How to Change a Starter in a Montero Sport
by Tara Kimball
If your Montero Sport has been struggling to start or is not starting at all, you may have a faulty starter. If you suspect that your starter may be to blame for your troubles, you can have it tested at most auto parts retailers once you have removed it from the car. Replacing the starter requires a few simple hand tools and a torque wrench. If you do not have a torque wrench, many auto parts retailers will rent them. You can buy a starter for your Montero at an auto parts retailer, a Mitsubishi dealer or a salvage yard.
Removing the Old Starter
Step 1
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal with a wrench. Set the battery cable aside so it is unable to come in contact with the battery while you are working.
Step 2
Jack the front end of your Montero up enough that you can comfortably work under it. Secure the front of the vehicle on jack stands.
Step 3
Remove the electrical connection from the BAT terminal on the rear of the starter solenoid. This is a red wire with a ring connector and is secured to the back of the starter solenoid with a nut. Use a wrench to remove the nut and remove the connector from the terminal.
Step 4
Unplug the wiring harness connection from the starter solenoid. The wiring harness should disconnect easily if you pull straight out.
Step 5
Remove the upper and lower mounting bolts from the starter. The bolts are fed from the transmission side of the bell housing. Use a wrench to remove the bolts and set them aside. Pull the starter free from the vehicle and set it aside as well.
Installing the New Starter
Step 1
Position the new starter with the same orientation as the old one. Secure it with the upper and lower mounting bolts. Feed the bolts through from the transmission side and torque them to the manufacturer's specification with a torque wrench.
Step 2
Plug the wiring harness connection back into the starter solenoid. It should click into place when it is fully seated.
Step 3
Reconnect the electrical connection to the BAT terminal and secure it with the nut. Tighten the nut with a wrench.
Step 4
Jack the Montero up enough to remove the jack stands from under the vehicle. Return the truck to the ground. Reconnect the negative battery cable, tightening it with a wrench.
Step 5
Start the truck to check the operation of your new starter.
References
- Haynes Repair Manual: 83–96 Mitsubishi Pickup and Montero; Thomas Delmar Learning; 1999
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Wrench set
- Torque wrench
Writer Bio
Tara Kimball is a former accounting professional with more than 10 years of experience in corporate finance and small business accounting. She has also worked in desktop support and network management. Her articles have appeared in various online publications.
