How to Replace a Starter on a 2000 Dodge Intrepid
by Cayden Conor
Replacing the starter on a 2000 Dodge Intrepid is a fairly straightforward job that doesn't require any special tools. The biggest challenge may be lifting the starter through the small hole that Dodge provides, as you wil need to tip the starter a certain way in order to remove it. You can purchase a new starter for the Dodge Intrepid at any auto parts store.
Step 1
Disconnect the negative battery cable and lay it aside, making sure that it does not ground itself on metal on the car. Remove the battery feed and the posi-lock connectors from the starter. Remove the nuts on the wire posts located on the starter, then slide the wires off the posts. Put the nuts back on the starter so you don't lose them.
Step 2
Remove the nuts from the catalyst support bracket and the mount using the appropriate socket. Remove the starter heat shield using the appropriate socket. Using the appropriate socket, remove the three starter bolts holding the starter on the transaxle and engine. Slide the starter out of the Intrepid by rotating it toward the engine, then sliding it rearward between the catalyst and the engine mount.
Step 3
Slide the starter into position by sliding it between the catalyst and the engine mount and rotating it away from the engine. Insert the three starter bolts and tighten them to 40 ft.-lbs. of torque.
Step 4
Reinstall the heat shield, the nuts for the catalyst support bracket and mount, and the starter wiring. Reinstall the posi-lock connectors and the negative battery cable.
Tips
- Before replacing the starter on a 2000 Dodge Intrepid, you should check the various systems related to the starter, as several things can cause a no-start situation similar to a bad starter. Check the battery to ensure that it is fully charged. The ignition switch and its wiring should be in working condition. A defective neutral safety switch also causes a no-start condition. Though less common, wiring to the battery, the starter relay and the starter will also cause a no-start condition.
Things You'll Need
- Set of wrenches
- Set of sockets
- Torque wrench
Writer Bio
Cayden Conor has been writing since 1996. She has been published on several websites and in the winter 1996 issue of "QECE." Conor specializes in home and garden, dogs, legal, automotive and business subjects, with years of hands-on experience in these areas. She has an Associate of Science (paralegal) from Manchester Community College and studied computer science, criminology and education at University of Tampa.
