This procedure covers removal and replacement of the starter motor on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.6L V6 engine, including battery disconnect, starter removal from the bellhousing, and electrical connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Starter motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Starter mounting bolt shims (if equipped) × 1 — Reuse or replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Open hood and ensure engine is cool to the touch
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove engine splash shield if equipped (plastic undertray)

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Locate the battery in the engine compartment. Loosen the negative (-) battery terminal bolt using a 10mm wrench or socket. Remove the negative cable from the battery post and secure it away from the battery terminal to prevent accidental contact during the repair.
2. 2

   Access starter from below vehicle
   Position yourself under the vehicle with adequate lighting. The starter is located on the passenger side of the engine, mounted to the bellhousing where the engine meets the transmission. Identify the starter motor and its electrical connections.
   ℹ️Access is easiest from below the vehicle - starter is positioned between engine and transmission on passenger side
3. 3

   Disconnect starter solenoid wire
   Locate the small wire connector on the starter solenoid (smaller terminal). Remove the nut securing the solenoid wire using an 8mm socket or wrench. Carefully pull the wire terminal off the solenoid stud and position it away from the starter.
4. 4

   Disconnect main battery cable from starter
   Locate the larger battery cable connection on the starter solenoid. This is the main power cable coming from the battery. Remove the nut securing this cable using a 13mm socket or wrench. Carefully pull the cable terminal off the starter solenoid and position it safely away from the starter.
   ⚠This cable carries high current directly from battery - ensure negative terminal is disconnected before proceeding
5. 5

   Remove upper starter mounting bolt
   Locate the upper starter mounting bolt that secures the starter to the bellhousing. This bolt may be difficult to access. Using a long extension and 15mm socket, remove the upper mounting bolt completely. Support the starter with your other hand to prevent it from falling when the second bolt is removed.
   ℹ️Upper bolt may require long extension and universal joint for access - take care not to drop bolt into engine bay
   Torque spec

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

   Remove lower starter mounting bolt
   Locate and remove the lower starter mounting bolt using a 15mm socket and ratchet. This bolt is typically more accessible than the upper bolt. Once loosened, support the starter weight with one hand while fully removing the bolt with the other.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove starter from vehicle
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully work the starter out of the bellhousing. The starter may need to be rotated or angled to clear the transmission housing and surrounding components. Lower the starter carefully from the vehicle, being mindful of its weight.
   ⚠Starter weighs approximately 10-12 lbs - maintain secure grip while removing from overhead mounting position
8. 8

   Inspect and clean mounting surfaces
   Inspect the bellhousing mounting surface for any debris, corrosion, or damage. Use a wire brush to clean the mounting bolt holes and mating surface on the bellhousing. Check for any shims that may have been installed behind the starter and note their position for reinstallation. Inspect the starter mounting bolt threads and clean if necessary.
   ℹ️Some starters use shims between starter and bellhousing - keep track of shim placement for proper reinstallation
9. 9

   Install new starter motor
   Position the new starter motor into the bellhousing, ensuring any shims are in their correct location. Align the starter with the mounting bolt holes. If equipped with shims, verify they are positioned exactly as they were on the original starter. Start both mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
   ℹ️Ensure starter drive gear properly meshes with flywheel ring gear - improper alignment can cause grinding on startup
10. 10

    Torque starter mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench and 15mm socket, tighten the lower starter mounting bolt to specification first, then tighten the upper bolt. Tighten bolts in a cross pattern to ensure even seating of the starter against the bellhousing.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect main battery cable to starter
    Position the main battery cable terminal onto the larger solenoid stud on the starter. Install the retaining nut and tighten to specification using a 13mm socket or wrench and torque wrench. Ensure the connection is clean and tight.
12. 12

    Reconnect starter solenoid wire
    Position the smaller solenoid wire terminal onto its stud on the starter solenoid. Install the retaining nut and tighten to specification using an 8mm socket or wrench and torque wrench.
13. 13

    Reinstall underbody protection and lower vehicle
    If the engine splash shield was removed, reinstall it now. Ensure all fasteners are properly secured. Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands and remove the stands. Lower the vehicle completely to the ground.
    ⚠Verify all tools and parts have been removed from under vehicle before lowering
14. 14

    Reconnect battery negative terminal
    Clean the battery terminal post and cable end with a wire brush if any corrosion is present. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the negative battery post. Tighten the terminal bolt to specification using a 10mm wrench or socket and torque wrench.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections at starter are tight and properly routed away from heat sources and moving parts
2. Verify starter mounting bolts are torqued to specification and starter is firmly seated against bellhousing
3. Double-check that all tools have been removed from engine bay and under vehicle

Verification

• Turn ignition key to START position and verify starter engages smoothly without grinding or unusual noises
• Confirm engine cranks at normal speed without hesitation or slow cranking
• Check that starter disengages immediately when key is released from START position
• Verify no electrical burning smell or smoking from starter area during operation
• Inspect for any fluid leaks around starter area that may have been disturbed during installation
• Test start the vehicle 3-4 times from cold to confirm consistent operation

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