How to Replace the Starter on a Chevy S10
by Chris MooreThe starter on a Chevy S10 pickup truck is a motor that works with the ignition switch and the battery to generate power to ignite the engine. If you need to change the starter, this will be done from within the engine compartment. The exact year and engine type can cause the removal and installation process to vary, especially when it comes to the parts you must remove to access the motor.
Removal
Step 1
Disconnect the truck’s negative battery cable.
Step 2
Use the jack to raise the front end and support it on jack stands. Depending on the engine model, it will help to remove one of the wheels and the skid plate.
Step 3
Remove the front pipe from the exhaust manifold on a two-wheel drive model by removing its fasteners with a wrench. The fasteners may need penetrating oil for removal.
Step 4
Disconnect any other components in the way of the starter motor. This can include the drive shaft, brace rod going from the engine’s front end to the bell housing, any brackets attached to the starter and the starter’s heat shield.
Step 5
Unplug and disconnect the wire and battery cable from the terminals on the starter solenoid.
Step 6
Remove the starter’s mounting bolts with a wrench and remove the starter motor. If there are any spacer shims, take note of their positions.
Installation
Step 1
Install the replacement starter motor, making sure the spacer shims are in the same position, and tighten the bolts.
Step 2
Plug the solenoid wire and battery cable to the correct terminals.
Step 3
Reconnect any other parts like the heat shield, brackets, brace rod, drive shaft and pipe to the exhaust manifold.
Step 4
Reconnect the wheels–if needed, lower the car and reconnect the cable to the battery.
References
- "Chilton General Motors S-Series Pick-ups Repair Manual"; Robert Maddox; Haynes North America; 2004
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Tire iron
- Wrench
- Penetrating oil
- Starter motor
Writer Bio
Chris Moore has been contributing to eHow since 2007 and is a member of the DFW Writers' Workshop. He received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Texas-Arlington.
