Where Is the Starter Located? (And Why It Matters!)

The starter is a crucial component located between the transmission and engine, often found under the left cylinder bank. In rear-wheel drive cars, it’s usually positioned beneath the exhaust manifold on the passenger’s side.

Before locating or working on the starter, always disconnect the battery’s negative terminal for safety. This guide covers everything you need to know about where the starter is located, steps to find it easily, whether it uses AC or DC voltage, and its typical lifespan. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just learning, this expert guide provides clear, practical advice.

What Is A Starter?

A little motor that is powered by a battery is called a starter. The engine of your car runs through the starter. In between the battery and the starter motor, there is a starter relay that transfers power. A faulty starter relay and motor will prevent your vehicle from starting, meaning you may need to call for a tow.

Where Is the Starter Located?

The starter motor in your vehicle can be tricky to find, depending on the engine and transmission layout. In a front-wheel drive car, SUV, or truck, you’ll typically spot the starter between the engine and the transmission. It’s often near the left cylinder bank, on the driver’s side, close to the flywheel or flex plate teeth attached to the engine block.

In some Toyota or Lexus models, it might even be under the intake manifold in the valley of the cylinder heads. For rear-wheel drive vehicles, the starter motor usually sits beneath the exhaust manifold on the passenger’s side. On top of that, certain models like the 2007 Ford Focus have the starter mounted in front, above the oil filter. Meanwhile, Honda prefers to mount theirs under the intake manifold, meeting the oil pan level.

Tips On How to Access the Starter Motor

Accessing the starter motor can vary greatly depending on the vehicle model, and from my experience, it’s crucial to know what you’re dealing with beforehand. On certain platforms like the Chevy S10, the starter can be almost inaccessible, making it hard to even see. 

Thorough research is necessary to determine the exact location before you even begin. In Honda models with four-cylinder engines, you may need to remove the intake manifold, as the starter sits low at the front. For a 2007 Toyota Tundra V8, the starter is mounted on the right side, toward the back, and this job may require extensive labor time at a dealer (often over five hours) since parts like the exhaust and heat shields need to be removed. 

Always disconnect the battery first to stay safe. To access the starter, you’ll likely need car jacks to lift the vehicle and reach the underside. Use the correct sockets that match the size of the bolts and hex nuts to securely handle the job.

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How To Find a Car Starter Location?

After reading our answer to this question, you will be able to find where is the starter located on your car.

Here are a few steps:

Step 1:

Insert the key in your car, and while the key is inserted in the car, open the bonnet of your car. Look and observe any clicking noise coming from under the bonnet of your car, then search for a secured cylindrical object close to the engine.

There, the starter located may held by two or more hex bolts; that is where the starter motor is located.

Step 2:

Trace and find the positive battery cable. A red wire should be connected to the positive terminal. It is possible to apply a rubber coating if the car is of the latest design.

Step 3:

Continue to follow the wire until it reaches the pole connection. This pole is the element of the starter. It is located near the edge of the cylinder and has various cables that connect to other electric parts of the car.

The starter will be unique with its cylindrical shape. It consists of two unequally sized cylinders, one bigger than the other. You will see that one of them is like a solenoid, while the remaining one is the starter.

FAQS

Where is the starter usually located?

The starter is usually on the passenger’s side below the exhaust manifold for RWD vehicles, and on the driver’s side above the transmission or under the intake manifold for FWD vehicles.

Are starters AC or DC?

The starter uses an electromagnetic coil that gets energized to handle the switching process. This coil triggers the main contacts, or poles, of a contactor, allowing the contacts to open or close. 

The nominal control voltage of the coil can either be AC or DC, depending on the specific design and requirements of the vehicle’s system. Typically, starters in cars use DC voltage, as it matches the battery output, but in industrial settings, AC voltage can also be used.

Where is the starter circuit located?

The location of the starter circuit can differ based on the vehicle type and model. In most cars, you’ll find the start relay inside the fuse box, sometimes called the power box, usually placed under the hood.

 It might also be located behind the instrument panel, near the fuse panel, or even on the right fender. Many modern vehicles house the starter relay in a large box with a black lid, making it easy to identify during inspection.

How long do starters last?

On average, the lifespan of a starter in a car, truck, or utility vehicle ranges from 100,000 miles to 150,000 miles. It’s good to plan for a replacement around this mileage, but it could last longer if well-maintained.

 According to C&C Automotive, there are usually signs that the starter is going bad before it completely dies. Listen for unusual noises or slower cranking, as these can indicate that the part might be failing soon.

Where do you find a starter motor?

The starter motor is typically located at the back of the engine, towards its lower part, near the housing that holds key components of the engine system. When the key is turned or the ignition is started, this active part begins the process, engaging immediately as the driver starts the car

The starter is designed to be in motion as soon as the vehicle is started, ensuring the engine kicks into action smoothly.

How does a starter work?

When you turn the ignition switch, an electromagnet inside the starter’s body gets activated. This engages a rod with a pinion attached to it. The pinion then connects to the flywheel, allowing the starter motor to turn. 

As it turns, it spins the engine, which begins sucking in air and mixing it with fuel to start the combustion process. This quick action ensures the engine fires up smoothly and your vehicle gets moving.