How to Remove the Starter From a 2005 Volvo S40

The Volvo S40 was introduced in 1995. The 2005 Volvo S40 base model featured a 168-horsepower in-line 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. A 2.5-liter turbo in-line four-cylinder was available in the upgraded models. The starter on the 2005 S40 engages the flywheel to turn the engine over and helps start the combustion cycle. Dead spots or burnt spots that conduct no electricity are common issues with these automotive starters. Starter solenoids not engaging the starter body is also common.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the S40 by driving it onto vehicle ramps, or using a floor jack. Place jack stands beneath both side frame rails if using a jack. Raise the hood on the Volvo. Remove the positive and negative cables from the battery, and tuck them to the side securely. Lay beneath the front of the S40 and slide yourself in position to remove the starter from the front driver's side of the engine, toward the bottom.

2

Remove the starter wire hold-down nuts from their posts, using a ratchet and socket. Make a mental note of which post on the starter solenoid holds the positive (red) starter wire. The starter wires need to be installed identically on the new starter solenoid. Remove the starter wires from the solenoid by hand.

3

Remove the starter mounting bolts from the transmission housing, using a ratchet and socket. Place your hand beneath the starter while removing the second bolt to ensure the starter does not sag and possibly cause damage to the flywheel teeth. Pull the starter out horizontally from its mounting hole, then remove the starter from the vehicle completely.

4

Install the new starter horizontally into the transmission housing. If the old starter was equipped with a shim plate between the starter and the transmission, install the plate first. Tighten the starter mounting bolts to 25 foot-pounds, using a 1/2-inch drive torque wrench and socket.

5

Install the starter wires onto the new starter solenoid. Tighten the starter wire tie-down nuts with a ratchet, until they are snug. Do not torque the nuts, or you will spin the wire posts and ruin the new starter. Step out from beneath the car once you have tightened the starter mounting bolts and starter wire nuts.

6

Install the positive and negative battery cables back onto the battery. Tighten the cable tie downs until they are snug, with a ratchet and socket. Turn the ratchet a quarter turn farther on each tie-down to acquire the appropriate 7 to 10 foot-pounds of torque needed (108 inch-pounds).

7

Raise the vehicle off of the jack stands, and remove the stands from beneath the car. If you used ramps, start the vehicle and drive the vehicle off of the ramps.