How to Change a Starter on a Cadillac DeVille
by Don BowmanThe starter is located on the bottom rear of the engine on the radiator side on a Cadillac DeVille. It is far easier to remove from the bottom of the vehicle. The DeVille's starter is the type that incorporates the solenoid on the starter. It is always advisable to check for power to the starter before condemning it. There are many factors that could potentially prevent the starter from operating.
Step 1
Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Raise the hood and remove the negative cable from the battery.
Step 2
Using the 13mm socket, remove the nut holding the large diameter wire to the terminal on the solenoid on top of the starter. Pull the large wire off the solenoid. Using the 10mm wrench, unbolt the nut holding the small wire on the solenoid, then pull the small wire off the solenoid.
Step 3
Using a 15mm socket and ratchet, remove the two bolts that run through the starter into the transmission. These are the bolts that hold the starter to the transmission. Lift the starter out of the hold in the transmission with care, as it is heavy. Angle the back of it down and remove it through the bottom of the vehicle.
Step 4
Insert the new starter up through the bottom where it came out and nose it into the hole in the transmission. Insert the two bolts through the starter and into the transmission and tighten securely.
Step 5
Put the large wire on the terminal of the solenoid. There is only one terminal on the solenoid that would accept the large diameter wire. Put the nut on the terminal to hold the wire on and tighten it with the 13mm wrench. Place the small diameter wire on the last terminal and put the small nut on it and tighten.
Step 6
Locate the negative terminal for the battery and put the negative terminal on the battery using an 8mm wrench. Do not overtighten the nut on the terminal.
Step 7
Raise the vehicle and remove the jack stands. Place them out of the way. Turn the handle on the floor jack counterclockwise to lower the car to the ground. Remove the jack stand from under the car.
Things You'll Need
- Set of 3/8-inch sockets 3/8-inch ratchet Set of wrenches Floor jack Jack stands
Writer Bio
Don Bowman has been writing for various websites and several online magazines since 2008. He has owned an auto service facility since 1982 and has over 45 years of technical experience as a master ASE tech. Bowman has a business degree from Pennsylvania State University and was an officer in the U.S. Army (aircraft maintenance officer, pilot, six Air Medal awards, two tours Vietnam).
