🔧 Starter Motor - Replacement

The starter on your Ram is mounted low on the engine and must be removed from underneath the vehicle. This job is straightforward, but access is tight and you’ll be working near the battery and heavy components.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting. The starter cable is always hot.
• Support the truck securely on jack stands before working underneath.
• Keep hands clear of the flexplate and exhaust. The starter area may be hot if the truck was recently driven.
• Do not let the starter hang by the wiring. Remove the cables before fully taking it out.
• If your truck has aftermarket remote start or alarm equipment, disable it first if possible.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm wrench
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• 3-inch extension
• 6-inch extension
• Universal joint socket adapter
• Torque wrench
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Starter motor - Qty: 1
• Starter mounting bolts - Qty: 2
• Battery terminal cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Shift to Park and chock the rear wheels.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm wrench.
• Raise the front of the truck with a floor jack and support it with jack stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect battery power

• Use a 10mm wrench to remove the negative battery cable from the battery terminal.
• Move the cable aside so it cannot touch the battery post.

Step 2: Raise and secure the truck

• Use a floor jack to lift the front of the truck.
• Place jack stands under the frame and lower the truck onto them.
• Wear safety glasses before going underneath.

Step 3: Locate the starter

• From underneath, find the starter on the lower side of the engine where it bolts to the transmission bellhousing.
• It sits low and is usually easier to reach from underneath.

Step 4: Remove the electrical connections

• Use a flat-blade screwdriver if needed to remove any wire retainer or cover.
• Use a 13mm socket to remove the main battery cable nut from the starter.
• Remove the smaller solenoid wire connector by hand or with the screwdriver if it has a lock tab.
• Keep track of the washers and cable positions.

Step 5: Remove the starter mounting bolts

• Use a 15mm socket, ratchet, and extension to remove the 2 starter bolts.
• Support the starter with one hand while removing the last bolt.
• Torque for installation: 54 Nm (40 ft-lbs)

Step 6: Remove the starter

• Lower the starter carefully and slide it out of the opening.
• If clearance is tight, rotate it slightly to clear the exhaust and frame.

Step 7: Install the new starter

• Position the new starter in place by hand.
• Install both mounting bolts finger-tight first with the 15mm socket.
• Tighten the bolts evenly with the torque wrench to 54 Nm (40 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect the electrical wiring

• Reconnect the small solenoid wire first.
• Install the main battery cable and tighten the nut with a 13mm socket.
• Make sure the cable is fully seated and not touching nearby metal parts.

Step 9: Reassemble and lower the truck

• Check that all wiring is secure and clear of moving or hot parts.
• Raise the truck slightly with the floor jack, remove the jack stands, then lower it to the ground.

Step 10: Restore battery power and test

• Reconnect the negative battery cable with the 10mm wrench.
• Start the engine and listen for smooth starter engagement.
• Check for warning lights or slow cranking.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the truck several times to confirm normal operation.
• Listen for grinding, clicking, or free-spinning sounds.
• Inspect the starter area for loose wiring or contact with the exhaust.
• If the engine still cranks slowly, check battery condition and cable connections.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$300 (parts only)

You Save: $330-$550 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.

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🎯 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.