🔧 Cherokee - Starter Motor Replacement

The starter motor is what cranks your engine when you turn the key (or push Start). On your Cherokee, it’s mounted to the transmission bellhousing and is usually replaced from underneath after removing the lower splash shield.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5–3.0 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable first to prevent a short (the starter power cable is always “hot”).
• ⚠️ Support the Cherokee with jack stands—never work under a vehicle held only by a jack.
• ⚠️ Let the exhaust cool before working underneath (burn risk).

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• Wheel chocks
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 1/4" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 6" socket extension
• 12" socket extension
• Torque wrench (10–100 ft-lbs range)
• Trim clip removal tool
• Flathead screwdriver
• Flashlight

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Starter motor - Qty: 1
• Starter electrical terminal nut kit - Qty: 1
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a level surface, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Open the hood and locate the battery; you’ll disconnect it before touching the starter wiring.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect the battery

• Use a 10mm socket with a 1/4" drive ratchet to loosen the negative (–) battery terminal clamp.
• Remove the negative cable and tuck it aside so it can’t spring back onto the post.
• Negative off first; on last.

Step 2: Raise and support the Cherokee

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front of the vehicle at the correct front jacking point.
• Set it down securely on jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Give the vehicle a firm shake to confirm it’s stable before you get underneath.

Step 3: Remove the lower splash shield

• Use a trim clip removal tool and flathead screwdriver to remove the plastic push-clips.
• Use a 10mm socket to remove any splash shield bolts (if equipped).
• Lower the shield and set it aside.

Step 4: Locate the starter and unplug wiring

• Use a flashlight to locate the starter at the engine/transmission joint (bellhousing area).
• For the small signal connector (push-on plug), release the lock by hand and pull it straight off (don’t yank the wires).
• For the main battery cable (thick cable), remove the protective rubber boot.

Step 5: Remove the starter power cable

• Use a 13mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet to remove the nut holding the main cable to the starter.
• Remove the cable and move it aside so it can’t snag.
• Torque to 13 Nm (115 in-lbs) when reinstalling.

Step 6: Remove the starter mounting bolts

• Support the starter with one hand.
• Use a 15mm socket, a 3/8" drive ratchet, and a 12" socket extension to remove the starter mounting bolts.
• Remove the starter from the bellhousing and lower it out carefully.
• Torque to 54 Nm (40 ft-lbs) when reinstalling.

Step 7: Install the new starter

• Position the new starter into place by hand (start it square so it seats flat).
• Thread the mounting bolts in by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use the 15mm socket and torque wrench to tighten: Torque to 54 Nm (40 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect starter wiring

• Install the main battery cable on the starter stud.
• Use the 13mm socket and torque wrench: Torque to 13 Nm (115 in-lbs).
• Apply a light amount of dielectric grease to the connector seals (not the stud threads), then reinstall the rubber boot.
• Reconnect the small signal connector until it clicks/locks.

Step 9: Reinstall splash shield and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the shield using the 10mm socket and the original clips.
• Use the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift slightly, remove the jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum), and lower the Cherokee.

Step 10: Reconnect the battery

• Reconnect the negative (–) terminal.
• Use the 10mm socket to snug the clamp (do not overtighten).

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the Cherokee and confirm it cranks strongly and starts normally.
• Listen for abnormal grinding/whining during cranking (starter not seated can cause noise).
• Check that no warning lights appear; if you have a scan tool, scan for codes and clear any low-voltage history codes.
• Recheck underneath for any loose wiring or a dangling splash shield.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450–$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $150–$350 (parts only)

You Save: $300–$550 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5–3.0 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.