How to Remove a Sportage Starter

Removing the starter motor from your Kia Sportage allows you to have it thoroughly tested for problems or defective components if is not working properly. The starter motor in the Sportage has a removable starter solenoid mounted to the case of the starter, allowing the solenoid to replaced rather than buying a whole new starter for the truck. Most auto parts stores will have the complete starter assembly as well as a replacement solenoid.

Things You'll Need:

• Wrench set
• Jack
• Jack stand
• Socket set
• Ratchet

1. Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable

Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable from the negative battery terminal using a wrench to remove the retaining bolt. Pull the cable end off the battery and isolate it from the battery while you are working.

2. Raise the front of your Sportage with a jack

Raise the front of your Sportage with a jack and support it on a set of jack stands. Remove the jack so you are not trying to work around it.

3. Locate the starter from under the truck

Locate the starter from under the truck. It is on the passenger’s side of the engine near the back and down low on the engine. Find the two electrical connections on the back of the starter solenoid. The first one is the “S” terminal and it is a push on connector located directly on the back of the solenoid. Unplug it from the terminal on the solenoid by pulling it straight off.

4. Loosen and remove the nut on the second terminal

Loosen and remove the nut on the second terminal, the “B” terminal, with a socket and ratchet. Set the two wires aside.

5. Locate the two mounting bolts that secure the starter to the bell housing

Locate the two mounting bolts that secure the starter to the bell housing. These bolts pass through the bell housing from the transmission side and thread into the starter. Remove both bolts with a ratchet and socket, supporting the starter as you remove them.

6. Lower the starter out of the engine compartment

Lower the starter out of the engine compartment and remove it from under the truck. Test or replace the starter as needed.

Video showing how to replace a Kia Sportage starter:

Comments on this video:

• Great video, Thank you!
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