Hi,

my girlfriend has a 97 SL1, and the starter jams. I can't see the car right now and I can't find any infoon how to change a starter.

Is it something that can be doneat homewith regular tools, without taking the whole front end appart? (I might be exagerating a little here [img]smileys/smiley17.gif[/img]). Any particular tools needed?

Thanks! Edited by: streetgrind

 

Is it a manual or automatic? I just went outside and looked at my 92 SL1 (same engine)with a manual tranny and it looks like the hardest part is just getting to it.... it's on the top of the trans. and right underneath the airbox and intake manifold. It should only take some sockets and ratchet to get off; it's just a matter of getting to it.


anyone on here with actual experience taking one off?

 

Ok great! To answer your question, her car's manual, so I guess like you said, it's just a question of getting to it. Thanks for taking the time to take a look under the hood.

 

OK, I thought I'd post the pictures here, so anyone with a similar situation can check it out.Anyway, the space was so confined I was having trouble getting a good picture without removing parts from my car. (These pics are taken from the drivers side, and looking down.) I've labeled the pictures to give a feel for the orientation.


[img]uploads/STurn/3BC65_UnderHood1.JPG[/img]


[img]uploads/STurn/46C4C_UnderHood2.JPG[/img]-


Right where things start to get black in the 1st pic is where the starter lives. If all else fails, simply follow the red cable labeled in the second picture and just like magic, you'll find the starter!


-S-Turn-

 

Thanks a lot! It's a lot of help!Tomorrow morning I'll get to it. I'll give you an update (and for anyone else who might need the info). The bad part is : the temperature around here is about -20°C (-4°F) these days (I'm in Montreal, Canada) and I'll beworking outside alone [img]smileys/smiley5.gif[/img].. so I'll have to be patient andcover up withthick layers of clothing.

Update coming up!

 

Well, here's my update :

As is turns out, I didn't even need to install the new starter. The problem was rusted and dirty terminals and nuts on the starter and solenoid. A little battery terminal cleaner and a metal brush, a little tightening and voilą!Since thefirst start, which was a little sluggish (and the car haden't moved in about 2-3 days at very very cold temperatures)the car just starts up really good now.

Access to the starter was almost impossible from top. I jacked the car and slid under for better access, but even then, let's just say I'm lucky I didn't have to remove the starter, cause getting to the 2nd bolt (behind the starter) was almost impossible or a lot of hassle if you have the right ratchet setup (a swivel socket and a couple of extensions would be neededI'm prettysure!)

Thanks again S-Turn for the help and pictures!