Starter

Remove and replace the starter motor on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo RWD, including access procedures and electrical connections.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Starter motor assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Starter mounting bolt set (if corroded) × 1 — M10 x 1.5 bolts as needed
• Heat shield (if damaged) × 1 — OEM replacement

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels.
2. Ensure engine is completely cool to the touch (wait at least 2 hours after driving).
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and secure cable away from battery post.
4. Wait minimum 10 minutes after battery disconnection before proceeding.
5. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight (approximately 4800 lbs).
6. Remove engine belly pan or undershield if equipped to access starter area from below.

Procedure

1. 1

   Access starter location from below
   Position yourself under the vehicle with proper lighting. The starter is located on the passenger side (right side) of the engine block, between the engine and transmission bellhousing. Identify the starter motor, electrical connections, and mounting bolts. Note the position of any heat shields or protective covers in the area.
2. 2

   Remove heat shield if equipped
   If a heat shield is present over or near the starter, remove the mounting bolts securing it. These shields protect the starter from exhaust heat. Keep hardware organized for reinstallation. Some models may have multiple shields in the area.
   Torque spec

   Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect starter electrical connections
   Locate the two electrical connections on the starter solenoid (mounted on top of the starter motor body). First, disconnect the small signal wire connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight off. Second, remove the 13mm nut securing the large B+ battery cable to the solenoid stud. Remove the cable terminal and secure it away from the stud to prevent accidental contact.
   ⚠Verify battery is disconnected before removing B+ cable. This cable can spark if battery is still connected.
   Torque spec

   Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Identify and support starter mounting bolts
   Locate the three starter mounting bolts that secure the starter to the bellhousing/engine block. On the Levante 3.0L V6, two bolts are typically accessible from below, and one longer bolt may require a long extension to access from above or at an angle. Note that the upper or rear bolt may be significantly longer than the others.
5. 5

   Remove lower starter mounting bolt
   Using a 15mm socket with extension, remove the first (lower) starter mounting bolt completely. Keep track of bolt length and position for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove middle or accessible mounting bolt
   Remove the second accessible mounting bolt using the 15mm socket. At this point, support the starter motor weight with your hand or have an assistant hold it, as only one bolt remains securing the starter.
   ⚠Begin supporting the starter motor weight as it will be held only by the final bolt.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove final mounting bolt and extract starter
   Using a long extension (possibly 12 inches or longer) with a 15mm socket and universal joint if needed, remove the final mounting bolt. This bolt may be accessed from above the engine or at an angle from below. Once removed, carefully lower the starter motor from the bellhousing. Maneuver it past any interfering components and remove from vehicle.
   ⚠Fully support starter weight before removing final bolt. Starter weighs 8-10 lbs and can cause injury if dropped.
   Torque spec

   Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Inspect mounting area and prepare new starter
   Clean the starter mounting surface on the bellhousing with a wire brush to remove any corrosion or debris. Inspect the starter mounting bolt holes and threads. Check the flywheel ring gear teeth for damage (visible through the starter opening). Verify the new starter motor matches the original in physical dimensions and electrical connections. Clean the B+ cable terminal with a wire brush if corroded.
9. 9

   Position and align new starter motor
   Maneuver the new starter motor into position, aligning it with the mounting bolt holes in the bellhousing. Ensure the starter drive pinion gear properly aligns with the flywheel ring gear opening. The starter nose housing must seat flush against the bellhousing mounting surface. Support the starter in position while beginning bolt installation.
10. 10

    Install and torque starter mounting bolts
    Install all three mounting bolts hand-tight first to ensure proper alignment. Start with the longest bolt (typically the upper or rear position), then the remaining two bolts. Once all bolts are started and the starter is properly seated, torque all three bolts to specification in a cross pattern. Use the long extension for the difficult-to-access bolt.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect the large B+ battery cable to the solenoid stud, ensuring the terminal is clean and makes full contact. Install the 13mm nut and torque to specification. Connect the small signal wire connector to the solenoid, ensuring it clicks into place securely.
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall heat shield if equipped
    If a heat shield was removed, position it back in place and install the mounting bolts. Torque bolts to specification. Ensure the shield does not contact any moving parts or electrical connections.
    Torque spec

    Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine belly pan or undershield with all fasteners.
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands safely.
3. Reconnect negative battery terminal and torque to 10-12 Nm (7-9 lb-ft).
4. Ensure no tools or parts remain in engine compartment or under vehicle.

Verification

• Turn ignition key to the ON position (without starting) and verify dash lights illuminate normally.
• With transmission in Park and foot on brake, attempt to start engine. Starter should engage smoothly without grinding noises.
• Listen for proper starter motor operation: should hear smooth spinning without clicking, grinding, or excessive noise.
• Engine should crank at normal speed (not slow or labored) and start normally.
• After successful start, turn off engine and restart 2-3 times to verify consistent starter performance.
• Check for any unusual sounds from the starter/flywheel area during cranking.
• Verify no warning lights remain on the instrument cluster after successful start.

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