Q: How to remove and install a starter motor on a Jeep Wrangler?
A: On some vehicles, it may be necessary to remove the exhaust pipe(s) or frame cross member to gain access to the starter motor. In extreme cases it may even be necessary to unbolt the mounts and raise the engine slightly to get the starter out. Detach the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. If equipped, remove the fasteners and the starter shield (Pry off the pressed-metal nut and disengage the heat shield retaining clip ). Clearly label, then disconnect the wires from the terminals on the starter motor and solenoid (if mounted on the starter) (Before unbolting the starter motor assembly, detach the wires from the solenoid (or from the starter motor itself, on some models) - be sure the battery is disconnected). Remove the mounting bolts and detach the starter. Installation is the reverse of removal.
A: Before diagnosing starter problems, make sure the battery is fully charged. If the starter motor does not operate at all when the switch is turned to Start, check that the shift lever is in Neutral or Park (automatic transmission). Ensure that the battery is charged and that all cables, both at the battery and Starter Solenoid terminals, are clean and secure. If the starter motor spins but the engine is not cranking, the overrunning clutch in the starter motor is slipping and the starter motor needs to be replaced. If the solenoid clicks but the starter motor does not operate, the issue may lie with the battery, starter relay (if equipped), main solenoid contacts, starter motor itself, or a seized engine. If the solenoid plunger cannot be heard when the switch is actuated, it could indicate a bad battery, burned fusible link, or defective solenoid. To check the solenoid, connect a jumper lead between the battery (+) and the ignition switch wire terminal on the solenoid. If the starter motor operates, the solenoid is fine and the problem lies in the ignition switch, neutral start switch, or wiring. If the starter motor still does not operate, remove the starter/solenoid assembly for disassembly, testing, and repair. If the starter motor cranks the engine at a slow speed, ensure the battery is charged and all terminal connections are tight. If the engine is partially seized or has the wrong viscosity oil, it may crank slowly. To test the starter motor, run the engine until normal operating temperature is reached, then disconnect the coil wire from the distributor cap and ground it. Connect a voltmeter positive lead to the positive battery post and the negative lead to the negative post. Crank the engine and take voltmeter readings as soon as a steady figure is indicated, not exceeding 15 seconds of starter motor turning. A reading of 9-volts or more, with normal cranking speed, is normal. If the reading is 9-volts or more but the cranking speed is slow, the motor is faulty. If the reading is less than 9-volts and the cranking speed is slow, the solenoid contacts may be burned, the starter motor is bad, the battery is discharged, or there is a bad connection.