🔧 Starter Motor - Replacement

The starter on your Equinox bolts to the transmission bellhousing and must be removed from below the vehicle after disconnecting power. This job is straightforward, but space is tight, so working carefully and supporting the vehicle securely matters.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before touching the starter. The starter cable is always hot until power is removed.
• Use jack stands on solid ground. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Keep hands clear of the engine fan and exhaust. Some parts may be hot if the vehicle was recently driven.
• Label the starter wires before removal so they go back in the same place.
• If the vehicle has a theft or radio preset memory concern, note that battery disconnect may erase settings.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm wrench
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 1/4-inch ratchet
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 3-inch extension
• 6-inch extension
• Torque wrench
• Flat-blade trim tool
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Starter motor - Qty: 1
• Starter mounting bolts - Qty: 2
• Battery terminal cleaner - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Shift to Park and chock the rear wheels.
• Turn the ignition OFF and remove the key or keep the fob away from the vehicle.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable first, then the positive if needed.
• Let the engine cool before working underneath.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect battery power

• Use a 10mm wrench to loosen the negative battery terminal.
• Remove the negative cable and isolate it so it cannot spring back to the post.
• If needed, remove the positive cable next for extra working room.

Step 2: Raise and support the vehicle

• Use a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) to lift the front of the Equinox.
• Place jack stands under the proper front support points.
• Lower the vehicle gently onto the stands and confirm it is stable.

Step 3: Remove lower splash shielding if equipped

• Use a flat-blade trim tool to remove retainers from the lower splash shield.
• Set the shield and fasteners aside in order.

Step 4: Access the starter

• From underneath, locate the starter on the transmission bellhousing.
• If needed for clearance, remove the air intake ducting on top using a flat-blade trim tool and 10mm wrench.
• Take a photo before unplugging anything.

Step 5: Disconnect the starter wiring

• Use a 13mm socket to remove the main battery cable nut from the starter terminal.
• Remove the smaller control wire connector by hand or with a small trim tool if needed.
• Move the wires aside so they cannot touch metal.

Step 6: Remove the starter mounting bolts

• Use a 15mm socket with a 3/8-inch ratchet and extensions to remove the starter bolts.
• Support the starter with one hand as the last bolt comes out.
• Remove the starter from the vehicle.
• Torque on installation: 48 Nm (35 ft-lbs)

Step 7: Install the new starter

• Position the new starter in place by hand.
• Install both mounting bolts finger-tight first.
• Use a 15mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the bolts to 48 Nm (35 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reconnect the starter wiring

• Reattach the main battery cable to the large terminal using a 13mm socket.
• Reconnect the smaller control wire connector until it clicks in place.
• Torque the terminal nut to 13 Nm (115 in-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall shields and lower the vehicle

• Reinstall the splash shield using the flat-blade trim tool.
• Raise the vehicle slightly with the floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum), remove the jack stands, then lower it fully.

Step 10: Restore battery power and test

• Reconnect the battery negative cable with a 10mm wrench.
• Start the engine and confirm it cranks normally.
• Check for warning lights and make sure all cables stay cool and secure.

---

✅ After Repair

• Start the vehicle 3-4 times to confirm consistent crank operation.
• Listen for grinding, clicking, or slow cranking.
• Check that the battery terminals are tight and corrosion-free.
• If the engine does not crank, recheck the main starter cable and ground connections.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $120-$260 (parts only)

You Save: $330-$590 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 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.