Starter Switch
Starter Switch Guides
How to Replace Your Vehicle's Starter Switch
Your starter switch, also known as an ignition switch, is what activates the main electrical systems of your vehicle. It acts as a relay between your battery and the starter motor. It not only plays a crucial role in starting your engine, it also allows you turn on electrical accessories like your car radio and power windows. A problem with your starter switch will end up keeping your ride in the garage. With a few basic tools and mechanical skills, replacing your starter switch is an easy job you can do yourself.
Difficulty Level: Easy
Here's what you'll need:
- Wrench and socket set
- Replacement starter switch
- Vehicle owner manual
Step 1: Open the hood of your vehicle and use your wrench and socket set to disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal.
Step 2: Use your wrench and socket set to remove the nut holding your positive battery cable to your starter switch.
Step 3: Use your hands to pull off the wires from your starter switch. Take note of the position of each wire as you will need to reconnect them in the same way later.
Step 4: Loosen and remove the two bolts keeping your starter switch in place. In many vehicles, the starter switch is on the side of the engine compartment. Remove your old starter switch.
Step 5: Install your replacement starter switch by securing it in place with same two bolts you removed earlier.
Step 6: Reconnect the starter switch wires. Make sure they are in the same locations in which you found them.
Step 7: Reconnect the positive battery cable to your new starter switch.
Step 8: Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal. Close the hood of your vehicle.
Refer to your vehicle's owner manual for specifications that may require you to deviate from these general instructions.
