🔧 Durango - Starter Motor Replacement

The starter motor spins your engine fast enough for it to start. On your Durango, the starter is mounted low on the engine/transmission area, so most of the work is done from underneath.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• 🛑 Disconnect the battery before touching starter wiring (the main cable is always “hot”).
• 🧊 Let the exhaust cool completely before working underneath.
• 🧱 Support the SUV with jack stands on a solid, level surface; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• 🔒 Keep the key/fob away from the vehicle to prevent accidental crank.

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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
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive extensions (3" and 6")
• 3/8" drive swivel/universal joint
• Flat trim clip tool
• Torque wrench (10–100 ft-lbs range)
• Small wire brush
• Work light

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

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

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📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park on level ground, shift to Park, and apply the parking brake.
• 🧱 Chock the rear wheels.
• 🔌 Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket; isolate it so it can’t spring back. Wait 2 minutes before unplugging connectors.
• ⬆️ Jack up the front and support with jack stands at the factory lift points.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the lower splash shield (if equipped)

• Use a 10mm socket and flat trim clip tool to remove the fasteners holding the lower splash shield/undertray.
• Set the shield and hardware aside in a small pile so nothing gets lost.

Step 2: Locate the starter motor

• From underneath, use a work light to find the starter where the engine meets the transmission (bellhousing area).
• You’ll see a thick power cable going to it, plus a smaller plug/wire for the solenoid.

Step 3: Disconnect the starter electrical connections

• Unplug the small solenoid connector by hand; if it’s tight, wiggle it gently while pulling.
• Remove the nut on the main power cable using a 13mm socket, then lift the cable off the stud.
• Tip: Don’t pull on the wire—pull on the connector.

Step 4: Remove the starter mounting bolts

• Support the starter with one hand.
• Use a 15mm socket with a 3/8" ratchet, plus extensions and a swivel/universal joint as needed, to remove the starter mounting bolts.
• Lower the starter out carefully.

Step 5: Prep the cable ends and mounting surface

• Use a small wire brush to clean corrosion from the main cable terminal (ring lug) and any dirty contact surfaces.
• Apply a light film of dielectric grease to the small electrical connector seal (not on the metal contact).

Step 6: Install the new starter motor

• Position the new starter into place by hand.
• Start the mounting bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten the mounting bolts using a 15mm socket, then finalize with a torque wrench: Torque to 54 N·m (40 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reconnect the starter wiring

• Install the main power cable onto the starter stud and tighten with a 13mm socket, then finish with a torque wrench: Torque to 13 N·m (115 in-lbs).
• Plug in the small solenoid connector until it clicks into place.
• Tip: Make sure wires don’t touch exhaust.

Step 8: Reinstall the splash shield and lower the SUV

• Reinstall the splash shield using the 10mm socket and flat trim clip tool.
• Raise the SUV slightly with the floor jack, remove the jack stands, and lower it to the ground.

Step 9: Reconnect the battery

• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket: Torque to 7 N·m (62 in-lbs).
• Install battery terminal anti-corrosion pads if you’re using them.

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✅ After Repair

• 🔑 Start the engine and confirm it cranks strongly without clicking or grinding.
• 🔎 With the engine running, look underneath for any wiring too close to the exhaust and reposition if needed.
• 🧠 If a warning light appears, re-check connectors and battery tightness; a scan may help confirm no stored faults.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $500-$900 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $320-$450 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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🎯 Ready to get started?

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