LS1TECH - Camaro and Firebird Forum Discussion

Camaro and Firebird: How to Replace the Starter

If your car only cranks once and won't start, you probably have a bad starter. This article will show you how to replace one.

By Jared Hammond - March 4, 2016

This article applies to the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird (1990-2002).

So your car won't start, do you have a hammer? An odd beginning for sure, but if you suspect a wonky starter, try tapping it with a hammer or mallet and then try to start the car. If that gets it going, congrats, you're not stranded, but that means your starter is dead and needs replacing. A bad or failing starter will make unusual noises and could even spark or smoke. If it ever gets to that point, you need to replace it right away. Don't worry. It's not that hard to replace the starter if you know how to approach it.

Camaro and Firebird How to Replace Starter

Materials Needed

  • Replacement starter
  • Ratchet with socket set and extensions
  • Jack and jack stands

Step 1 – Lift the car

Begin by disconnecting the negative (black) terminal on the battery. Then lift the car with a jack and set it on jack stands.

CHEVROLET CAMARO FIREBIRD F-BODY LS1 LT1 V8 STARTER REPLACEMENT REMOVAL HOW TO
Figure 1. Lift the car and set it on jack stands.

Step 2 – Remove the old starter

Go underneath the car and locate the starter at the back of the engine on the passenger's side. While it may look like the exhaust is in the way, it's possible to remove the starter without removing the exhaust. There is a heat shield around the starter. Undo the bolts on the heat shield and remove it.

With that out of the way, go ahead and unbolt the battery cable, disconnect the ground cable and the electrical connector from the starter. Remove the two long mounting bolts on the bottom of the starter. Make sure you're holding onto it when you remove the last bolt so it doesn't fall. Once it's loose, maneuver it out and away from the engine. You may need to rotate the starter to get it past some pipes, but there should be just enough space to get it out.

  • CHEVROLET CAMARO FIREBIRD F-BODY LS1 LT1 V8 STARTER REPLACEMENT REMOVAL HOW TO
    Figure 2. Front of the starter.
  • CHEVROLET CAMARO FIREBIRD F-BODY LS1 LT1 V8 STARTER REPLACEMENT REMOVAL HOW TO
    Figure 3. Disconnect the battery cable.
  • CHEVROLET CAMARO FIREBIRD F-BODY LS1 LT1 V8 STARTER REPLACEMENT REMOVAL HOW TO
    Figure 4. Remove the starter mounting bolts.

Pro Tip

If you're having trouble getting enough clearance for the starter, you can try applying grease to the starter to help it get past tight spaces. Just make sure to clean it up after you're done.

Step 3 – Install the new starter

Reversing the previous step, move your new starter into position and hand-tighten the mounting bolts evenly. Reconnect your battery wire and the ground wire fastening down the bolt for the battery wire. Reconnect the electrical connector. Reinstall the heat shield and the bolts that go with it. Then reconnect the battery and test the ignition. If everything went correctly, the new starter will crank.

CHEVROLET CAMARO FIREBIRD F-BODY LS1 LT1 V8 STARTER REPLACEMENT REMOVAL HOW TO
Figure 5. Install new starter.

Pro Tip

Be careful not to mix up the wires. If you connect the wires incorrectly, it could damage the starter.

Featured Video: Starter Replacement Camaro (1995-2002)

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