The starter motor on your Kia uses energy from the battery to turn the engine over mechanically for starting. This task puts a lot of stress on the pinion gear, which engages the engine flywheel. Eventually, the gear, armature, spring and other internal starter parts wear out and refuse to push-start the engine any more. If you find yourself in this situation, you can replace the starter on your Kia model following this guide.

Detach the black, negative battery cable using a wrench.

Remove the air intake system and any other components necessary to gain access to the starter motor, depending on your particular Kia model.

Raise the front of your Kia using a floor jack, if the starter motor mounting bolts are installed from the bottom. Then support the vehicle on 2 jack stands. Other Kia models have the mounting bolts installed from the starter or transmission side.

  • The starter motor on your Kia uses energy from the battery to turn the engine over mechanically for starting.
  • Raise the front of your Kia using a floor jack, if the starter motor mounting bolts are installed from the bottom.

Unbolt the wiring cover from the starter motor if your particular model is equipped with it. Use a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

  • Unbolt the wiring cover from the starter motor if your particular model is equipped with it.

Disconnect the battery cable and wire form the solenoid mounted on the starter. Use a wrench or ratchet and socket. If necessary, label and move the wires out of the way.

Remove the 2 starter mounting bolts using a ratchet, socket and a ratchet extension if necessary. Make sure to note the exact position of any shims, if equipped, installed between the starter and the mounting surface on the transmission. Installing the starter without its shim, or the wrong way, may lead to engine starting problems.

Manoeuvre the starter motor out of the engine compartment.

Position the new starter motor in place alone with its shim, if equipped.

Start the two mounting bolts by hand to prevent damage to the threads.

Tighten the two mounting bolts using the ratchet, socket and a ratchet extension, if necessary.

Connect the battery cable and wire to the starter solenoid with the wrench or ratchet and socket.

Bolt the wiring cover in place, if equipped.

  • Manoeuvre the starter motor out of the engine compartment.
  • Bolt the wiring cover in place, if equipped.

Lower the vehicle.

Replace the air intake system and any other components you had to remove to gain access to the starter motor.

Attach the black, negative battery cable using the wrench.