How to Replace a Starter on a Monte Carlo
by Jody L. CampbellThere are four different motors in the newer Chevrolet Monte Carlos, but replacing the starter is pretty much the same procedure. Even the locations of the starters are very similar. Since replacement starters are very costly, you can save money on labor costs charged by local repair stations and install the starter yourself.
Step 1
Park the Monte Carlo on a paved, level surface and apply the parking brake. Release the hood latch.
Step 2
Place a wheel chock behind one of the rear tires and open the hood.
Step 3
Remove and isolate the negative battery terminal from the negative side post of the battery using a hand wrench or the ratchet and a socket.
Step 4
Raise the front axle (one side at a time) of the Monte Carlo using the floor jack and support it with jack stands under the front frame rails.
Step 5
Put on the safety glasses and crawl underneath (on a creeper if you have one and there's enough room) the Monte Carlo with the tools and new starter.
Step 6
Remove the radiator lower air deflector using the ratchet and a socket.
Step 7
Remove the torque converter cover using the ratchet and a socket.
Step 8
Remove the electrical connections (starter solenoid BAT terminal and the starter solenoid S terminal) from the starter.
Step 9
Remove the two starter bolts using the ratchet and a socket and remove the starter.
Step 10
Install the new starter and replace, then tighten the two starter bolts.
Step 11
Replace the electrical connections to the starter and replace then tighten the nuts.
Step 12
Replace the torque converter cover and replace, then tighten the bolts.
Step 13
Replace the radiator lower air deflector and replace, then tighten the bolts.
Step 14
Lower the Monte Carlo to the ground.
Step 15
Reconnect and tighten the negative battery terminal to the battery. Remove the wheel chock and test-start the Monte Carlo.
Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- 2 jack stands
- Wheel chock
- Safety glasses
- 3/8-inch drive ratchet
- 3/8-inch drive socket set
- Hand wrench set
- Creeper (optional)
- Replacement starter
Writer Bio
Jody L. Campbell spent over 15 years as both a manager and an under-car specialist in the automotive repair industry. Prior to that, he managed two different restaurants for over 15 years. Campbell began his professional writing career in 2004 with the publication of his first book.
