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Jeep Grand Cherokee 1993-2004: How to Replace Starter

Has the starter on your Jeep Grand Cherokee given up on life? Replacing it isn't a terribly hard task and is something you can do with the help of our step-by-step guide.

By Brett Foote - October 14, 2015

This article applies to the Jeep Grand Cherokee (1993-2004).

The starter is a small assembly with a motor inside of it that is attached to the side of the transmission with a gear that lines up with the engine's flywheel. When the starter is powered, it sends power through that gear, spinning the flywheel and forcing the engine to start. When the starter has issues, the magnetic field inside the assembly isn't able to transfer that power to the starter gear and spin the motor up. If you have an errant starter, you're pretty much stuck until you fix it or replace it. If you're really in a pinch and you need to get home, try whacking the starter really hard and then try starting the car again. Once you're safely home, it's time to start wrenching on the car.

Materials Needed

  • 15mm box wrench
  • 15mm socket
  • 3/8" ratchet
  • 1/4" ratchet
  • 13mm deep socket
  • Floor jack
  • Flat head screwdriver

Step 1 – Disconnect the battery

Before beginning, be sure and disconnect the battery to prevent any unpleasant surprises, since we are dealing with an electrical component.

Step 2 – Remove the starter

Remove the two 15mm bolts from each end of the starter. Lower the starter as much as possible so that you can access the 13mm bolt on the front of the starter that holds the power cable to it, and remove it. If you can't pull the wire off, use a flat head screwdriver to pry it a little and separate it from the starter. Disconnect the wiring harness on top of the starter. This can be tricky, as you must push out on the red plastic retainer before removing it. You can use a flat head screwdriver to help pry it out.

Removing the starter can be tricky as well, since there isn't much room underneath. To gain clearance, jack up the car underneath the control arm on the passenger's side and you should have enough room to remove it. If you are still having trouble gaining enough clearance to remove the starter, remove the wheel and tire from the front passenger's side and use a spring compressor tool to compress the spring. This should give you enough space to be able to slide the starter out.

  • Figure 1. Remove this 15mm bolt.
  • Figure 2. Next, remove this 15mm bolt.
  • Figure 3. Remove this 13mm bolt and the power wire.
  • Figure 4. Disconnect wiring harness from top of starter.

Step 3 – Install the new starter

Maneuver the new starter into place. Reconnect the wiring harness on top of the starter. Reinstall the two 15mm bolts and tighten. Reinstall the power cable and the 13mm bolt, which holds it in place. If you had to compress the spring or jack up the control arm, remove the tool, replace the wheel as well as tire, and lower the car back to the ground. Start the Jeep and make sure everything is working correctly.

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