How do replace the starter on a 2004 Dodge Dakota SLT V6 automatic?

Answer 1

First of all, unhook the negative battery cable! It is a metric nut. Then you will need a large screwdriver to gently pry the battery clamp open. The starter is held on by two 5/8 bolts coming in from the back, through the transmission case. The upper one is readily visible, the lower one is hidden by what I believe is a suspension link of some kind. Believe it or not, I could get to both of them with a 3/8 drive ratchet and a standard socket. I needed a small (6 inch) section of pipe that slipped over the handle of the ratchet, to initially break the bolts loose, then a lot of short strokes to turn the bolts out, (There is not a lot of room to do this). Once the starter is free, roll it over, top to bottom, towards the left side of the vehicle. This is to expose the electrical connections. The first one is a black clip -over connector with a small red insert. The red insert looks like it is meant to be slid to the left to unlock the clip and my dealership even told me that is how it works. Wrong! On the side of the clip towards the rear of the vehicle, the red clip will look like a squared off "C". There will be a very small tab in the middle of the "C". Get a very small screwdriver and get underneath this tab and lift it up until the larger black clip literally pops off of the starter. You will need a drop light or a flashlight, so you will be able to see what you are doing during this maneuver. Once the clip is off, then remove the positive battery cable connection, with a 3/8 drive ratchet and a 13 mm socket. The starter will then be able to be removed through the opening that you have been reaching through, to work on it.