Rep Power: 0

Anyone have any advice? I watched a YouTube video showing the starter under the resonator box. I removed the resonator and didn't see a thing. Looked at a manual online and it said it was under the intake manifold? Anyone have any pictures or help to get this replaced?? Lost and need some guidance!

 
Rep Power: 518

USA SI, or Canadian SI?

What engine is in it? 1.7 or 2.0 ?

2.0 has the starter buried under the intake manifold.

 
Rep Power: 0

US si. Pretty sure it's a 2.0. Under the manifold is not good news. Any guides or videos? I didn't see anything on YouTube.

 
Rep Power: 518

No videos here, but it's replaced from under the car.

disconnect battery
Unplug knock sensor wire
remove manifold support bracket and move harness
remove cables from starter
2 bolts hold the starter on

DO NOT BREAK The knock sensor !

 
Rep Power: 0

So I figured I can't do it. I hired a mechanic. And says it's impossible to do without removing the intake manifold. He says there's no power going to the starter. Is there a way I can verify that? Mechanic wants to two 2 diagnostics that are 125 a piece. Feels superfluous. I asked him to take the starter out and test that he says we should start testing the wires. The rest of the car is fine no symptoms of electrical shorts. Any ideas how to test his hypothesis???

 
Rep Power: 518

The previous reply was info straight from the service manual. It did not say anything about removing the intake manifold.


If you understand how a starter works, how one is wired, and how to test it.

Google it

2 diag fees seems unreasonable. Guy is only diagnosing why it won't start, right?


Electrical testing to prove if the starter is or is not the actual problem would be wise. This should be done long before unbolting the starter.....but on a K engine access to do this right on the starter may be very limited. One may need to be creative to get testing accomplished.

 
Rep Power: 0

I was able to replace the starter but, it is very time consuming. After going thru 2 batteries and a clicking noise when I turned the key, the car would not start even with a jump. So I replaced the starter and the car runs fabulous. Here are the steps. First, you will need to remove the whole front bumper. There are videos on this. You may want to buy some extra bumper clips. These were very helpful when I had to put everything back together. You may want to get multiple plastic bags and mark where all screws and clips go throughout this whole process.. Second, remove the top bracket that holds the radiator. There is a couple screws on the top and one at the bottom. There are also a couple of large black brackets that help hold the radiator in place. Third, remove the hood latch on the hood. You will need this out of the way when you take the radiator out. Fourth, you have two ways to go. You can take the 2 radiator fans off individually. If you do so, there are 2 bolts on the top of each fan. Remove all four and disconnect the plugs. If you want to short cut, you can try to take the radiator and fans out all at once. Please note, you will need to add about a gallon and a half of fluid and you will need to burp the radiator when you put everything back together. Now, disconnect the bottom radiator hose and drain it in an oil pan or something similar. Next, remove the radiator electrical plug below. After, remove the top hoses and any hoses or plugs (coming of fans)- that will visibly being in the way. You should be able to lift up the radiator with both fans attached. It's a tight fit but, it will come out. You can always look up videos on how to remove a radiator if you are unsure. Please note, you are only removing the radiator and not the ac radiator. Fifth, remove the manifold bracket below. There is an order to remove bolts though. 2 bolts on the top part and one bolt below. You will figure it out. Sixth, lay a rag on the ac radiator and you should have clean access to the starter. Seventh, unplug any sensors around the starter. There is one nut on the starter that needs to be removed. Also, remove the small plug on the starter. Next, there are 2 bolts that hold the starter. The back one is long and the one in the front is shorter and is much easier to remove. Even though, you have access, you will need patience. Once you remove the starter, you may want to clean the area. Mine was really grimmy. Now, put everything back together going from step SEVEN throgh ONE. Lastly, MAKE SURE you have a magnet because you will most likely drop radom screws through out this process. Im sorry I don't have bolt sizes but, if you research , it may help you through the process. Finally, do your own research and you will defeat this giant task. A garage wanted to charge me $800-1200. I got a new starter from Pep Boys for $93 after core return. God bless I did it...!!!!

 
Rep Power: 223

When I replaced the starter on my '03 Si I just pulled the intake manifold off and removed the starter from the top. I'm sure it's probably just as much work.