2.4L starter

[SunfireGT]

1998, 2.4L, 5-speed.

I've recently had to jump start it because the starter won't turn. I can't even find the bloody thing. Any help?

[GTP Dad]

Look just to the right of the throttle body toward the bottom of the engine. The starter should be right in front, it is attached to the bell housing. Are you sure your problem isn't battery related since the starter worked when you jumped it!

[SunfireGT]

I'm not sure, but everything that's battery related seems to working fine, radio, lights, ignition, etc.

[GTP Dad]

The starter draws a lot of power when turning the engine over. If the battery is weak then it may power all the accessories but not the starter. Check all the connections as well as the connections at the starter. The wiring on the 2.4L starter sometimes burns through due to heat and can cause similar problems.

[SunfireGT]

I jump started it this morning, and took it to my shop, and after about an hour of careful inspections, it turns out it was the switch that draws power to the starter, not the starter itself. The switch, located in the steering column, had a few plastic moving knobs which melted. $90 CND, and $50 labour took care of it. I hate this car.