skybolt31

I have a 95 automatic that is not starting all the time. The solenoid clicks and if I try enough times, it will start, at least so far. I don't have my FSM here and need to know what is involved in changing the starter out. Most specifically, do I need to disturb the exhaust?

thanks

toptechx6

Piece of cake, two bolts, two nuts holding the wires, exhaust should not be an issue. Be sure to disconnect the negative battery cable since the large red wire at the starter is hot at all times and if it shorts out you will regret the experience.
If you want to save some money try checking this guys listing, it may repair your issue for a lot less than a replacement.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/DenSK...Q5fAccessories

skybolt31

ok, thanks.

I can't get a new starter until tomorrow morning, so I hope it has two more starts left in it............

reoch999

Not much different than the starter on the 91 camaro I drove in college, and I changed it out in the dorm parking lot about every 3 months with minimal tools. I should have just put some heat sheild around my headers, but instead I abused the lifetime warranty from auto zone. I could have saved myself a few bike rides across town with a starter in my backpack.

Now the starter on a modular 4.6 liter ford mustang, that's a different story. Ford uses a bolt on the top of the starter that is nearly impossible to get to. I helped my friend out, and I think we ended up using about 4 feet worth of extensions and coming in through the grill....

IRAraid

I changed mine a few years ago and found the outboard bolt difficult to get a socket on. There's precious little space between the cat and starter.
Eventually tried a 1/4" drive long extension and socket (move the socket toward the front of the car, up beside the starter between the starter and cat, then rearward to the bolt). I did put a mild crease in the cat heat shield with the socket extension but no problem.
Also, the wires are easier to remove once the starter is loose and moved forward a little. And removing the cover over the knock sensor helps some.
Be sure to disconnect the battery before you begin - as advised above.
Less than an hour job.
Good luck.

383vett

Third warning about disconnecting the battery. Especially if you are wearing a metal watchband. You'll have a free tatoo if you don't.

pcolt94

Follow above advice.

Changed mined couple years back on my 94. Yours is basically pretty much the same. I did not have to mess with any exhaust. It did not look like it would come out thru that narrow passage but it does come out. The starter was actually smaller than I had envisioned.

One word of advice. Now is the time to change the fuel filter with the starter removed. You can get in there much easer and have much better access.

86PACER

Disconnecting the battery is a must. Don't be a dumbazz and forget. Otherwise you'll get a rude awakeking when that hot wire touches the engine block.

JD'S WHITE 93

Not a big deal. Support the car safely and no problems

Muffin

All of the above. There are more than one wires on the positive lead from the battery. These are the electrical feeds for the car. Make sure all get back on.

skybolt31

Thanks everyone for the tips, I am going to pickup the new starter now and hopefully will be all set this afternoon.

joe wilson

I think the newer C4 came with a mini-starter..if so that's a big help. I changed my 85 to a mini. Much easier to take in and out; works better too. Not so close to the exhaust.

skybolt31

OK, the job is done, one hour and 20 minutes including putting the car on the jack stands and a call from the girlfriend in the middle. A little tricky getting to the short bolt, but no big deal.

I think the starter in this car had been going for a while now, whenever I turned the key to start, there was always a little delay before it started cranking. I figured that there was some computer controlled thing going on there, but in retrospect, it was probably the solenoid dragging, the new one doesn't do that.

Anyway, thanks to everyone for giving me the straight scoop on what I was looking at.

86PACER

Outstanding.

TravisD

Last time I R&R'd the starter, I found that a universal socket helped immensely for whichever bolt is the hard ot get one - not a U-joint+socket, but one of the shallow sockets with the integrated U-joint (mine happened to be the Craftsman).

Weav's Vet

On an auto you may have to bend or push out of the way the transmission cooling lines a little to get it through the small hole to drop it down.