🔧 Traverse - Starter Motor Replacement

The starter motor spins your engine to start it. On your Traverse, it’s mounted low on the engine near the transmission, so you’ll usually access it from underneath after removing the lower splash shield.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Disconnect the battery negative cable before touching the starter wiring (the main cable is always “hot” and can arc).
• ⚠️ Let the exhaust and engine cool before working underneath.
• ⚠️ Support the Traverse with jack stands on a solid, level surface—never rely on a floor jack alone.
• ⚠️ Keep the key fob at least 15 feet away so the vehicle can’t accidentally wake up.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Wheel chocks
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 3/8" ratchet
• 3/8" torque wrench (10–100 ft-lbs range)
• 3/8" extension set (3" and 6")
• 3/8" universal joint swivel
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Trim clip removal tool
• Work light

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Starter motor - Qty: 1
• Battery terminal anti-corrosion spray - Qty: 1
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

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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 locate the battery.
• Disconnect the battery using a 10mm socket:
  • Remove the negative (–) cable first and isolate it so it can’t spring back.
• Take a quick photo of connectors first.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the Traverse

• Place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Lift the front using a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Set the vehicle down onto jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum) at the proper lift points.

Step 2: Remove the lower splash shield

• Under the front of the engine, remove the splash shield fasteners using a trim clip removal tool and 10mm socket (varies by fastener type).
• Set the shield and clips aside in a small pile so nothing gets lost.

Step 3: Locate the starter and identify the wiring

• Use a work light to find the starter (it’s a small motor with a larger cylinder attached, mounted to the engine/transmission area).
• You’ll see two connections:
  • Main battery cable with a nut (this is the big power wire).
  • Small control connector (this is the “signal” wire that tells it to crank).

Step 4: Disconnect the starter electrical connections

• Remove the small control connector by releasing the lock tab using a flat-blade screwdriver, then pull the connector straight off.
• Remove the main battery cable nut using a 13mm socket, then lift the cable off the stud.
• Move the cable aside so it can’t touch metal.
• If it’s stuck, wiggle—don’t yank the wire.

Step 5: Remove the starter mounting bolts

• Support the starter with one hand (it’s heavier than it looks).
• Remove the starter mounting bolts using a 15mm socket, 3/8" ratchet, and a 3/8" extension set (3" and 6").
• If access is tight, use a 3/8" universal joint swivel to keep the socket straight.
• Lower the starter out carefully.

Step 6: Install the new starter

• Compare the new starter to the old one (same mounting ears, same electrical studs).
• Position the starter into place and hand-start the mounting bolts to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten the starter bolts using a 15mm socket and 3/8" torque wrench: Torque to 50 N·m (37 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reconnect the starter wiring

• Install the main battery cable onto the starter stud and tighten using a 13mm socket and 3/8" torque wrench: Torque to 13 N·m (115 in-lbs).
• Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the connector seal if desired (helps resist moisture).
• Reconnect the small control connector until it clicks.

Step 8: Reinstall the splash shield and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the lower splash shield using the 10mm socket and trim clip removal tool.
• Raise the Traverse slightly with the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum), remove the jack stands, then lower fully.

Step 9: Reconnect the battery

• Reconnect the negative (–) battery cable using a 10mm socket.
• Apply battery terminal anti-corrosion spray if you have it.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and confirm it cranks strongly with no clicking or slow crank.
• Verify there are no warning messages on the dash.
• Check underneath for any loose shields or hanging wires.
• If it won’t crank, recheck the small connector click.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $650-$1,050 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $200-$450 (parts only)

You Save: $450-$600 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.

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