learn its performance characteristics, especially on L-Series models. The car may feel different in its driving and idling during this re-learning process.
Make sure you have the radio's anti-theft code before you disconnect the battery. This code should be in the car's manual, or the Saturn dealer could provide it provided you have proof of ownership.

Suggest item

"Chilton Saturn L-Series Repair Manual"; Mike Stubblefield; 2004
"Chilton Coupes/Sedans/Wagons Repair Manual"; Matthew Frederick; 2002

Comments

How to Replace the Starter on a 2001 Saturn SL1
If your 2001 Saturn SL1 won't start and you know the battery is good, you may need to replace the starter. You...
How to Replace the Starter in a Chrysler Sebring
Taking your 1999 to 2005 Chrysler Sebring with a 2.0L engine to a mechanic or the dealership to have someone else replace...
How to Change a Saturn SL1 Starter
A bad starter motor on your Saturn LS1 will make strange noises, heat up the starter cables or just refuse to crank...
How to Replace the Starter on a 2001 Saturn
When the starter goes bad on your 2001 Saturn, it will begin to make a clicking noise, which indicates that the gear...
How to Fix a Slipping Starter Solenoid in a Saturn SL1 Car
A slipping starter solenoid -- or a solenoid that fails to engage the flywheel on your SL1's engine -- typically can be...
2001 Saturn: Low Speed & Hesitation
If your 2001 Saturn is hesitating to accelerate to normal speeds, your car may be experiencing one or more mechanical problems. Bring...
How to Replace the Starter in a Saturn L300
Saturn equipped the L300 with a PG-260D, non-serviceable starter motor on its L81 engines. Unlike some starter motors that can be serviced...
How to Replace the Starter in a 1997 Saturn
Replacing the starter on the 1997 Saturn is not difficult. Crawling under the car to gain access to the starter is the...
How to Remove a 1998 Saturn Sl2 Starter
The Saturn lineup of cars became popular for their low prices and plastic dent-resistant body panels. Like any other car, they also...
How to Replace an Inner Tie Rod in a 2001 Saturn L-Series
One do-it-yourself auto repair that can save you a good deal of money is to replace an inner tie rod in your...
How to Remove a 2001 Saturn L 200 Door Panel
If you want to replace a window motor, window regulator, door lock actuator or door speaker on a 2001 Saturn L200, you'll...
How to Remove a Starter in a 1996 Saturn Wagon
When you turn the key on a 1996 Saturn wagon, the ignition circuit closes, which activates the starter motor. The starter motor...
How to Reboot the BCM on My 2001 Saturn L Series
The body control module (BCM) on a 2001 Saturn L-Series sedan controls the vehicle functions -- not related to the powertrain. These...
How to Replace Battery Cables in a Saturn VUE
Take time when doing a routine inspection of your Saturn VUE to check out the battery cables. They can easily get corroded...
How to Install a Starter on a 1994 Saturn SL
You should replace the starter on your 1994 Saturn SL right away if it begins to fail. Waiting too long to replace...
How to Fix the Car Starter on a SL1 Saturn
The starter is, obviously, a critical component in any car. If it stops working properly, you'll get nowhere fast. Getting to the...
How to Replace the Fan Relay Switch on a 1993 Saturn SC2
The Saturn brand was first introduced by General Motors in 1990 for the 1991 model year to compete with import cars, which...
How to Change Disc Brakes on Saturn Car
Saturn cars contain disc brakes on the front wheels and either drum brakes or disc and drum brakes on the rear wheels....
How to Change the Coolant in a Saturn SL1
Changing the coolant in your Saturn SL1 is part of the scheduled maintenance routine. Depending on how much you drive the car,...
How to Disable a Car Alarm to Change the Battery
Many modern car alarms are sophisticated components that tie into the vehicle's ECU (main computer) as well as the ignition system. While...

How to Replace the Starter on a 2001 Saturn Car

Other People Are Reading

Things You'll Need

Instructions

Removal

Installation

Tips & Warnings

References

More Like This

Comments

You May Also Like

Related Ads

10 Tips for Used Car Shopping

You May Like