How to change the starter for a 2006 Subaru Impreza 2.5i Automatic
Changing a starter is a good way to get comfortable working on your car, because you have to buy the necessary tools to get the job done. You’re going to need an adjustable crescent wrench, flathead screwdriver, 12mm socket wrench, and a 14mm socket wrench. All of these combined will cost about $30-$50 depending on the quality of the tools. Also, you’re going to need a small mirror, and a flashlight always helps. On top of that, a new starter will range from $90-$120 depending on the particular store’s prices.
Diagnosing the problem is the next step. A broken starter will make a loud, rapid, clicking noise. If the engine feigns a start, it’s likely the battery is dead and you should try to find a way to jumpstart the battery. Sometimes a jump is not all you need; it may be time to get a new battery, which will start around $80 and go up depending on quality. If you jump the battery and continue having problems starting the car, it’s likely you’re going to need a new battery and starter. If you’ve replaced the starter and your car still won’t start, you’re definitely going to need a new battery. With that in mind, let’s begin!
First, pop the hood, disconnect the battery with a crescent wrench, and locate the clean-air intake. This is the big, black, plastic box on top of the center of the engine. There will be a white disconnection point coming out of the front left of the intake box attached to some wiring. This is the Oxygen sensor. Un-clip it from the hose and fold the wires back and out of the way. This may take a little force, but don’t be shy to yank on it.
Next, find the black clean air hose on the right side of the intake box. It will be secured with a pinch clamp. Pinch the clamp, disconnect the hose, and push it out of the way. Finally, remove the intake box from the main breather by unscrewing the fasteners on both sides with an adjustable crescent wrench and loosening the silver hose clamp located on the front of the box with a flathead.
Pull the box from the breather and bend the whole thing up and out of the way. This is really durable material that’s very flexible, so don’t be afraid to push it around and use a little force. Now you should be able to locate the burnt starter sticking out of the transmission on the right side.
To save a lot of aggravation and bruised knuckles, go ahead and remove the intake harness. This is the silver arm that the box was attached to on the right side. Unscrew both bolts with a 12mm socket wrench. Pull it out and set it aside, making sure to keep the bolts with the harness, so you can quickly and easily put everything back together.
Now let’s get that starter out of there! Disconnect the starter’s ground wire with a 12mm socket wrench. It will be the black wire that’s fastened to the top of the transmission. Next, remove the starter from the transmission by unscrewing the bolts on the top and underside of the starter with a 14mm socket wrench. You’re going to have to feel around on the bottom of the starter to locate the second bolt. Now, pull the starter out and turn it so that you can access its power-supply cables easier. Remove the power-supply cables with a crescent wrench.
That’s it! You’ve successfully removed your starter. Now you can bring it back to the store to have it tested. Most auto parts dealers have a machine to test if the starter is, in fact, burnt. If it is, you will be able to trade it in for a slight discount on your new part. But, you’re not out of the woods quite yet.
Before you start putting everything back together, take a mirror and give a quick look into the opening that is now exposed where the starter was. Examine the flywheel inside the transmission. If the teeth are rounded you may need a new flywheel, but they have to be really dull for any serious concern. Follow all of these steps in the exact reverse order to put everything back together, making sure to fasten everything tightly. Don’t forget to re-connect the battery, and remember not to leave any of your tools under the hood.
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