How Do I Remove a Starter From a 1996 KIA Sportage?

Reaching the starter on a Kia Sportage is a tight fit.

Replacing the starter on a 1996 Kia Sportage is an exercise in working in tight places. The starter is located on the lower half of the engine on the driver's side of the vehicle. Although the Sportage does have a moderate amount of ground clearance, the starter is tucked between the bell housing and the transmission support braces. Fortunately, engine or transmission removal is not necessary, but if you have large hands, you may find reaching the top bolts to be difficult.

Things You'll Need

• Ramps
• Socket set
• Swivel

Instructions

1. Drive the Sportage onto a set of ramps. Although crawling under the vehicle is possible, the additional room given by raising the front end with ramps makes it easier to work. If the Sportage does not start, jack the front end up and place it on jack stands. Always remember to set the parking brake for added security.

2. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery with a wrench.

3. Locate the starter. It is approximately 6 inches in length and cylindrical in shape. It is tucked behind the bell housing and between the transmission cross member and the transmission. It has a large, black wire connected to the side and one wiring harness on the starter solenoid.

4. Remove the three bolts that secure the starter to the engine. The top bolt secures it to the engine while the other two lower bolts secure it to the bell housing. Use a swivel to reach the top bolt. If you have trouble reaching the top bolt, use a wrench instead of a socket.

5. Pull the starter out. Pull back towards the rear of the vehicle to remove the starter gear from the engine. Allow the starter to drop so you can reach the wiring harness on the starter solenoid.

6. Disconnect the wiring harness from the starter solenoid and then remove the large ground wire connected to the side of the starter. Slide the starter backwards until you can work it between the transmission and the cross member.

Tips & Warnings

• To install a new starter, slide the new starter between the transmission and the cross member. Reconnect the black ground wire and the wiring harness to the starter solenoid. Slide the starter gear into the engine and line up the bolt-holes on the starter with the ones on the bell housing. Thread all three bolts into place with your fingers to ensure they all go in properly. Tighten all three bolts with a ratchet or wrench.

References

• "1996 Kia Sportage Electrical Troubleshooting & Vacuum Routing Manual"; Kia; 1996