Replace Starter - Chrysler Town & Country / Dodge Caravan

Рет қаралды 356,152

7 жыл бұрын

Starter for Chrysler Town & Country: amzn.to/2GbzbWK
BLOG: davewirth.blogspot.com/2017/03...
How to remove / replace / install the starter on your 2007 Chrysler Town and Country or Dodge Caravan. We realized the starter was bad when we turned the key and only heard a CLICK. Not tick, tick, tick, tick (which would have been a low battery). So we bought the starter with a coupon code for just $70, then installed it. Seeing that it was only 2 bolts we thought it was going to be fairly easy. Unfortunately we had to remove the radiator fan, plastic shroud, and frame rail just to remove the upper bolt.
So i hope this helps to explain how to remove the bolts which hold the starter in place. It's not the easiest job in the world but knowing the steps helps a lot.
(Disclosure Note: Please note that the Amazon link(s) above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link.)

Пікірлер: 153

@ghazwanghalib3866 4 жыл бұрын

What is the point of disliking? The man trying to help us. Big like bro .thank you.

@spyrothepurpledragon1828 4 жыл бұрын

I didn't dislike

@jhoodedbeast 5 жыл бұрын

I dont know whats more impressive..............replaceing the starter in 9 degree weather or recording in 9 degree weather..........great vid.

@kookie4nookie 2 жыл бұрын

The starter on our ‘01 town and country finally went out. We’ve been turning that key on faith for 3 months hahaha. Sometimes it’d take 5 tries, sometimes it start on the first try. Yesterday, went to do a grocery run, got out to the car and turned the key over 20 times before realizing it was finally done. Got the old starter out last night and have to finish putting in the new one today because of the rain. Thanks for the video!!

@jdkim6829 Жыл бұрын

can we replace only the solenoid and not the starter on this model?

@floydindursky2973 5 жыл бұрын

I Removed the fans as well! My big hands and 52 year old body needed the Room! I changed the starter on October 31st 2017 , a Carquest starter from Advanced auto which failed! It was covered under the Warranty ! I watched your video this morning and changed it again! Thanks for The Refresher class! GREAT VIDEO!

@crash41899 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. I just did my mom's 2007 and just like Fred I did it without removing fan and shroud or cross brace. It took hour and a half start to finish. Thanks again for the video!

@tcline8600 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your video man. Just completed the replacement this morning. Only took a couple hours because of you. You rock!!

@user-qk2fl8yj4n 4 ай бұрын

Outstanding video. Other videos seem to skip or not show how to remove the top bolt. It just magically happens. Your suggestion to remove the crossbar, shroud and fan allows space for the torque and leverage needed to break this bolt. Video angles and comments are greatly appreciated. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge

@fredyaniga 7 жыл бұрын

I was able to get those bolts off on my 2006 3.8 engine without removing the fan and the shield. It was not easy, but with extensions doable. Thanks for giving me the preview and confidence to give it a swing myself. Success on these projects is sweet.

@danielryan9076 5 жыл бұрын

How did it go? I'm giving it a try myself today via reverse engineering and this handy pocket video guide of course.....

@antonmark7425 Жыл бұрын

@@danielryan9076sdw

@patrickellis2626 10 ай бұрын

I removed it and installed the starter without removing the fans. Definitely a lot of up and down but sockets and box wrenches can do it

@mostlymoparih5682 6 жыл бұрын

I had the same tick tick noise you had but my noise was from the contacts for the solenoid. for about 15 bucks I replaced those contacts that was two or three years ago and starter still works great. I also swapped the ground wire to the bottom. The ground wire was a pain to get off so I swapped it in case I had to take the starter out again. I used a ratcheting wrench as you mentioned and a universal joint and did not take the fan out. Course I worked on mine in July and was able to lay on the ground to work. I've worked in the bitter cold on cars and it's no fun. Good video.

@toddfrancoeur4246 5 жыл бұрын

I was able to switch out the starter on my 2008 CTC 3.3 no problem at all. I was able to get to that top double bolt by taking removing the two transmission electrical leads and use a swivel extension to get around the two transmission cooling lines. Thanks for the video!

@gratefulnotdeadhead7857 3 ай бұрын

Brother, thank you! Your video made things very very simple. I appreciate you putting this up! I went ahead and removed the fan, shroud, and the bar before hand, probably took me a couple hours, I took a few breaks cause of wind and rain.

@richhenson8858 5 жыл бұрын

Good video, nice comments below!! The single click you were hearing was probably the solenoid slamming shut. The starter gear was probably not moving at all because the unit was NOT drawing current. I had the same issue today, the click was the electro-magnets in the solenoid slamming shut and allowing current to flow to the starter motor, which wasn't drawing any current because the fields were fried

@resenrob1 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. I don’t have fancy tools, so I did take the fan off but it wasn’t complicated or took long at all. Now my wife doesn’t have to worry about being stranded at the store and we saved a couple of hundred bucks. Again, thanks.

@effie_ladure Жыл бұрын

Best vehicle repair description and pics I’ve ever seen and I’ve been a diy car repair gal for almost 25 years! Man the best! Thanks 💪🏾

@nikolatesla5553 Жыл бұрын

You can replace the top bolt without removing the fan and the shroud with the right length of extensions on a socket wrench.

@theronsanderssr6115 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the diagnostics help to troubleshoot the problem. I will be servicing my sister's Van tomorrow .

@laundrupatton208 3 жыл бұрын

Yep! I did everything you did. I'm at the stage of removing the top 15mm bolt on the starter. I was out there for about an hour removing everything that you removed so I decided to just take my time. I put some PB Blaster on that top 15 mmmm bolt and I'll come back at it the next day I might have to buy a 15 mm deep well socket. I thought I had one but apparently I don't so that's something that's going to be added to my toolbox. I'll follow up with that top bolt when if it was hard to get off or easy the bottom Bolt was easy

@IvanGreebka 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video. I had a starter go out two weeks ago. Took it to a shop and within an hours time they had replaced the starter in the shop. I assume because they had it on the rack that is doable and easy enough (?) but the car is going back in the shop after it failed yesterday. I will be looking at the suppposed new starter today to see if it is a new starter. But I learned much from this video and I would take a shot at replacing it myself had I a garage/usable work space.

@DaveWirth 5 жыл бұрын

Ya it wasn't super hard, just a pain. Some people here have said that they removed the upper bolt without removing anything. We tried for 4 hours the first day and couldn't get it. Tried socket extensions, those swivel sockets, wrenches, nothing worked. Then the next day after removing the fan and stuff i removed the bolt in 5 minutes. But not everyone has a 15mm deep well socket.

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

Just did this today! Thank you for your video, it was invaluable in getting this job done! I can see why some people disagree with you about removing the fan. I've seen other videos where they get this done easily without taking off the fan. In my case though, my transmission is notably bigger and it does not allow for use of extensions, wobble extensions, universal joint or anything! Taking off the fan was easy, just as you said and only then was I able to swap out my starter. Thanks again!

@jdkim6829 Жыл бұрын

are we able to replace just the solenoid without replacing the starter motor? I damaged just the solenoid

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

@@jdkim6829 I got a whole starter for $149 - $40 for the core at autozone...I know that you can do that, but it would kind of be jerry-rigged, up to you though, as long as it doesn't bother you...

@gotredeemed 6 жыл бұрын

I was able to loosen the the top nut with 1/4 drives ratchet with deep well socket and extension. I sprayed PB Blaster on it first and let it soak. No front end disassembly was required.

@triniboi0314 4 жыл бұрын

Dean Winchell ya I don’t know y this guy couldn’t reach that bolt it’s easy

@TeNoArufa 4 жыл бұрын

@@triniboi0314 I know im late but he's also wearing multiple layers too so maybe his layered arms couldn't go down in there

@jeffreygriffith9803 3 жыл бұрын

@@TeNoArufa I totally agree plus it being freezing outside why take a chance on bustin up your knuckles when you can take a couple things off. lol

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

The vans all have different motors, starters, and transmissions! In my van, the extension would have to have gone through the transmission. Took out the fan in 15,minutes, cause of the electrical connections and I had all the room in the world to move my arms around to reach the bolts

@259Den3 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video. I had the same issue on my 2005 Grand Caravan (battery fully charged, single click when turning the key, intermittent starting). The Clinton Manual had incorrect instructions for starter removal. I was able to remove the starter top bolt with the fans in place. The only thing I had to remove was the electrical connection (shown in the video at 3:57) . I used a short 15mm wrench to remove the top bolt (about a 5" long wrench) which allowed access in the confined space. Could only rotate the wrench about 1/8 of a turn in this tight space. I have the 3.3 liter engine.

@DriftinDoug 2 жыл бұрын

Stupid Clinton Manual!

@KZ3W 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the clear and informative video . You explained in great detail . 👍 . May try my 2005 replacement this week.

@fredball5523 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video. done it your way on and off in 1 hour. had all the tools I needed on hand thanks to you .

@billyomdahl7870 2 жыл бұрын

Will I did it with out removing all that stuff. Had no problem putting in the new one. I did it out in the cold in Minnesota too. To teach there own I guess

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

@@billyomdahl7870 The vans all have different motors, starters, and transmissions!

@MrJustMio 4 жыл бұрын

i had the same prob when try turning the key over just clicked then i just removed starter without removing the radiator hoes or fans or support bar trial and error is key thanks tho you helped me find where the bolts were!!!

@jamesmcghee4171 6 жыл бұрын

A very informative clear video. Well made. Thanks.

@williamjohns5527 3 жыл бұрын

I removed the front motor mount and used a thru bolt socket and raget. had it out and back in and runing. round a hour 1/2

@glousy8300 2 жыл бұрын

Just did this. Follow this guidance for that bottom bolt. For the top bolt don't take half the van apart. There's a module (probably transmission control module) getting in the way. The electrical connector for this module is secured with an 8 mm bolt. Remove this connector and you have clearance to get right on the starter bolt. ..... Not a super easy starter but still a kind of easy one

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

Electric connector wasn't a problem for me, my transmission itself was in the way. I had to take off the fan, just like he said, didn't take more than 15 minutes to take off all of that.

@jdkim6829 Жыл бұрын

can I replace just the solenoid and not the starter for this generation town&country?

@glousy8300 Жыл бұрын

@@jdkim6829 I don't remember the exact assembly. As a professional mechanic though, I can tell you generally that it is usually possible to just replace solenoid, though it's rarely done because it's a little more work, doesn't save you all that much, and increases chances that you'll be addressing the starter in the future. I'd only do that move if I was real low on cash

@nelsonhernandez2513 3 жыл бұрын

I didn’t take any fans out no shroud out used an existent ion on a 13mm deep well socket and the a 15mm deep well for top bolt. Bottom loosened it enough and got it out the rest of the way by hand. Putting it back was harder than taking it out.

@DriftinDoug 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks. You saved me a lot of heartache, thinking I could do it myself without a hoist and ratchet wrenches.

@jdkim6829 Жыл бұрын

are we able to replace just the solenoid?

@Rosman1974 4 жыл бұрын

On my 2010 it was super easy to change out

@christyadmire6583 6 жыл бұрын

Thank you, this was so helpful!

@dallasthompson5256 6 жыл бұрын

Swivel socket got the top bolt out didn't take anything off

@ChiefTuna 4 жыл бұрын

Same I had no issues

@nates2914 4 жыл бұрын

Same

@alexanderquilty5705 3 жыл бұрын

I used a longer extension, I had taken what I thought was the hard bolt from the top but it was actually the bottom bolt 😂 I did take the shroud and frame off though just for less struggle. I wasn’t too worried about stripping the bolts, they actually came off extremely easily, what took majority of my time was that damn electrical connector, and lining the starter back up to put it back in the transmission since it is in such a Shute spot. (Damn you Chrysler!)

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

@chipsahoyandoreos Жыл бұрын

Swivel 15?

@frankdenardo8684 3 жыл бұрын

I have a 1998 Chrysler Grand Voyager. What is the procedure for replacing the starter motor

@isaachill3869 5 жыл бұрын

You look like JJ Watt from the side lol. Good video!

@terrellscaife2411 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you I’m doing the exact same job and you definitely help to go a lot smoother for me👍🙏😊

@jdkim6829 Жыл бұрын

can we replace just the solenoid and not the starter motor on our town and country?

@terrellscaife2411 Жыл бұрын

Anything‘s possible if you can find the parts but if you’re going through all that trouble, just change the entire starter

@JS-wl3gi 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I have the same problem. Saved me several hundred bucks.

@jdkim6829 Жыл бұрын

can I replace just the solenoid and not the motor on our model?

@jasonkeen7108 3 ай бұрын

On stud you can use 15mm deep well and medium extension 4" all 3/8 drive

@jameslove7091 4 жыл бұрын

So you did all this in order to put a new starter in ? I was a pain in the ass and slow going but it seems you did more work then you had too . But it would be easier not to have too get around Evey thing, it take a long time doing it how I did it , but you have to take your time slowly remove bolts and it's so tight your likely gonna have to stop alot due to hand cramping. I just got done pulling mine out now the installation, , thanks for the video even though I new what I was doing , it was perfect way for me to not forget the little thing !!

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

@joeydee8902 Ай бұрын

Do you think you could have gotten the difficult bolt off with a universal joint/swiveling ratchet?? Im about to do this in the 95-degree heat, and I am trying to make it as painless as possible lol .. thanks!

@DaveWirth Ай бұрын

People below in the comments said that they were able to remove it without taking off the fan and everything. So it's definitely possible. We tried for over an hour, with different extensions and swivels and just couldn't get it. Then after removing the fans to make space, it came off in 5 minutes. So i would say - try to remove it with the swivel ratchet, but if that doesn't work - remove stuff to give you more room.

@escottcarp 5 жыл бұрын

Did you change the starter from on top of the engine or from below the engine. I don’t see the vehicle on jack stands and just wonder.

@DaveWirth 5 жыл бұрын

Changed it from underneath. And no we didn't use jack stands, just crawled underneath.

@machew2009 3 жыл бұрын

The tick is actually usually the solenoid that you are hearing not the gear hitting the flywheel that is usually more of a clunk

@bobpaulino4714 25 күн бұрын

The 'tick' may be the solenoid energizing and pulling in rather than the Bendix engaging with the flywheel. Two different 'ticks' -- Good luck. Look at 1A Auto and Rock Auto.

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

For all the KZfaq know it alls...The vans all have different motors, starters, and transmissions! Your van might be different, but this way will definitely work for all vans!

@joshjourdan4357 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the help man!

@richhenson8858 4 жыл бұрын

The "tick" was probably the ehe electromagnet in the solenoid slamming shut...

@MrAjusog 7 жыл бұрын

2nd bolt is easy if you use a straight extension, you didnt need to remove all that stuff. With an extension, your socket has room between the engine and the battery area

@donniecahill5243 6 жыл бұрын

AJ Usog Right? He turned a 15 minute job into a 3 hour project taking everything off and breaking shit. Typical wannabe mechanic.

@259Den3 6 жыл бұрын

I had to use a wrench. The transmission cooler lines (in the video at 4:09) would block the extension. I tried a combination of extension and universal joint and couldn't get leverage.

@donniecahill5243 6 жыл бұрын

No need for any of that, just a shallow 6 point socket, 10" extension and the ratchet. The transmission lines give enough to get that onto the bolt, not hard at all

@nickskaruppa5506 6 жыл бұрын

This is why I KZfaq first.. thanks for the comments guys!

@yeorgosyeorgos9587 6 жыл бұрын

Deep socket and 3" worked for me. Got the ratchet between the transmission lines, and underneath the one.

@jdkim6829 Жыл бұрын

are you able to replace just the starter solenoid without replacing the starter motor on town&country 2007?

@DaveWirth Жыл бұрын

Maybe??? We just bought the whole started, not sure if they sell just the solenoid by itself

@escort500xlr 6 жыл бұрын

If there's actually a stub, or pin, for the 'empty' hole to go onto, the stub is an alignment pin. I would bet that using extensions for the top bolt would eliminated the need to remove all those other parts. Just saying. Been there, done that. Upwards to 12 inches or longer extensions.

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

My starter used three bolts and no extensions were needed or could be used in my van, fan had to come out though....

@keepinit1hunnid448 9 ай бұрын

Just letting you know that you don't lift the tab on the fan clip you push it in/down.lolThats why you snapped it

@wongjuan1 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the video ...

@doelife 6 жыл бұрын

Sometimes it's just the solenoid hey another one & easy fix!!.

@fcweddington 4 жыл бұрын

Ty! Amazing!

@spykedenterprises 6 жыл бұрын

Excellent video very informative and complete thank you very much.

@tinman3000 4 жыл бұрын

Got everything done and the solenoid connector doesn't fit. Apparently 2004 was a transition year for the Dodge Caravan. I'm totally clueless about cars... is there any way I can doctor the old one to fit in the new housing?

@jasonyoung3200 3 жыл бұрын

Ran into same problem. Connected everything back up only to find that the wire connections don't match up. Should be an easy click in place part, but no such luck. Is there a way to replace the wiring end on the old connector? Or do I have to look for a different starter. Advance Auto claimed it should fit on my 2004 Town & Country, but... shrug? Has anyone else run into this? and What did you do?

@tinman3000 3 жыл бұрын

@@jasonyoung3200 I wound up selling my Caravan before I got this sorted but apparently you can just get a standard clip, cut yours off and splice the new one. I never got to try it and I'm not mechanic but a couple of garages I talked to said it was an easy fix.

@normalspider 6 жыл бұрын

I know that there were different engines options, BUT I do not know if the positions in the same. they at not be. maybe the video should have stated what engine he has.

@wgreen8808 4 жыл бұрын

That's exactly what I'm trying to figure out. Mine has a 4.0 in it and I'm trying to figure out if this one has a 4.0 or 3.8 in it.

@NPYRED 3 жыл бұрын

thank you very informative

@michaeldistelrath8190 Жыл бұрын

Ok guys you do not have to remove anything that's not the starter for the top bolt use a 15mm stubby wrench and you will be fine I didn't remove any extra stuff and it took 10 mins to get that bolt out.

@jdkim6829 Жыл бұрын

are we able to replace just the solenoid without replacing the motor? I damaged just the solenoid

@devast8sjl 4 жыл бұрын

Not sure about the 2007, but I can tell you that for a 2003 you absolutely do NOT need to take the fan assembly out to replace the starter. Had zero issues taking top double bolt out with proper tools. Might save yourself some time and try removing bolt without tearing the front of the van apart.

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

Your van is definitely different, top bolt wasn't even a double bolt for mine. Taking out the fan made the job of taking out the starter, super easy

@willytehiwi9966 3 жыл бұрын

I pulled it out and put it back put new one back in. Without having to taking any of the stuff you pulled off and just using extension and a 13mm n 15mm sockets and spanners and I got them in and out with in under 45 mins tops.

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

The vans all have different motors, starters, and transmissions! In my van, the extension would have to have gone through the transmission. Took out the fan in 15 minutes, cause of the electrical connections and I had all the room in the world to move my arms around to reach the bolts...my starter had three bolts!

@jdkim6829 Жыл бұрын

question. can i replace just the solenoid and not the motor?

@charc.7819 4 жыл бұрын

Great video,, thanks

@shawne7228 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the video

@MasteringMayhem 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the info. Now I really don’t want to do it 😩. But I will because I have to 🙂✅

@TheSinisterElf 4 жыл бұрын

i change them without taking shroud or fans out

@BigSkidMedia 3 жыл бұрын

Suggest putting the engine in the description.

@jaywholoveseveryone1721 4 жыл бұрын

OMG! Thank you soooooo much for making this video. I have been searching for days for info on this. Gotta do mine this weekend. You, Sir, are a gift! ♥ .•:*¨¨*:•. ♥

@nickiminaj6816 7 жыл бұрын

hello i like your videos i subbed

@troyv.rickman5550 4 жыл бұрын

If you crawl underneath the vehicle there would be no disassembly nessesary.

@peterswanson2680 4 жыл бұрын

25 minutes without taking anything else off. As long as you can jack the car up, and get underneath to access the bottom bolt it's not hard. You must, of course have the right tools, and make sure to use jackstands.

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

The vans all have different motors, starters, and transmissions!

@pono321 5 жыл бұрын

That starter looks like shit that would of been the second sign hahaha

@shawnrichards1280 6 ай бұрын

Seems.easier to get it from.under by removing the bracket and mount

@jaredj631 5 жыл бұрын

What year is your van?

@DaveWirth 5 жыл бұрын

2007

@mongomay1 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@jdkim6829 Жыл бұрын

can we replace just the solenoid and not the starter motor on our town and country?

@mongomay1 Жыл бұрын

@@jdkim6829 The amount of work it takes to replace the whole unit compared to part of it is your justification for the amount of time to cash you have available. Theses starters and solenoid contacts seem to have a short life cycle. Watch a few of the rebuild videos on these vehicles.

@Bob42000 Жыл бұрын

2022 now.the stater cost 250bucks us

@mipassionanime Жыл бұрын

It's 150 in Arizona

@jdkim6829 Жыл бұрын

can we replace just the solenoid and not the starter motor?

@croll5947 2 жыл бұрын

Went from the bottom of van and replaced it in no time. I'm not a mechanic either. Just a handyman. Lol

@chipsahoyandoreos Жыл бұрын

Lol he doesn't say what trim model or which engine. The town and country has 3 different size engines. This seems to be the same as a 2008 3.8L

@6104cday 4 жыл бұрын

Don't have to take all that stuff off. Fan shoude all that. Can do it without doing all that

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

@1loveyou_4ever 5 жыл бұрын

No need to take all those stuff out all I need is an extension and it's all done

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

@SteveScanlon-df2ng 2 ай бұрын

My comment is I have a 2006 Chrysler Town and country and none of the stuff has to come off just move the water hose out of the he way

@bradley1995 3 жыл бұрын

Don't pull up on the clips. Push down. Did that on one and now can't get the little fucker off. Got all but double nut off. Extensions aren't helping. Might have to remove. If you can get the right size extension you don't have to pull fan off etc. Thanks for the video

@jdkim6829 Жыл бұрын

question, fellow town&country owner, are we able to replace just the solenoid and not the motor? I damaged just the solenoid

@magoodada 5 ай бұрын

Theyre now 180.00 but thank you

@josephaimaro1239 4 жыл бұрын

Just need the right tools it would only take 20 mins with the pass through wrenches 💁🏽‍♂️

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

@kMaxRx 10 ай бұрын

The starter is $239 now.

@intelin123 5 жыл бұрын

Good job man thanks. Real mechanics dont take the time to make a vudeo like you did. So fuck all the real mechanics

@Carlitos283 4 жыл бұрын

What a joke, how the hell do you take the starter out of there, you didn’t show anything about that....

@GentlemanAlways117 2 ай бұрын

Not true at all. Yiu have remove the fan etc to remove that bolt. Just did my 2003 chrysler town and country starter. Your video is misleading.

@Ve.Glorius 27 күн бұрын

I didn’t remove the fan. I went under and removed the last top bolt from the top. I started it at the bottom and finished taking it out at the top. I didn’t remove anything but the bolts and the starter.

@wayneamburgey9049 4 жыл бұрын

if you're a welder you can make a tool for anything

@TheGeno2001h 2 жыл бұрын

Brother I did it today you don’t have to move all of that’s stuff your waisting a lot of your time

@pedroariza3436 Жыл бұрын

@audyitter9637 4 жыл бұрын

Chrysler/Dodge is no longer an American Company. It's now Fiat Chrysler Automotive of europe. It took 12 days just to get a warranty covered replacement starter for my 2019 Dodge Grand Caravan= unacceptable.