I finally replaced my starter on my 2000 Chevrolet Impala LS(3.8 Liter V6). Over the last couple of weeks it had randomly picked times not to start. It would “click” and nothing else when the key was turned despite having a fairly new battery. It was apparent the starter was the culprit. For awhile it would start usually after several tries of turning the key until it hit a good spot. Finally though it finally wouldn’t start at all and it was time to break down and replace it.
I was originally was going to purchase one online but, I ended going to AutoZone because I waited too long to order one and needed one immediately. This is a new starter part #DLG9998S and was actually cheaper than a remanufactured one.
First you must jack up your Impala and place jack stands underneath. Set your emergency brakes and chock your wheels. You’ll also want to disconnect your battery before working on your starter.
The starter is located on the driver’s side just to front of the oil pan. The “engine cradle” structure makes it tough to get your hands there.If you read the Hayne’s repair manual(#24048) it first tells you to disconnect the wires from the terminal. This is impossible unless your contortionist since the wires are on top and are near impossible to reach by hand, never mind see what your doing.
Next you’ll be removing the plastic torque converter cover. There are two small pieces to remove. This requires a 10mm wrench to remove a total of 3 screws. The last one is a pain and is awkward to get to. Be patient.
Next you must remove the two bolts holding the starter in place. The first one you see is fairly easy to get to. They require a 15mm socket to remove. The second one located up a little higher may require the use of an extension to reach. As you reach the end of the second one you should try and have one hand holding the starter to prevent it falling on you and to prevent it yanking on the wires still connected to the solenoid.
I let mine hang down after getting the last bolt out. Now is time to disconnect the wires.
Out with old and in with the new.I connected the new wires and was ready to reinstall. It was mainly a reverse of what I just went over. The hardest part was lining up the starter bolts but, once the first bolt caught I was OK.
This is the new starter installed. After replacing everything it worked like a charm. It wasn’t too bad to do all together. It took me about two hours to do and I’m a novice at starters.
I posted this also because I found very little on replacing a starter in a front-wheel drive Impala. I thought this would be helpful to those looking for information. I welcome any questions or comments you might have. Feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for coming by and I hope you’ll come back.
Reference: Chevrolet Lumina, Monte Carlo & Impala (FWD) 1995 thru 2001 Haynes Repair Manual #24048 (2001)
