How to Change the Starter on a Chevrolet Suburban

by Dan Ferrell

Wikipedia.org

The starter solenoid, mounted on the starter, is in charge of energizing the Suburban's motor. However, a worn out pinion gear and other motor internal components will fail to crank up the engine. In this case, you will need to replace the starter with a rebuilt or new unit. You can find a replacement starter at most auto parts stores. Once you have the motor, use this guide to install it on your Suburban model.

Removing the Starter

Step 1

Turn off the heater, air conditioner, defroster, lights and other electrical accessories, and make sure the ignition switch is in the "Off" position.

Step 2

Detach the ground battery cable with a wrench.

Step 3

Unscrew the mounting bolt form the oil dipstick tube using a wrench or ratchet and socket. Rotate the tube to one side.

Step 4

Jack up the front of your Suburban using a floor jack. Position two jack stands under the vehicle frame at each side to support it.

Step 5

Remove any protective shields from under the engine and the starter/transmission cover bolt (if equipped with it) using a ratchet and socket.

Step 6

Unplug the oil level sensor electrical connector to position the harness out of the way.

Step 7

Unscrew the retaining nut from the front axle-mounting bracket through bolt using a wrench or ratchet and socket, if you have a 4WD model. Then push the bolt tip flash with the support bushing, but do not remove the bolt. This will provide you with enough room to move the starter off the engine.

Step 8

Unscrew the two starter mounting bolts using a wrench or ratchet, ratchet extension and socket. Slide the starter motor forward until it clears the transmission and remove the starter cover.

Step 9

Disconnect the wire and battery cable off the starter motor using a wrench or ratchet and socket. Remove the starter from the vehicle.

Installing the New Starter

Step 1

Set the starter motor in place, and connect the wire and battery cable to the starter using a wrench or ratchet and socket.

Step 2

Place the cover over the starter and slide the starter in place. Tighten the starter mounting bolts using wrench or ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

Step 3

Push the front axle-mounting bracket through bolt until it is fully seated in place and tighten the retaining nut with a wrench or ratchet and socket, if you have a 4WD model.