How to replace the starter — Honda Civic 2020

Tools you'll need

• Ratchet
• 10 mm, 12 mm and 14 mm sockets
• Long extension bar
• Swivel socket
• Torque wrench

Parts you'll need

• New or remanufactured starter motor

Steps

1. Disconnect the negative battery terminalPark on a flat surface, set the parking brake, and open the hood. Disconnect the negative battery terminal first and tuck the cable aside.
2. Remove the engine cover and air intakeRemove the plastic engine cover, then loosen the clamps and lift out the air intake duct and the airbox top. The starter sits at the back of the engine, against the firewall, and clearing the intake is what gives you room to reach it.
   Tip: Take a photo of how the intake duct and hoses sit before you remove them.
3. Locate the starter at the back of the engineLook down behind the engine to find the starter, a cylinder-shaped motor bolted to the transmission housing. Confirm the new starter matches it in size and bolt pattern before you go further.
4. Disconnect the starter wiringDisconnect the small signal wire from the solenoid, then remove the nut holding the thick battery cable and move the cable aside so it cannot touch metal.
5. Remove the mounting bolts and lift the starter outRemove the two starter mounting bolts with a socket and a long extension. Support the starter with your other hand as the last bolt comes out, then wiggle the unit free and lift it out from above.
   Tip: If a bolt is hard to reach, a swivel socket on a long extension makes the difference.
6. Bolt the new starter inSet the new starter in place and start both bolts by hand so you do not cross-thread them. Tighten them to about 33 ft-lb with a torque wrench.
7. Reconnect the battery cable and signal wireReconnect the thick battery cable and tighten its nut, then plug the signal wire back onto the solenoid until it clicks.
8. Refit the intake, reconnect the battery, and testRefit the airbox, intake duct, and engine cover. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and turn the key. The engine should crank strongly and start right away, with no clicking and no warning lights.

Safety first

Disconnect the battery first. The thick cable on the starter is live and will weld a wrench to the engine block if it grounds out. The starter is heavy, so support it while you unbolt it. If you are not confident, have a qualified technician do this job.