🔧 86 - Starter Motor Replacement

The starter motor spins your engine so it can start. On your 86, it sits at the top of the transmission bellhousing and is easiest to reach from above after removing the intake/airbox pieces.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.0-2.0 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Disconnect the battery negative terminal before touching the starter wiring.
• ⚠️ Let the engine cool; the exhaust/engine area can burn you.
• ⚠️ Keep metal tools off the starter power terminal; it can short to ground.
• ⚠️ Support your body/arms safely; don’t lean on the radiator fans.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive extension set
• Torque wrench (3/8" drive, 10–80 Nm range)
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Trim clip remover
• Needle-nose pliers
• Fender cover
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Starter motor assembly - Qty: 1
• Starter terminal nut (if damaged) - Qty: 1
• Dielectric grease (optional) - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and install a fender cover to protect paint.
• Make sure your key fob is away from the car (at least 10+ feet).
• Plan to disconnect the battery: you’ll remove the negative cable first.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect the battery

• Use a 10mm socket to loosen the negative battery terminal clamp.
• Lift the negative cable off and tuck it aside so it cannot spring back.
• Tip: Wrap the terminal with a glove.

Step 2: Remove the intake snorkel/ducting

• Use a trim clip remover to pop out the plastic clips holding the snorkel/duct.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver to loosen any hose clamps if equipped.
• Lift the snorkel/duct out and set it aside.

Step 3: Remove the air cleaner box (airbox)

• Unclip the airbox lid and disconnect the intake tube from the airbox using a flat-blade screwdriver.
• Disconnect any small hoses by gently twisting and pulling; use needle-nose pliers if a spring clamp is tight.
• Remove airbox fasteners using a 10mm socket, then lift the airbox out.
• Tip: Take a quick photo for reassembly.

Step 4: Locate the starter and unplug the small connector

• Find the starter on the top side of the transmission bellhousing.
• Unplug the small control connector (the “signal” plug) by pressing the tab and pulling it off by hand.
• Tip: Pull the connector housing, not the wires.

Step 5: Remove the main power cable from the starter

• Pull back the rubber boot covering the large starter terminal.
• Use a 12mm socket to remove the terminal nut, then lift the cable off.
• Reinstall the nut on the stud loosely so you don’t lose it.
• Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs) during reassembly.

Step 6: Remove the starter mounting bolts

• Use a 14mm socket with a 3/8" drive extension to remove the two starter mounting bolts.
• Support the starter with your free hand as the last bolt comes out.
• Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs) during reassembly.

Step 7: Remove the starter motor

• Lift the starter straight up and out of the engine bay.
• Compare the new starter to the old one (mounting ears, connector, and terminal location).

Step 8: Install the new starter motor

• Set the new starter into position by hand.
• Start both mounting bolts by hand (a few turns) to prevent cross-threading.
• Use a 14mm socket to snug them, then use a torque wrench: Torque to 39 Nm (29 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reconnect the wiring

• Install the main power cable on the large terminal and tighten with a 12mm socket: Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs).
• Slide the rubber boot back over the terminal fully.
• Plug in the small signal connector until it clicks.
• If using dielectric grease, apply a tiny amount inside the signal connector (not on the stud threads).

Step 10: Reinstall the airbox and intake ducting

• Reinstall the airbox and tighten fasteners with a 10mm socket.
• Reconnect hoses and tighten clamps with a flat-blade screwdriver.
• Reinstall the snorkel/duct and push clips back in using a trim clip remover (or your fingers).

Step 11: Reconnect the battery

• Install the negative battery terminal and tighten with a 10mm socket.
• Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs).

---

✅ After Repair

• Start your 86 and confirm the starter cranks strongly with no clicking.
• Listen for abnormal grinding (if heard, shut off and recheck starter seating/bolts).
• Verify the intake is sealed: no loose clamps/hoses and no hissing.
• Check that no warning lights appeared; if they did, recheck unplugged connectors around the airbox area.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$900 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $270-$450 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-2.0 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.