electrical

Starter

for 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 · FWD

Editorial review:Chris Hackleman — Master Technician · 20+ years · Jeff Moore — Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years

Difficulty

Moderate

Time

1.8 h

Tools

Steps

✓Expert-verified. Personally reviewed and approved by OLP's master technicians (Chris Hackleman & Jeff Moore — 20+ years each). Always follow the vehicle's factory service information and torque specs.

This procedure covers removal and replacement of the starter motor on a 2015 Kia Forte with 1.8L I4 engine, including disconnection of electrical connections and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

⚠️Always disconnect the negative battery cable before working on electrical components to prevent short circuits and potential injury.

⚠Do not perform this work on a hot engine. Allow engine to cool completely to avoid burns from exhaust manifold and engine components.

⚠The starter is heavy (approximately 8-10 lbs). Support it properly when removing mounting bolts to prevent it from falling.

ℹ️The upper starter mounting bolt is difficult to access and may require a long extension with universal joint.

Tools required

10mm socket and ratchetEssential

12mm socket and ratchetEssential

13mm socket and ratchetEssential

14mm socket and ratchetEssential

Extension set (3-inch and 6-inch)Essential

Long extension (10-12 inch)Essential

Universal joint

Torque wrench (5-60 Nm range)Essential

Battery terminal wrench or 10mm wrenchEssential

Wire brush

Flashlight or work lightEssential

Jack and jack stands

Penetrating oil

Parts

Starter motor assembly × 1 — OEM Kia 36100-2E100 or equivalent

Preparation

Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
Turn ignition to OFF position and remove key
Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
Optionally raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands for better access from below
Gather all tools and new starter motor before beginning work

Procedure

1
Disconnect battery negative terminal
Using a 10mm wrench, loosen the nut on the negative battery terminal and remove the cable. Secure the cable away from the battery post to prevent accidental contact during the repair.
2
Access starter location
The starter is located on the driver's side of the engine, below the intake manifold and near the transmission bellhousing. Access is best from underneath the vehicle. If working from below, ensure vehicle is properly supported on jack stands.
3
Remove air intake components (if necessary)
For improved access from above, remove the air intake duct and air filter housing by disconnecting clamps and removing mounting bolts. This step is optional but may improve visibility and access to the upper starter bolt.
4
Remove heat shield (if equipped)
If a starter heat shield is present, remove the mounting bolts using a 10mm socket. Keep the heat shield and bolts for reinstallation with the new starter.
Torque spec
Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
5
Disconnect starter electrical connections
Locate the solenoid on top of the starter. Remove the 12mm nut securing the B+ battery cable to the solenoid terminal. Remove the smaller connector by pressing the tab and pulling straight off. Mark or photograph connections for proper reinstallation.
⚠Even with battery disconnected, the B+ cable may retain voltage. Do not allow it to contact ground.
Torque spec
Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6
Remove upper starter mounting bolt
Using a 14mm socket with long extension (10-12 inch) and possibly a universal joint, remove the upper starter mounting bolt. This bolt is accessed from above through the engine bay and may require patience to locate and align the socket. The bolt is approximately 4-5 inches long.
ℹ️This is the most difficult bolt to access. Feel for the bolt head with your hand first to determine the best approach angle.
Torque spec
Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7
Remove lower starter mounting bolt
Using a 14mm socket with extension, remove the lower starter mounting bolt. This bolt is easier to access from below the vehicle. Once removed, keep both mounting bolts together as they may be different lengths.
Torque spec
Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
8
Remove starter motor
With both mounting bolts removed, carefully support the starter weight and work it out of the bellhousing. You may need to rotate or angle the starter to clear surrounding components. Lower the starter carefully from the vehicle.
⚠The starter weighs approximately 8-10 lbs. Support it with both hands to prevent dropping and potential injury or damage.
9
Prepare new starter for installation
Compare the new starter to the old unit to verify correct replacement. Check that the mounting bolt holes align and the electrical terminals are in the same positions. Clean the mounting surface on the bellhousing with a wire brush if necessary.
10
Install new starter motor
Position the new starter into the bellhousing opening, ensuring the nose of the starter engages properly with the pilot hole in the bellhousing. Align the mounting bolt holes. You may need to rotate the starter slightly to achieve proper alignment.
11
Install and torque mounting bolts
Install both starter mounting bolts hand-tight first. Note that the upper bolt may be longer and require a long extension to install. Once both bolts are started, torque each bolt to specification using a torque wrench and 14mm socket. The upper bolt is challenging and may require the same long extension and universal joint used during removal.
Torque spec
Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
12
Reconnect electrical connections
Reconnect the small signal wire connector to the solenoid by pressing it firmly until it clicks. Place the B+ battery cable terminal over the solenoid stud and install the nut. Torque the nut to specification using a 12mm socket and torque wrench. Ensure connections are tight and secure.
Torque spec
Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13
Reinstall heat shield (if equipped)
If a heat shield was removed, 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)
14
Reconnect battery and reinstall components
Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal and tighten securely. If air intake components were removed, reinstall them in reverse order of removal. Lower vehicle from jack stands if raised.

Reassembly

Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly seated
Verify both starter mounting bolts are torqued to specification
Confirm no tools or parts were left in the engine bay
If air intake was removed, ensure all clamps and connections are secure

Verification

Turn the ignition key to START position and verify the engine cranks smoothly without unusual noises
Listen for proper starter engagement - there should be no grinding or clicking sounds
Start the engine and verify it starts normally
After starting, turn off the engine and verify the starter disengages properly (no continued spinning sounds)
Check for any loose electrical connections or abnormal sounds from the starter area
Test start the vehicle 2-3 times to ensure consistent operation