🔧 Starter Motor - Replacement

This job removes the starter motor from the engine side and installs a new unit with fresh electrical connections. On your S60, access is tight, so plan for careful disassembly and patience.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable first to prevent shorts. This starter carries high current.
• Keep metal tools away from the battery positive terminal and starter main cable.
• Work only on a cool engine to avoid burns near the turbo and exhaust.
• Support the vehicle securely if you need undercar access. Use jack stands, not just a jack.
• Assumption: access is from the engine bay with some lower-side clearance.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 14mm socket
• E-Torx socket set
• Ratchet
• Extensions
• Swivel socket adapter
• Torque wrench
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Trim clip tool
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile 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
• Electrical terminal nut - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and remove the key/fob from the vehicle.
• Disconnect the negative battery terminal first, then secure it so it cannot spring back.
• If needed for access, raise the front of the vehicle and support it with jack stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect power

• Use a 10mm socket to remove the negative battery cable from the battery terminal.
• Move the cable aside so it cannot touch the terminal.
• Do not skip this step.

Step 2: Remove access components

• Use a flat-blade screwdriver and trim clip tool to remove any intake ducting, engine cover, or airbox pieces blocking starter access.
• If your setup uses hose clamps, loosen them with the correct socket or driver and set the parts aside in order.

Step 3: Lift the vehicle if needed

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to raise the front of the vehicle.
• Place jack stands under the proper support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Use wheel chocks at the rear wheels.

Step 4: Disconnect starter wiring

• Locate the starter motor on the engine/transmission junction.
• Use a 10mm socket or 13mm socket to remove the main power cable nut, depending on the terminal style.
• Remove the smaller control connector by hand or with a small flat-blade screwdriver if it has a locking tab.
• Cover the cable end so it cannot short against metal.

Step 5: Remove the starter mounting bolts

• Use the correct E-Torx socket, ratchet, extensions, and swivel socket adapter to remove the starter bolts.
• Support the starter with one hand as you remove the last bolt.
• Torque on install: Torque starter mounting bolts to 45 Nm (33 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Remove the starter motor

• Lower the starter out carefully from the opening.
• Compare the new starter to the old one before installation.

Step 7: Install the new starter motor

• Position the new starter in place by hand first.
• Install the mounting bolts finger-tight with the correct E-Torx socket.
• Torque the bolts to 45 Nm (33 ft-lbs) with a torque wrench.

Step 8: Reconnect the wiring

• Install the main power cable and tighten the nut with a 10mm socket or 13mm socket.
• Reconnect the control plug until it clicks fully into place.
• Torque the cable nut to 13 Nm (115 in-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall removed parts

• Reinstall the intake parts, covers, clamps, and clips in reverse order using the flat-blade screwdriver and trim clip tool.
• Make sure all hoses and connectors are fully seated.

Step 10: Restore power and test

• Reconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm socket.
• Start the engine and listen for smooth cranking.
• Check for warning lights, loose connections, or abnormal noises.

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✅ After Repair

• Verify the engine starts quickly and consistently.
• Inspect the starter area for any loose wires or tools left behind.
• If the battery was low, fully charge it before relying on the vehicle.
• Recheck all fasteners after one short test drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $650-$1,200 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$450 (parts only)

You Save: $470-$750 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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