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Changing my starter

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InfidelRebel

New member
Hey guys, I'm trying to change my starter right now on my 99 Grand Prix. I couldn't find a comprehensive write-up, but basically it seems people say to disconnect the two wires and remove the two 15 mm bolts. I removed the bolts but the starter doesn't move at all. Am I supposed to loosen the tensioner pulley first? It looks like that's what holding it up, but I can't seem to find any mention of that being necessary when people talk about replacing the starter. Also, any tips for removing the wires? Flat head screwdriver? I'm having trouble getting them off. Anyway I'm going back outside to see if I can figure it out. Autozone closes at 8 so hopefully I'll figure it out before then.

Thanks guys,
Shane
 


The tension er pulley is no where close to the starter. Tap it with a hammer it may be a little corroded to the block.
 
I'll try that now, thanks. And what I meant was if I need to remove the accessory belt to get to the starter. I got the wires off, something I read mentioned removing the torque converter cover. Not sure what that is...I tried loosening some random bolt near the starter and some liquid started spewing everywhere, so I'm guessing that wasn't it...
 
on the end of the starter there are these 2 plastic covers that you will see where the motor and the trans meet, you might have to take those off the wiggle the starter out, they are hard to miss. only 2 little bolts hold them on.
 
Tried beating it with a hammer which didn't help. I'll grab a 10mm and see if I can remove the plastic guards. Thanks Nick. I'll post back in 10 minutes or so with the results.
 


watch out that it don't fall on your head when it breaks free, it will hurt bad lol

that plastic cover under the trans and back of the engine is a inspection cover, it should have nothing to do with removing the starter. the nose cone of the starter does slide inside it tho, so it contacts the fly wheel.

sounds odd, every starter i ever did just about falls on you when the second bolt comes out. keep one hand on it at all times.
 
I didn't see any plastic cover. I saw two more 15 mm nuts that i removed that did nothing...not sure what else to do. I couldn't find any 10mm or small bolts in general to remove. The HOA in my condo is about to call the police because apparently I'm not allowed to work on my car...I basically told them to go **** themselves. Not having a great day. Haha...
 


So funny story. I'm pretty sure I was trying to take out my AC compressor, not my starter. Now that I've found the starter I'll try again...
 


Makes as much sense as this?

Posh_guy_1_Funny_stuff-s388x512-116368.jpg
 
Where the engine and trans are bolted together is where the plastic should be. There is often two different plastic shields. One has a 10mm bolt that directly faces teh radiator and fans. The other two bolts face the ground.

Looking straight up once those plastic POS mf'ers are out of your way there are two 15mm bolts that hold the starter to the engine. Loosen them both and the starter should wiggle.
 
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