GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Starter Replacement 3.8L Engine

Removal Procedure

Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

Important: This engine was designed for starter motor mounting without shims. However, if single or double shims have been added to correct a noise or engagement condition, reinstall the shims in their original location to ensure proper pinion-to-flywheel engagement.


    Object Number: 43571  Size: SH
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  2. Remove the starter motor shield. Refer to Starter Shield Replacement .
  3. Remove the starter motor bolt and stud.
  4. Lower the starter motor.

  5. Object Number: 668385  Size: SH
  6. Remove the positive cable nut (at starter solenoid).
  7. Remove the positive cable from the starter motor.

  8. Object Number: 211623  Size: SH
  9. Remove the wiring harness starter lead nut.
  10. Remove the starter lead and washer.
  11. Remove the starter motor.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 211623  Size: SH
  1. Raise the starter motor in order to install the electrical connections.
  2. Install the starter lead and washer.
  3. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Install the wiring harness starter lead nut.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the wiring harness starter lead nut to 2 N·m (17 lb in).


    Object Number: 668385  Size: SH
  6. Install the positive cable to the starter.
  7. Install the positive cable nut (at starter solenoid).
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the positive cable nut (at starter solenoid) to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  9. Raise the starter motor into position.

  10. Object Number: 43571  Size: SH
  11. Install the starter motor bolt and stud.
  12. Tighten

        • Tighten the starter motor bolt to 47 N·m (35 lb ft).
        • Tighten the starter motor stud to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).
  13. Install the starter motor shield. Refer to Starter Shield Replacement .
  14. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .

Starter Replacement 5.7L Engine

Removal Procedure

Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

Important: This engine was designed for starter motor mounting without shims. However, if single or double shims have been added to correct a noise or engagement condition, reinstall the shims in their original location to ensure proper pinion-to-flywheel engagement.


    Object Number: 550622  Size: SH
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  2. Raise and suitably support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the left side catalytic converter.
  4. Remove the starter motor bolts.
  5. Lower the starter motor.

  6. Object Number: 211617  Size: SH
  7. Remove the wiring harness starter lead nut.
  8. Remove the wiring harness starter lead and washer.

  9. Object Number: 211595  Size: SH
  10. Remove the positive cable nut (3) (at starter solenoid).
  11. Remove the positive cable lead (4).
  12. Remove the starter motor.

  13. Object Number: 550624  Size: SH
  14. Remove the starter motor shield, if necessary.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 550624  Size: SH
  1. Install the starter motor shield, if necessary.

  2. Object Number: 211595  Size: SH
  3. Lift the starter motor into position.
  4. Install the positive cable lead (4).
  5. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  6. Install the positive battery cable nut (3) (at starter solenoid).
  7. Tighten
    Tighten the positive battery cable nut (at starter solenoid) to 10 N·m (89 lb in).


    Object Number: 211617  Size: SH

    Important: Ensure the following when installing the starter lead:

       • The starter lead is wrapped with heat protective tape.
       • The starter lead does NOT contact the positive cable and/or connection.

  8. Install the wiring harness starter lead and washer.
  9. Install the wiring harness starter lead nut.
  10. Tighten
    Tighten the wiring harness starter lead nut to 2 N·m (18 lb in).

  11. Raise the starter motor to the engine block.

  12. Object Number: 550622  Size: SH
  13. Install the starter motor bolts.
  14. Tighten
    Tighten the starter motor bolts to 50 N·m (37 lb ft).

  15. Install the left side catalytic converter.
  16. Lower the vehicle.
  17. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .