How to Change the Starter in a Silverado
by Chris Moore
The Chevy Silverado's starter, like that on other vehicles, is a motor that turns over and helps fire the engine. A bad starter needs replacing, as it will put a drain on the battery, if it allows the truck to start at all. Removing and replacing the starter will require you to work under the truck, regardless of the engine type it has. This process may differ for replacing a starter on an older model of the Silverado.
Removing the Starter
Step 1
Disconnect the Silverado's negative battery cable.
Step 2
Raise the truck's front end and support it on jack stands. If the Silverado has a V-8 engine, remove the right wheel.
Step 3
Unscrew and remove either the oil pan skid plate (V-6 engines) or the splash shield from the right front fender well (V-8 engines) using an Allen wrench.
Step 4
Pull the heat shield off the starter motor if there is one.
Step 5
Disconnect the cables from the starter solenoid terminals. This includes the battery cable and the starter control cable. Unbolt the transmission cover if there is one. Remove the starter's bolts and the motor.
Installing the Starter
Step 1
Install the starter motor with its mounting bolts. Connect the transmission cover, cables and heat shield.
Step 2
Reconnect the oil skid plate or fender well splash shield.
Step 3
Connect the wheel if needed and lower the truck.
Step 4
Reconnect the battery cable.
References
- "Chilton General Motors Full Size Trucks Repair Manual"; Mike Stubblefield; Haynes North America; 2009
Things You'll Need
- Wrench
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Tire iron
- Allen wrench
Writer Bio
Chris Moore has been contributing to eHow since 2007 and is a member of the DFW Writers' Workshop. He received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Texas-Arlington.
