🔧 Atlas - Starter Motor Replacement

On your Atlas V6, the starter sits in the “V” of the engine under the intake manifold. Replacing it usually means removing the intake tube, throttle body, and intake manifold to access the starter and its wiring.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 3-5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Disconnect the battery negative cable before touching starter wiring (the main cable is always live).
• ⚠️ Work on a cold engine; the intake area and coolant/heater pipes can burn you.
• ⚠️ Keep tools/jewelry away from the starter B+ terminal to prevent a short.
• ⚠️ Label hoses/connectors so nothing is misrouted on reassembly.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves
• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 16mm socket
• 1/4" ratchet
• 3/8" ratchet
• 3/8" torque wrench (10-80 Nm range)
• 1/4" torque wrench (5-25 Nm range)
• 3/8" extension set (3", 6", 10")
• Universal joint adapter (3/8")
• Torx T25 bit
• Torx T30 bit
• E-Torx socket set (E10, E12, E14)
• Triple-square bit set (M10, M12)
• Flat trim tool
• Pick tool
• Needle-nose pliers
• Hose clamp pliers
• Shop rags
• Magnetic pickup tool
• Masking tape and marker

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Starter motor - Qty: 1
• Intake manifold gasket set - Qty: 1
• Throttle body gasket - Qty: 1
• Replacement intake hose clamps (assorted) - 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.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool fully.
• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the battery negative terminal and isolate it so it can’t spring back.
• Use masking tape to label vacuum lines and electrical connectors as you unplug them.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover and intake ducting

• Pull up to remove the engine cover (it’s held by rubber grommets).
• Loosen the intake duct clamps using a Torx T25 bit or flat trim tool (varies by clamp style).
• Disconnect any small breather/vacuum lines using needle-nose pliers for spring clamps.
• Remove the intake ducting and set it aside.

Step 2: Disconnect the throttle body connector and remove the throttle body

• Unplug the throttle body electrical connector using a pick tool to lift the lock (don’t break the tab).
• Remove the throttle body bolts using an E-Torx socket (commonly E10).
• Remove the throttle body and discard the old gasket.
• Cover the opening with a clean rag.
• Install later with a new gasket and Torque to 10 Nm (7 ft-lbs).

Step 3: Label and remove the upper intake manifold

• Label and disconnect vacuum lines/EVAP connections using masking tape and marker.
• Unplug any intake-related electrical connectors (MAP sensor, etc.) with a pick tool as needed.
• Remove the intake manifold fasteners using an E-Torx socket (commonly E12/E14) with a 3/8" ratchet and extensions.
• Lift the intake manifold off carefully; use a flat trim tool gently if it’s stuck.
• Remove old intake gaskets and keep debris out of the ports using shop rags.

Step 4: Access the starter and disconnect its wiring

• Locate the starter in the engine “V”.
• Remove the starter terminal cover (if equipped) using a flat trim tool.
• Remove the large battery cable nut using a 13mm socket; set the cable aside.
• Disconnect the small starter solenoid connector (signal wire) by releasing the lock with a pick tool.
• Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the signal connector on reassembly.

Step 5: Remove the starter mounting bolts and remove the starter

• Remove the starter mounting bolts using the correct head type:
• If the bolts are triple-square: use a triple-square bit (M10 or M12). (A triple-square is a 12-point “star” drive used on many VW fasteners.)
• If the bolts are external Torx: use an E-Torx socket (E14).
• Use a 3/8" ratchet, extensions, and a universal joint adapter for access.
• Support the starter with one hand and lift it out.

Step 6: Install the new starter

• Position the new starter in place and hand-thread the mounting bolts to avoid cross-threading.
• Tighten the starter mounting bolts with a torque wrench: Torque to 60 Nm (44 ft-lbs).
• Reconnect the large battery cable using a 13mm socket: Torque to 15 Nm (11 ft-lbs).
• Reconnect the small solenoid signal connector until it clicks.
• Reinstall the terminal cover (if equipped).

Step 7: Reinstall the intake manifold with new gaskets

• Install new intake manifold gaskets into the manifold.
• Lower the intake manifold into place carefully (don’t pinch any wiring).
• Install all intake fasteners finger-tight first, then torque evenly in a crisscross pattern using an E-Torx socket and torque wrench: Torque to 9 Nm (80 in-lbs).
• Reconnect all vacuum lines and electrical connectors (match your labels).

Step 8: Reinstall the throttle body and intake ducting

• Install a new throttle body gasket, then bolt the throttle body on using an E-Torx socket: Torque to 10 Nm (7 ft-lbs).
• Reconnect the throttle body connector until it locks.
• Reinstall the intake ducting and tighten clamps using a Torx T25 bit.
• Reinstall the engine cover by pressing it into the grommets.

Step 9: Reconnect the battery

• Reconnect the battery negative terminal using a 10mm socket.
• Tighten snugly: Torque to 6 Nm (53 in-lbs).

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the ignition on (engine off) for 10 seconds, then off for 10 seconds to let the throttle system relearn.
• Start the engine and confirm it cranks normally with no warning lights.
• Check for vacuum leaks (hissing) and make sure the intake tube clamps are tight.
• If you get a check-engine light, re-check every intake connector and hose you labeled.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $700-$1,200 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $520-$750 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 3-5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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