This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the starter motor on a 2014 Ram 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Starter motor × 1 — Use OEM specification for 6.7L Cummins
• Starter mounting bolt anti-seize compound × 1 — High temperature anti-seize

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure with jack stands on frame rails
5. Remove driver side front wheel for improved access (optional but recommended)

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery
   Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Move the cable away from the battery terminal to prevent accidental reconnection.
2. 2

   Access starter from below
   Position yourself under the vehicle from the driver side. Locate the starter motor mounted on the driver side of the engine block near the transmission bell housing. The starter will be positioned between the engine and frame rail.
3. 3

   Remove heat shield (if equipped)
   If a heat shield is present over the starter, remove the mounting bolts securing it to the transmission bell housing or starter bracket. Set the heat shield aside.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect starter electrical connections
   Locate the B+ cable terminal on the starter solenoid (large red cable with protective boot). Remove the protective boot. Using the appropriate socket, remove the nut securing the B+ cable to the solenoid stud and carefully move the cable aside. Disconnect the smaller trigger wire connector by pressing the release tab and pulling straight off.
   ⚠Ensure the B+ cable does not contact ground or other metal surfaces once disconnected
   Torque spec

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

   Remove lower starter mounting bolt
   Locate the lower starter mounting bolt at the bottom of the starter. This bolt threads into the transmission bell housing. Using a socket and ratchet, remove the lower mounting bolt completely. Apply penetrating oil if the bolt is corroded or difficult to turn.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove upper starter mounting bolt
   Locate the upper starter mounting bolt. This is typically longer than the lower bolt and may require a 10-12 inch extension to reach. Support the starter with one hand while removing the upper bolt with the other. Once the bolt is removed, carefully lower the starter down and out of the vehicle.
   ⚠Support the starter weight before removing the final bolt to prevent it from falling
   Torque spec

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

   Inspect mounting surfaces
   With the starter removed, inspect the mounting surface on the bell housing for damage, cracks, or debris. Clean the mounting surface with a wire brush. Inspect the starter mounting bolt threads and apply anti-seize compound to the bolt threads before installation.
8. 8

   Install new starter
   Position the new starter into the mounting location, aligning the mounting holes with the bell housing. Install the upper mounting bolt first and thread it in by hand several turns to hold the starter in place. Do not fully tighten yet.
9. 9

   Install and torque mounting bolts
   Install the lower mounting bolt and thread it in by hand. Once both bolts are started, tighten them in an alternating pattern to seat the starter properly. Using a torque wrench, torque both mounting bolts to specification in a final pass.
   Torque spec

   Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reconnect electrical connections
    Reconnect the small trigger wire connector to the starter solenoid until it clicks into place. Position the B+ cable onto the solenoid stud and install the retaining nut. Torque the nut to specification. Reinstall the protective boot over the B+ terminal.
    Torque spec

    Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall heat shield (if equipped)
    If a heat shield was removed, position it back over the starter and install the mounting bolts. Torque the bolts to specification.
    Torque spec

    Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect battery and test
    Lower the vehicle from jack stands. Reinstall the wheel if it was removed. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal and torque the battery cable nut to specification. Start the engine to verify proper starter operation.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are secure and properly routed away from hot exhaust components
2. Verify both starter mounting bolts are torqued to specification to prevent starter misalignment
3. Check that the B+ cable protective boot is properly seated to prevent corrosion

Verification

• Turn the ignition key to the START position and verify the engine cranks smoothly without unusual noises
• Listen for any grinding, clicking, or buzzing sounds that would indicate improper starter engagement
• Verify the starter disengages immediately when the key is released from the START position
• Check for any fluid leaks around the starter mounting area that may have been disturbed during installation
• Confirm all electrical connections are tight and there are no loose wires

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