Starter Solenoid

Replace the starter solenoid on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo. This involves removing the starter assembly to access and replace the solenoid component.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Starter solenoid assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Electrical contact cleaner × 1 — CRC or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Raise front of vehicle and support securely on jack stands
5. Remove engine undertray panels for access to starter area
6. Document electrical connections with photos before disconnection

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery
   Open hood and locate battery in engine compartment. Using a 10mm socket, loosen and remove the negative battery terminal. Move cable away from battery post and secure to prevent accidental contact. Wait minimum 10 minutes for system capacitor discharge.
   Torque spec

   Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Access starter from below
   From underneath vehicle, locate the starter motor mounted to the transmission bellhousing on the passenger side of the engine. The starter is positioned between the engine block and right-side frame rail. Use shop light to identify starter mounting bolts and electrical connections.
3. 3

   Disconnect starter electrical connections
   Locate the main battery cable connection on the starter solenoid (large cable with protective boot). Remove protective boot if present. Using a 13mm socket, remove the battery cable terminal nut and carefully lift cable away from solenoid post. Next, disconnect the small trigger wire connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight off. Support cables away from work area.
   ⚠Even with battery disconnected, the main starter cable carries direct battery voltage. Ensure it does not contact ground or other components
   Torque spec

   Battery Cable Nut14 Nm (11 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove starter mounting bolts
   Using a 15mm socket with extension and universal joint, remove the two starter mounting bolts securing the starter to the bellhousing. Access is tight; the upper bolt may require working from above through the engine bay. Support the starter weight as you remove the final bolt to prevent it from dropping.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove starter assembly
   Carefully maneuver the starter assembly out of its mounting location, rotating and tilting as needed to clear the frame rail and other surrounding components. Lower starter out through the bottom of the vehicle. Place on clean workbench.
6. 6

   Remove solenoid from starter
   With starter on workbench, identify the solenoid assembly mounted to the top/side of starter motor body. Using a 10mm socket, remove the solenoid mounting bolts (typically 2-3 bolts). Carefully pull solenoid away from starter body, noting the plunger engagement with the starter drive mechanism. Remove and inspect internal contact disc if accessible.
   ℹ️Some solenoids have internal springs under tension. Control removal to prevent parts from ejecting
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Clean and inspect starter housing
   Use wire brush to clean solenoid mounting surface on starter motor housing. Remove any corrosion, carbon buildup, or debris. Inspect starter drive mechanism for wear or damage while accessible. Clean electrical terminal posts with wire brush and electrical contact cleaner.
8. 8

   Install new solenoid
   Position new solenoid onto starter motor body, ensuring plunger properly engages with shift fork or drive mechanism. Align mounting holes and install solenoid mounting bolts. Torque bolts evenly in cross pattern to specification. Verify solenoid moves freely and engages properly.
   Torque spec

   Module Mounting Bolts8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall starter assembly
   From below vehicle, carefully guide starter assembly back into position on transmission bellhousing, ensuring proper alignment of mounting holes and that no wires or hoses are pinched. Start both mounting bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
10. 10

    Torque starter mounting bolts
    Using torque wrench with 15mm socket, tighten both starter mounting bolts to specification in alternating pattern. Verify starter is seated flush against bellhousing with no gaps.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect starter electrical connections
    Reconnect the small trigger wire connector to the solenoid terminal, ensuring it clicks fully into place. Position main battery cable terminal over solenoid post and install terminal nut. Clean threads if necessary. Torque battery cable nut to specification using 13mm socket and torque wrench. Apply dielectric grease to connections and reinstall protective boot if equipped.
    Torque spec

    Battery Cable Nut14 Nm (11 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall underbody panels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall engine undertray panels and secure all fasteners. Remove jack stands and carefully lower vehicle to ground. Ensure all tools and parts are removed from underneath.
13. 13

    Reconnect battery
    Clean battery negative terminal and cable end with wire brush. Position cable on negative battery post and install terminal bolt. Torque to specification using 10mm socket and torque wrench.
    ℹ️Battery terminal torque is critical - overtightening can crack the terminal, undertightening causes poor electrical contact
    Torque spec

    Battery Terminal Bolts6 Nm (4 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all electrical connections are secure and properly routed
2. Confirm no tools or parts were left in engine bay or underneath vehicle
3. Double-check that starter mounting bolts are torqued to specification

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (do not start) and verify no warning lights related to starting system
• Attempt to start engine - starter should engage smoothly with strong cranking speed and no grinding or clicking noises
• Verify starter disengages immediately when engine starts - no continued engagement or whirring
• Turn off engine and attempt cold restart to confirm consistent operation
• Check for any electrical burning smells or excessive heat at starter area after several start cycles
• Verify no fluid leaks developed during work around starter mounting area

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

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