How do you replace a starter in a Chrysler Town and Country Minivan?

Question

My town and country whines and screams and is hard to start. I believe it may be the starter starting to go. Is the job simple enough for me to do myself with basic tools?

Answer 1

I'd hire a mechanic to do the work, it can be a pain

Answer 2

Yes it can be done by a home mechanic who is mechanically inclined.

Removal and installation directions with pictures can be found here:

http://www.autozone.com/servlet/UiBroker?ForwardPage=/az/cds/en_us/0900823d/80/1a/3b/0a/0900823d801a3b0a.jsp

Take the starter into a parts store to have it tested before purchasing a new one to be sure it is indeed the starter motor that has gone bad!

Some key important notes:
Just make sure you disconnect the battery before starting to work on it or you may be in for a nasty shock if you ground yourself.

Never let the starter motor hang by the electrical wiring!

Make sure your care is on secure jack stands before working on it!

Answer 3

fairly easy....
1) disconnect battery terminals so you don't shock yourself
2) jack up, put jackstands, and crawl under van
3) disconnect electrical connections on starter
4) unbolt starter - usually only 2 bolts

At this point I would take the old starter to Autozone or Kragen and have it tested. Besides, there is usually a core charge for the new starter, so you have to take the old one in anyway.

5) bolt in new starter
6) re-connect electrical on starter
7) re-connect battery terminals
8) lower van to ground

not too many tools required

Answer 4

Pretty simple with a little mechanical apptitude. Probably don't need much more than a simple socket set with a hand driver an 3/8 drive sockets. Hand driver is for wires on selenoid.

Answer 5

I wish to ask the same question as the previous person.

Answer 6

I was interested to know this as well

Answer 7

Well, it depends..