This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the starter motor on a 2014-2018 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with the 5.3L V8 L83 engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Starter motor × 1 — ACDelco 337-1137 or equivalent
• Starter mounting bolt (if corroded) × 2 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine and exhaust components to cool completely if recently operated
3. Raise front of vehicle and secure with jack stands for easier access from below
4. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from battery terminal
5. If equipped, remove the engine splash shield or skid plate for better access

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery cables
   Disconnect the negative battery cable first, then the positive cable. Use a 10mm or 13mm wrench depending on terminal type. Move cables away from battery to prevent accidental contact.
2. 2

   Access starter from underneath vehicle
   Position yourself under the vehicle with adequate lighting. Locate the starter motor on the passenger side of the engine block, near the transmission bellhousing. The starter is mounted vertically with the solenoid facing toward the rear of the vehicle.
3. 3

   Remove heat shield if equipped
   If your vehicle has a starter heat shield, remove the bolts securing it using a 10mm socket. Some models may not have this shield. Set the shield and bolts aside for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect starter electrical connections
   Remove the protective cap or cover from the starter solenoid terminal. Use a 13mm socket to remove the nut securing the positive battery cable (B+) to the solenoid. Remove the cable and position it safely away. Disconnect the S-terminal connector by pulling it straight off the solenoid post.
   ⚠Ensure the positive cable does not contact ground while disconnected
   Torque spec

   Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove upper starter mounting bolt
   Using an 18mm socket with a 12-inch extension, remove the upper starter mounting bolt. This bolt is accessed from above or below depending on clearance. The bolt threads into the engine block. If the bolt is difficult to access, it may be easier to reach from the wheel well area.
   Torque spec

   Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove lower starter mounting bolt
   Using an 18mm socket with appropriate extension, remove the lower starter mounting bolt. This bolt is typically longer than the upper bolt and may require a longer extension to access. Support the starter with one hand as you remove the final bolt.
   ⚠Support the starter weight before removing the last bolt to prevent it from falling
   Torque spec

   Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove starter motor
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully work the starter out of the bellhousing. You may need to rotate or angle the starter to clear the exhaust and other components. The starter nose cone fits into a recess in the bellhousing. Lower the starter down and out from underneath the vehicle.
8. 8

   Inspect and clean mounting surfaces
   Inspect the starter mounting area on the engine block and bellhousing for debris, corrosion, or damage. Use a wire brush to clean the mounting bolt holes and mating surfaces. Check that the starter mounting dowel pins (if equipped) are present and in good condition. Clean the electrical terminal contact surfaces.
9. 9

   Install new starter motor
   Position the new starter motor into the bellhousing, ensuring the nose cone is properly seated in the recess. Align the mounting holes with the threaded holes in the engine block. If equipped with dowel pins, ensure they are properly engaged. The starter should sit flush against the mounting surface.
10. 10

    Install starter mounting bolts
    Thread both mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper alignment. The longer bolt typically goes in the lower position. Using an 18mm socket and torque wrench, tighten both bolts to specification in an alternating pattern to ensure even seating.
    Torque spec

    Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect starter electrical connections
    Reconnect the S-terminal connector to the solenoid post by pushing it firmly into place until it clicks. Install the positive battery cable (B+) to the solenoid stud and secure with the nut. Torque the nut to specification using a 13mm socket and torque wrench. Reinstall any protective caps or covers.
    Torque spec

    Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall heat shield if equipped
    If your vehicle had a heat shield, position it over the starter and install the mounting bolts. Torque to specification using a 10mm socket and torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall underbody components and lower vehicle
    Reinstall any splash shields or skid plates that were removed during preparation. Ensure all fasteners are secure. Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands to the ground.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery cables
    Reconnect the positive battery cable first, then the negative battery cable. Ensure terminals are clean and making good contact. Torque the battery cable nuts to specification using the appropriate socket and torque wrench.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and protective caps are in place
2. Verify both starter mounting bolts are torqued to specification
3. Confirm battery cables are properly connected with positive connected first during installation
4. Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the engine compartment or underneath the vehicle

Verification

• Turn the ignition key to the START position and verify the engine cranks smoothly without unusual noises
• Listen for any grinding, clicking, or abnormal sounds from the starter during cranking
• Verify the starter disengages properly when the key is released to the RUN position
• Check that all electrical connections remain secure and there are no signs of arcing or sparking
• Test start the vehicle 3-4 times to ensure consistent operation
• Inspect underneath the vehicle for any loose bolts or components after test starting

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