How to Remove the Starter Motor From a Land Rover Discovery

Removing the starter motor on your Land Rover Discovery is a straightforward procedure. However, on some models, you need to use a ratchet, socket and several ratchet extensions to reach and remove the starter mounting bolts.

Things You'll Need:

• Wrench set
• Ratchet and socket set
• Floor jack
• 2 jack stands
• Ratchet extensions if necessary

1. Park your car in a safe, level place

Park your car in a safe, level place. Open the hood and disconnect the black, negative battery cable.

2. Remove the transmission shield

Remove the transmission shield from the right side of the engine compartment using a wrench or ratchet and socket.

3. Raise the front of the vehicle

Raise the front of the vehicle using a floor jack and support it safely on two jack stands.

4. Disconnect the battery cable and wire

Disconnect the battery cable and wire from the starter solenoid mounted on the starter motor, working from underneath the vehicle. Use a wrench or ratchet and socket.

5. Remove the two starter to engine mounting bolts using a ratchet and socket

Remove the two starter to engine mounting bolts using a ratchet and socket. Some Discovery models might not give you enough room to work with the ratchet because of the narrow space. If this is the case, add several extensions to your ratchet to reach the mounting bolts from the other side and above the exhaust pipe. Then remove the bolts.

6. Maneuver the starter motor off the engine and out of the vehicle

Maneuver the starter motor off the engine and out of the vehicle. Set the new motor in place and start the mounting bolts by hand to avoid damaging the threads. Another alternative is to ask a helper to hand thread the mounting bolts with the use of the ratchet extensions as you hold the motor in place and guide the mounting bolts into place. Then use the ratchet and extensions to tighten the bolts using the procedure described on step 5.

7. Connect the battery cable and wire

Connect the battery cable and wire to the starter solenoid.

8. Lower the vehicle

Lower the vehicle. Install the transmission shield and connect the black, negative battery cable.

Tips and Warnings

If you need help locating and identifying components on your particular vehicle, consult your owner's manual or vehicle service manual. You can buy one at most auto parts stores or consult one for free at most public libraries.

It only takes a few minutes for the exhaust system and related components in your vehicle to reach very high temperatures. Whenever working under these conditions on your car, use caution to avoid skin burns and other injuries.

Video showing how to replace a Land Rover starter:

Comments on this video:

• Michael, this is such a great video. This is the best I've ever seen regarding LR3 starter replacement. You really focused on the details. Your introduction is so useful and quality on the video cannot be better. You did explain everything proper & nicely. The video is very easy to understand and to follow thru. I enjoyed your video and like to thank you very much for your time and knowledge in the making of this video. God bless.
• Thanks you so much, it was an easy way with this video. You saved me a lot of time.