Jeep Wrangler Starter Location And How To Replace It

The starter controls the electrical power, and the motor and solenoid play the main role. It protects equipment and the operator and mainly protects the motor from high currents.

So, where is the Jeep Wrangler starter location? It is on the driver’s side, just below the left bank of cylinders. Over time it damages, and its replacement process is tricky but not complicated.

Read on, and we will discuss its location, function, replacement procedure, cost, and so on.

Jeep Wrangler Starter Location And How To Replace It?

Knowing the starter location of your vehicle is very important to replace or check it.

Starter location

A jeep wrangler starter station is easy to find. They are usually found below the left band of cylinders on the driver’s side of the motor.

How To Change the Starter of a Jeep Wrangler?

Usually, two bolts and two wires hold the starter, so replacing it is relatively easy. See what you need before you replace a starter.

  1. 10mm, 13mm, 15mm, and 16mm wrenches and socket
  2. Screwdriver
  3. Plier
  4. Torque wrench

Now follow the steps to replace the starter. The estimated time will require 1 hour.

➢  Step 1: Battery disconnection

Disconnect the battery before starting the replacement process.

➢  Step 2: Use support to lift the vehicle

Jeep Wrangler has enough ground space to work under it. If you still need extra space under it, use a lift to support it.

➢  Step 3: Locate the starter

You will find the starter on the driver’s side of the Jeep. Above the drive line, covered with a small heat shield to protect it. Disconnect two wires, a battery cable and an electrical plug with a 13mm socket.

Two bolts are still there; now disconnect them. Start with the bottom bolt with a 16mm socket and then the top with a 15 mm socket. Now you can easily remove the heat shield and starter.

➢  Step 4: Replace with a new one

Place the starter and secure it with bolts. Cover it with a heat shield and tighten the bolt. Now, reconnect it with solenoid wiring.

➢ Step 5: Reconnect the battery

Connect it to the battery and turn on the ignition button to check.

The Function of Starter

The primary function of solenoids is to transmit electricity from the battery to the motor to run it.

Solenoid uses significantly less electricity and works as a switch for the motor. The battery can’t transmit electricity directly as starter motors are powerful and need lots of electricity.

Likewise, the solenoid helps the pinion go front and back smoothly and attaches it to the flywheel before the motor starts. The engine is another vital part of the starter as it drives the flywheel and generates speed.

Typically, a starter motor is an electric motor that turns on the engine with the aid of a solenoid and battery. The engagement of pinion gear is the last component of the starter.

Magnetic force engages the pinion gear with the engine flywheel. Both are teethed components, but the flywheel is 15 times larger than the pinion gear.

Common Signs of a Bad Starter

A starter can die without any notice. However, some signs can help you to find a bad starter.

Engine won’t turnover

This is the most common sign of a bad starter as you turn on the key or push the starter and nothing happens. Burnt out motor or relay or any problem in the electrical system stops the starter. It’s better to consult an expert as another issue can cause it.

Unusual sound

If you hear new sounds like clicking, whirring, or grinding, know that your starter is about to fail. Worn-out starter components, flywheel rings, and gear failure can cause these sounds.

Smoke from the engine compartment

Sometimes, the vehicle won’t start, and you try again and again that causing the increased temperature of the electrical system.

The starter is part of the vehicle’s electrical system, and the continuous power supply overheats the starter and produces smoke. The possible causes can be short circuits or a blown fuse.

Intermittent operation

The starter sometimes works, and sometimes nothing happens when you try to start, known as intermittent operation.

Here the fact is, the starter relay can send total electrical current or absolutely nothing, and there is no in-between. The damaged relay also causes a clicking sound.

If you find intermittent operation and clicking sound, know that your starter may fail anytime.

The motor won’t start

The starter starts, but despite this, the motor fails to turn over. If this happens, a mechanical problem is forecasted, and the flywheel loses the connection with the gear.

Causes of a Faulty Starter

Here are some common responsible causes of a faulty starter.

  • Loose installation can damage the starter
  • Wear and tear over time and rough use
  • Faulty and stiff solenoid switch
  • Damaged electrical motor
  • Damaged fore wheel or the teeth of the starter pinion
  • Poor electrical connection
  • Lack of maintenance
  • Corroded battery terminals also cause a bad starter

Problems With Starters: How To Troubleshoot Them?

By following some easy steps in the designated place, you can identify the starter problem.

1. Check the battery connection

Open the hood and follow the battery’s positive connection to the starter. Look for abnormalities.

2. Observe the starter

Observe the starter and find two poles on one side. Test them for an electrical connection with the screwdriver. Lightly touch the starter a couple of times.

3. Perform a sound test

Turn on the ignition, and if it runs without any abnormal sound, the starter is fine; if you hear any clicking sound, replace it.

4. Connection check

Check all the electrical connections from the battery to the starter and the starter to the engine. Tight the loose one and replace it if necessary.

If the starter works and the Jeep is not starting yet, check for the alternator. Jumpstart will help you to get out of this problem in this case. If nothing works, contact mechanics; you may need to replace the starter.

How Long Does The Starter’s Shelf Life?

You can’t predict the starter’s life span. From the same brand, two starters will show utterly different results in terms of working time. It fails for every vehicle at some point, but you can tell before it stops working.

Mileage is not the standard presentation for calculating how long they will last. It can fail at 200000 miles or 30000 miles.

For 75000 miles low failure rate, but after coving this mileage, their failure increases. From a brand-new starter, 80000 starts are expected, which is vast.

When to Replace Or Repair The Starter?

If the starter’s little parts are damaged, the repair is OK. But some of the damaged parts need many parts and effort to repair.

If you calculate the repair cost and the pain involved, you will find that replacing the entire starter will be cost-effective and straightforward.

Starter Replacement Cost

Starter replacement cost may vary with factors like labor cost, rebuild starter, or brand new starter. Rebuilding a starter may cost you around $50 to $350.

On the other hand, replacing it with a new one may cost you $80 to $350. Replacing with an expert mechanic will cost you $150 to $1100.

The replacement also depends on the vehicle model, year, damage, and the nature of the vehicle’s make. Some starters can be replaced within an hour, while some are problematic and take a long time to replace.

Conclusion

The Jeep Wrangler Starter Location is right behind the driver’s side, and this knowledge will help to replace and check it.

Unusual noise will make you aware of a failing starter. No specific signs of mechanical failure, but overheating is the main reason for a damaging starter.

Jeep starter Replacing cost is between $80 to $350; if you have a good understanding of the wiring and electrical system of the Jeep Wrangler, you can do it by yourself. Otherwise, it is better to consult an expert.

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