I recently bought an 89 sunbird, 2.0, auto, 113k miles.
A couple days after i bought it, the car broke down on me, which i believe was caused by the alternator. After i pulled over, i took the battery to auto zone and had them charge it. When i got back to the car the next day (with the charged battery) the car would just click when i tried to start it. Which would be the starter, right?
It sucks that both went at the same time but what can ya do?
Anyway, my question is, what is the best way to remove and replace the starter?
Any helpful tips?
Thanks alot.
Alex S I have a 1989 sunbird also, Last week my cooling fan stop working and so did the charging system.
The trouble was the fusible links on the starter .They didn't burn out they were corroded inside of the rubber that joins the two wires together.
I just tugged a little and they came right out. This is due to age and not because they shorted out. You're under the car anyway and to remove the starter
and these are the same wires that you would take off anyhow. If this is the case NAPA was the only ones to have them $3.99 .
Hmm, dont think its the wire. I've jiggled, and banged, nothing.
Has anyone ever changed the starter on one?
Changed the starter on my 94 sunbird 2.0L Mine is mounted behind the engine under the intake manifold. There are the usual wires to disconnect, then the lower bolt you can see from the bottom but the top bolt goes the other way from the transmission side and the starter has threads in it. Good luck hope this aint too late
While our old style Js have the fusible links a simple way to verify if it is the starter is to lightly tap it with a hammer to see if the armeture engages to turn the flywheel.If the starter then works it will in most cases point to starter wear and not the fusible links! I will say the fusible links if they are not blown could or may not even cause the clicking sound but,with corrosion as above post stated could be a factor.I Would tap the starter and if a hammer want fit use a long flat head screw driver placed on the starter and tap the solenoid end of it with a hammer and see if that makes any difference.It may or may not due to the contacts inside it are worn out,and being the age auto zone can bench test it but TO ME is a waste of time with the history not known I would replace it right off.It is your call and if you buy a new reman it will have a warranty and will rule out other problems if it persist.My recommendation.I hope this helps.
