How to Remove the Starter on a 1993 Cadillac
by Christian KillianThe 1993 Cadillac 4.9-liter, by far the most common engine found in these cars, has a starter located low on the driver’s side of the engine. Removing the starter from the Cadillac will allow you to replace a defective unit or bench test the starter currently in your car. Many auto parts store offer bench testing services free of charge when you bring the starter into the store. If the starter in your Cadillac is not working as designed, removing it for bench testing is the best option.
Step 1
Locate the negative battery cable on the negative terminal of the battery. Remove the retaining bolt from the cable end with a wrench and isolate the end from the battery to avoid shorts or accidental startup of the car will you are working.
Step 2
Place a jack under the front of the car and raise it high enough to work under. Position a set of jack stands under the frame rails to support the car. Remove the jack and set it aside for now. Locate the starter motor on the driver’s side of the engine from under the car.
Step 3
Locate the two terminals on the back of the starter solenoid. The smaller one is the “S” terminal and the larger, the “B” terminal. Remove the nut from the “S” terminal with a socket and ratchet and then slide the wires off the terminal. Move to the “B” terminal and remove the nut using a socket and ratchet and then slide the single large wire off the terminal.
Step 4
Locate the mounting bolt and bracket at the rear of the starter as well as the two starter mounting bolts at the front of the starter. Remove the mounting bolt from the rear of the starter and then remove the two mounting bolts at the front of the starter with a socket and ratchet. Support the starter motor by hand and lower the starter down and out of the engine compartment. Remove the starter from under the car.
References
- "Haynes Repair Manuals Cadillac Eldorado & Seville (1986 thru 1991), Cadillac Deville FWD (1986 thru 1993), Cadillac Fleetwood FWD (1986 thru 1992), Oldsmobile Toronado (1986 thru 1992), and Buick Riviera (1986 thru 1993)"; John Haynes; 1999
Tips
- Starter motors are heavy. Be prepared that when you remove the mounting bolts from the starter, it may drop, so supporting it is important.
Things You'll Need
- Wrench set
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Socket set
- Ratchet
Writer Bio
Christian Killian has been a freelance journalist/photojournalist since 2006. After many years of working in auto parts and service positions, Killian decided to move into journalism full-time. He has been published in "1st Responder News" as well as in other trade magazines and newspapers in the last few years.
