starter problems

[getfreshco]

my 2004 malibu wont start...judging by the clicking sound when i try to start it...its the starter..my question is... is this an easy fix to to put a new starter in or should i have a mechanic do it?....

[bcopeland]

It is easy - it is under the driver side and held in by two bolts.

[Speedy_1234]

Before you drop it does it do only a clicking sound, does it try to turn on, is the battery good, are the cable tight, on the battery and the starter, if you check all the following and still no chance well dop the starter and take it to autozone(if where you live you have one) to check it tell tell you for free (well, where i live)

[Streetwise]

This may be unrelated to your starter problem, but after you check all the other possibilities like the battery and loose cables, (which is good advice), look into your oil sending unit which is above the starter. It's a little plug that deals with oil pressure. It has an electrical plug as well. Sometimes, because of the metal to plastic construction and age, they leak oil and can head right towards the starter. I had one go bad and it made the starter work harder. And I lost alot of oil. Threw in some dye, checked with a black light and there was a leak. Very easy fix.

[Kemi]

getfreshco,

Definitely follow speedy's advice. Make sure the starter is bad before you buy one. Additionally, make sure you disconnect the battery before replacing the starter. The little wire connection at the starter is the solenoid wire and it receives power via the ignition switch when the car is cranked. However, the big cable is direct battery power and if the battery is not disconnected it will be live and you're going to do some arc welding if it contacts any ground such as the engine.

[Speedy_1234]

Also if that little wire is not connect right it won't start the car also check the fuse or relay of the starter might just be that