🔧 Durango - Starter Motor Replacement

The starter motor spins your engine to get it running. If it’s failing, you may hear a single click, slow cranking, or no crank at all. On your Durango’s 3.6L, the starter is mounted to the transmission bellhousing and is typically reached from underneath.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

Assumption: starter is accessible from below without exhaust removal.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable before touching starter wiring (prevents shorts and burns).
• ⚠️ Support the SUV with jack stands before going underneath (never rely on a jack alone).
• ⚠️ Let the exhaust cool completely; the starter sits near hot exhaust components.
• ⚠️ Keep the key fob away from the vehicle while working to prevent accidental cranking.

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🔧 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
• 8mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive extension set (3" to 12")
• 3/8" drive universal joint (swivel)
• Torque wrench (10-100 ft-lbs range)
• Trim clip removal tool
• Flathead screwdriver
• Work light

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Starter motor - Qty: 1
• Starter wiring nut kit - Qty: 1
• Lower splash shield fastener clips - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• Chock the rear wheels using wheel chocks.
• Open the hood and disconnect the battery negative cable using a 10mm socket.
• Raise the front of the SUV with a floor jack and support it securely on jack stands.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the lower splash shield

• Slide under the front and locate the lower engine splash shield (the plastic underbody panel).
• Remove push-clips using a trim clip removal tool and/or loosen screws using a flathead screwdriver (fastener style can vary).
• Set the shield and clips aside.

Step 2: Locate the starter

• Use a work light and look where the engine meets the transmission (bellhousing area) on the passenger side.
• You’ll see the starter body and a small cylinder on it (the solenoid). The solenoid is the part that receives the “start” signal and feeds power to the starter.

Step 3: Disconnect the starter wiring

• Remove the small signal wire connector at the solenoid (it may pull off or be retained; gently work it free by hand).
• Remove the main battery cable nut on the solenoid using an 8mm socket (some replacements use 10mm; use what fits snug).
• Pull the main cable off and move it aside so it can’t touch metal.
• Tip: Take a quick photo before removal.

Step 4: Remove the starter mounting bolts

• Support the starter with one hand.
• Remove the starter mounting bolts using a 13mm socket, 3/8" drive ratchet, and a 3/8" drive extension set.
• If the bolt is hard to reach, use a 3/8" drive universal joint (swivel) (this lets the socket bend slightly).
• Lower the starter out carefully.

Step 5: Install the new starter

• Compare the new starter to the old one (same mounting holes, same electrical studs).
• Position the new starter in place and hand-thread the mounting bolts to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten the mounting bolts with a 13mm socket and 3/8" drive ratchet, then finalize with a torque wrench: Torque to 54 Nm (40 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Reconnect the starter wiring

• Install the main battery cable onto the solenoid stud and tighten the nut using an 8mm socket: Torque to 12 Nm (106 in-lbs).
• Reconnect the small signal wire connector by pushing it fully into place.
• Double-check that the cables are routed away from the exhaust and any moving parts.

Step 7: Reinstall the splash shield

• Reposition the splash shield.
• Reinstall the clips/fasteners using a trim clip removal tool and/or flathead screwdriver.

Step 8: Reconnect battery and lower the vehicle

• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket: Torque to 6 Nm (53 in-lbs).
• Remove the jack stands and lower the SUV using the floor jack.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and confirm it cranks quickly and starts normally.
• With the engine running, check that no warning lights appear related to low voltage.
• Listen for abnormal grinding; if heard, shut off and recheck starter seating and bolts.
• Take a short drive, then recheck underneath for any loose wiring or fasteners.

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💰 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 1-2 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.