🔧 Tucson - Starter Motor Replacement

Replacing the starter motor on your Tucson means removing the electrical connections and mounting bolts from the starter, then installing the new unit in the same position. The starter is the electric motor that cranks the engine when you turn the key.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable before touching the starter wiring. The starter cable is always connected to battery power.
• ⚠️ Let the engine and exhaust cool before working underneath the vehicle.
• ⚠️ Support your Tucson with jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• ⚠️ The starter is mounted low on the engine/transmission area and may be awkward to reach on AWD models.
• ⚠️ Keep track of wire positions before removal. Taking a phone photo helps prevent mix-ups.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm wrench
• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 3/8-inch extension set
• 3/8-inch universal joint adapter
• Torque wrench rated 10-100 ft-lbs
• Flathead screwdriver
• Trim clip removal tool
• Floor jack rated 2-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 2-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses
• Shop light

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Starter motor - Qty: 1
• Starter mounting bolts - Qty: 2 if damaged or corroded
• Battery terminal protector spray - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park your Tucson on level ground and shift the transmission to Park.
• Set the parking brake fully.
• Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Open the hood and locate the battery.
• Use a 10mm wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable, then move it aside so it cannot spring back to the terminal.
• A universal joint adapter lets a socket bend slightly to reach bolts at an angle.
• A torque wrench tightens bolts to the correct tightness so they are not loose or over-tightened.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and Support the Front

• Use a floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to lift the front of your Tucson at the front center jacking point.
• Place jack stands rated 2-ton minimum under the proper front support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the jack stands.
• Use safety glasses before sliding underneath.
• Shake lightly to confirm stability.

Step 2: Remove Lower Splash Shield If Equipped

• Use a trim clip removal tool to remove plastic push clips from the lower engine splash shield.
• Use a 10mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to remove any 10mm bolts holding the shield.
• Set the shield and fasteners aside in order.

Step 3: Locate the Starter

• Use a shop light to look at the lower engine/transmission area, near where the engine bolts to the automatic transmission.
• The starter is a small cylindrical motor with a thick battery cable and a smaller control wire attached.
• Take a clear photo of both electrical connections before removing anything.

Step 4: Disconnect the Starter Electrical Wires

• Use a flathead screwdriver to lift the protective rubber boot from the large starter cable terminal.
• Use a 12mm socket, 3/8-inch ratchet, and extension to remove the nut from the large battery cable terminal.
• Pull the large cable off the starter stud and move it aside.
• Use a 10mm socket or release tab by hand to disconnect the smaller starter signal wire, depending on connector style.
• Do not pull on the wire itself. Pull on the connector body.

Step 5: Remove the Starter Mounting Bolts

• Support the starter with one hand while removing the bolts. It is heavier than it looks.
• Use a 14mm socket, 3/8-inch ratchet, extension set, and universal joint adapter to loosen the upper starter mounting bolt.
• Use a 14mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to loosen the lower starter mounting bolt.
• Remove both bolts fully and keep them aside if they will be reused.

Step 6: Remove the Old Starter

• Use both hands to slide the starter straight out from the transmission bellhousing.
• If it sticks, wiggle it gently by hand. Do not pry hard against the aluminum transmission housing.
• Compare the old starter with the new starter before installation.
• Make sure the mounting ears, electrical terminals, and gear position match.

Step 7: Install the New Starter

• Position the new starter into the same opening by hand.
• Start both mounting bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 14mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to snug both bolts evenly.
• Use a torque wrench rated 10-100 ft-lbs and 14mm socket to tighten the starter mounting bolts to Torque to 39-54 Nm (29-40 ft-lbs).
• Hand-start bolts before using tools.

Step 8: Reconnect the Starter Wiring

• Push the small starter signal wire connector onto the starter until it locks in place.
• Place the large battery cable onto the starter terminal stud.
• Use a 12mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the large cable terminal nut to Torque to 8-12 Nm (71-106 in-lbs).
• Reinstall the protective rubber boot over the terminal.
• Make sure the cable is not touching the exhaust, axle, or sharp brackets.

Step 9: Reinstall the Lower Splash Shield

• Lift the splash shield back into place by hand.
• Use a trim clip removal tool by hand to reinstall the plastic push clips.
• Use a 10mm socket and 3/8-inch ratchet to reinstall any 10mm bolts.
• Tighten small splash shield bolts snug only. Do not over-tighten plastic hardware.

Step 10: Lower the Vehicle and Reconnect Battery

• Use the floor jack rated 2-ton minimum to raise the front slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands.
• Lower your Tucson slowly to the ground.
• Use a 10mm wrench to reconnect the negative battery cable.
• Use battery terminal protector spray on the battery terminal if desired.
• Tighten the battery terminal clamp snugly. Do not crush the terminal.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start your Tucson and listen for a clean, quick crank.
• If you hear a click only, recheck the battery charge and both starter electrical connections.
• If the starter grinds, stop immediately and recheck starter fitment and mounting bolt tightness.
• Check that no warning lights remain on after startup.
• Reset the clock and radio presets if they were lost after battery disconnection.
• Take a short test drive, then restart the engine again to confirm normal operation when warm.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$750 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$380 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$370 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.