How to Replace a Starter in a Chevy Monte Carlo

by Jeffrey Caldwell

The Monte Carlo is a midsize luxury coupe, produced by Chevrolet from 1970 to 2007. Models built from 1970 to 1988 were rear wheel drive vehicles, based on General Motors A-body platform. Models built from 1995 to 2007 were front wheel drive vehicles. The starter motor on a Monte Carlo is a small electric motor mounted to the engine block. When the ignition switch is engaged a small gear attached to the starter turns the transmission flexplate, which spins the engine's crankshaft and pistons, starting the vehicle.

Removing a Starter

Step 1

Disconnect the ground cable from the negative battery terminal, by loosening the retaining bolt and pulling the clamp off the negative terminal.

Step 2

Raise the vehicle according to instructions in the owner's manual and support it with jack stands placed underneath the frame.

Step 3

Locate the starter motor. It will be bolted to the underside of the engine block near where the engine mates with the transmission.

Step 4

Label and disconnect the wires attached to the starter solenoid.

Step 5

Remove the two bolts that secure the starter to the engine block.

Step 6

Remove the starter from the vehicle.

Installing a Starter

Step 1

Lift the starter into position alongside the engine block.

Step 2

Reinstall the two bolts that secure the starter to the engine block.

Step 3

Reconnect the wiring harness to the starter solenoid using the labels you made during disassembly.

Step 4

Lower the vehicle.

Step 5

Reconnect the ground cable to the negative battery terminal by sliding the clamp over the terminal and tightening the retaining bolt.

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