🔧 Grand Cherokee - Starter Motor Replacement

Replacing the starter motor on your Grand Cherokee means removing the failed starter from the lower engine/transmission area and installing a new one. The starter is an electric motor that cranks the engine when you turn the key or press the start button.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable before touching the starter wiring. The starter has a direct battery-power cable.
• ⚠️ Let the engine and exhaust cool completely before working underneath your Grand Cherokee.
• ⚠️ Support the vehicle with jack stands only. Never rely on a floor jack by itself.
• ⚠️ Wear safety glasses because dirt and debris can fall while working under the vehicle.
• ⚠️ Keep the key fob away from the vehicle while working so the starter cannot be commanded accidentally.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive 6-inch extension
• 3/8-inch drive universal joint
• 13mm wrench
• Torque wrench 10-80 Nm
• Trim clip remover
• Flathead screwdriver
• Floor jack rated 3-ton minimum
• Jack stands rated 3-ton minimum
• Wheel chocks
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses
• Work light

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Starter motor - Qty: 1
• Starter mounting bolts - Qty: 2 if corroded or damaged
• Battery terminal protector spray - Qty: 1
• Dielectric grease - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• 🅿️ Park your Grand Cherokee on level ground, shift to Park, and set the parking brake.
• 🧱 Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• 🔋 Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket. Move the cable aside so it cannot touch the battery post.
• ⏱️ Wait at least 2 minutes after disconnecting the battery before working near starter wiring.
• 💡 A universal joint lets the socket bend slightly so you can reach angled bolts.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and Support the Front

• Use wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
• Use a floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to lift the front of your Grand Cherokee at a proper front lift point.
• Place jack stands rated 3-ton minimum under the front frame support points.
• Gently lower the vehicle onto the jack stands and shake the vehicle lightly to confirm it is stable.
• Never work under only a jack.

Step 2: Remove the Lower Splash Shield

• Use a trim clip remover to remove plastic push clips from the lower splash shield.
• Use a 10mm socket to remove any lower shield bolts.
• Lower the splash shield and set it aside.
• A splash shield is the plastic panel under the engine that blocks water and road debris.

Step 3: Locate the Starter Motor

• Use a work light and look at the lower passenger-side area where the engine meets the transmission.
• The starter is a small cylindrical motor with a larger battery cable attached to it.
• Confirm the battery is disconnected before touching the starter wiring.

Step 4: Remove the Starter Electrical Connections

• Use a 13mm socket or 13mm wrench to remove the nut holding the large battery cable to the starter solenoid.
• A solenoid is the smaller round part attached to the starter that switches battery power to the starter motor.
• Move the large battery cable away from the starter.
• Use a 10mm socket or flathead screwdriver as needed to release the smaller starter control-wire connector.
• Do not pull on the wire itself. Pull on the connector body.

Step 5: Remove the Starter Mounting Bolts

• Support the starter with one hand. It is heavier than it looks.
• Use a 15mm socket, 3/8-inch drive ratchet, 3/8-inch drive 6-inch extension, and 3/8-inch drive universal joint to remove the starter mounting bolts.
• Remove the lower bolt first, then the upper bolt.
• Keep track of bolt positions if the bolts are different lengths.

Step 6: Remove the Old Starter

• Lower the starter carefully out of the engine bay area.
• If it feels stuck, use your hands to wiggle it free. Do not pry hard against the transmission case.
• Compare the old starter to the new starter before installing. The mounting ears and electrical terminals must match.

Step 7: Install the New Starter

• Lift the new starter into position by hand.
• Start both mounting bolts by hand first to avoid cross-threading.
• Use a 15mm socket, 3/8-inch drive ratchet, 3/8-inch drive 6-inch extension, and 3/8-inch drive universal joint to snug the bolts evenly.
• Use a torque wrench 10-80 Nm with a 15mm socket to tighten the starter mounting bolts to Torque to 54 Nm (40 ft-lbs).
• Start bolts by hand first.

Step 8: Reconnect the Starter Wiring

• Connect the smaller starter control-wire connector until it clicks or seats fully.
• Install the large battery cable onto the starter solenoid stud.
• Use a 13mm socket or 13mm wrench to tighten the starter battery cable nut to Torque to 12 Nm (106 in-lbs).
• Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the connector area after it is secure. Dielectric grease helps protect electrical connections from moisture.
• Make sure the cable cannot touch the exhaust or any moving parts.

Step 9: Reinstall the Lower Splash Shield

• Raise the splash shield into place by hand.
• Use a 10mm socket to reinstall the bolts.
• Use a trim clip remover or your fingers to reinstall the plastic push clips.
• Snug the small shield bolts only. Do not overtighten plastic parts.

Step 10: Lower the Vehicle

• Use the floor jack rated 3-ton minimum to lift the vehicle slightly off the jack stands.
• Remove the jack stands rated 3-ton minimum.
• Lower your Grand Cherokee slowly to the ground.
• Remove the wheel chocks.

Step 11: Reconnect the Battery

• Use a 10mm socket to reconnect the negative battery cable.
• Tighten the negative battery terminal nut to Torque to 5 Nm (44 in-lbs).
• Apply battery terminal protector spray to the terminal after tightening.

Step 12: Start and Verify Operation

• Press the brake pedal and start the engine normally.
• Listen for a clean crank with no grinding, clicking, or delay.
• If the engine does not crank, turn the ignition off and recheck the battery terminal and starter wiring with a 10mm socket and 13mm socket.

---

✅ After Repair

• ✅ Start the engine 3-4 times to confirm the new starter works consistently.
• ✅ Check that the battery warning light turns off after startup.
• ✅ Make sure no wiring is touching the exhaust or driveshaft area.
• ✅ Some radio, clock, and auto-window settings may reset after battery disconnect.
• ✅ If the engine still cranks slowly, test the battery and charging system next.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $270-$400 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 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.