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How to Replace the Starter Solenoid on a 1997 Saturn SC2

Saturn produced the SC2 coupe from 1997 to 2002. The vehicle was available with either an 8-valve 85 horsepower engine or a 16-valve 124 horsepower engine. The solenoid is actually part of the starter, and the starter assembly has to be removed, repaired or replaced as a single unit. The neutral safety switch, which prevents the engine from starting if the automatic transmission is not in park or neutral, is also part of the starter assembly, as is the clutch start safety switch for manual transmissions.

Instructions

Removing the Starter Assembly

1

Loosen and remove the negative cable from the battery with a box or socket wrench. Raise the front end of your Saturn with a jack and lower it onto jack stands.

2

Spray all of the electrical connections on the starter assembly with penetrating oil. Leave the oil on for a few minutes so it has time to soak into the threads.

3

Put a piece of masking tape on each electrical wire. Note on the tape the wires position on the starter assembly, using the felt marker.

4

Loosen all of the electrical connections on the starter assembly with a wrench and remove the wires. Push the wires so they will not interfere with the repair.

5

Loosen and remove the lower starter mounting bolt with a wrench. Loosen and remove the upper starter motor bolt with an obstruction wrench. If you dont have an obstruction wrench, you can reach the bolt through an opening in the intake manifold support bracket, provided you have a long extension for the socket.

6

Loosen and remove the bolt holding the starter motor rear support bracket to the Saturns frame, using a wrench. Rotate the starter assembly until it will clear the axle shaft support bracket. Pull it to the rear and out.

Replacing the Starter Assembly

7

Raise the starter assembly into place. Install and tighten the rear support bracket bolt with a wrench.

8

Install the upper starter motor bolt and tighten with a wrench. Install the lower starter motor bolt and tighten with a wrench.

9

Attach the wires to their electrical connections and tighten with a wrench. Make sure all connectors are free of dirt and grease.

10

Test the starter solenoid assembly by turning the ignition to crank the engine over. Lift the vehicle up with the jack, remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.