How do you change the starter on a 1987 to 1996 Dodge Dakota?

Answer 1

For 4 Cyl.:

Start by disconnecting the neg. battery cable from battery. Then remove the heat shield clamp and shield (if equipped). If OHC model, then the air pump tube needs to be loosened at the exhaust manifold and the bracket swivelled clear of the starter as well as removing the exhaust pipe bracket from the tranny bellhousing. Disconnect the battery cable from the starter and the solenoid wire from the starter solenoid. Now remove the bolts attaching the starter to the bellhousing or block. Finally, remove the starter. Note: some OHC models have a shim between the starter and the block, don't lose it and don't forget to reinstall it when starter is replaced. Starter installation is the reverse of removal.

For V6/V8:

Start by disconnecting the neg. battery cable from the battery. Then undo the steering shaft coupling from the steering gear (mark the relationship of the steering shaft to the steering gear input shaft and unbolt or remove the rollpin from the coupling) and move it out of the way. Remove the starter mounting bolts. Finally, remove the starter by moving it forward and lifting up and out. Starter installation is the reverse of removal.

For 1991 Dakota with 318cid engine: It is a fairly simply procedure, albeit a little tricky.

First, you'll need your replacement starter, which can be bought either new from a dealership or parts supplier. You can also buy them used from a wrecking yard, which can often be more practical.

Once that's done, the fun can begin. You should first disconnect the negative terminal of your battery so you don't get zapped. Then, find the starter. On the 5.2 V8, it's the cylindrical device located directly beneath the drivers side exhaust manifold. You should first remove the nuts securing the starter to it's wiring harness. There are two. Without taking the whole truck apart, the easiest way to get at these is by removing the plastic/soft material wheel well cover, which is held in place by plastic studs. These studs are removable by applying pressure on the opposite side (inside the hood) and can be pushed back into place after you're done.

Once the two bolts connecting the electrical on top are gone, you can remove the bolt and the nut connecting the starter to the engine block. These are quite difficult to reach beyond taking your exhaust manifolds or engine out, but it can be done with a little lankiness. Try working from under the truck (this is best with a helper) or once again through the wheel well.

With those gone, the starter should move forwards. It is likely stuck in place after some time under there, so you may need an application of the fine adjustment device, also known as a hammer. To remove it from the truck, you'll need to move it forward squeezing/forcing it past the exhaust manifold. If you're looking from under the truck, you should find a gap big enough to get it down through. Once again, it is good to have a buddy for this job. Getting the starter out or in is very tight, but entirely possible. With a little brain work and elbow grease, it should come out just fine.

Replacement is the opposite of removal.

Answeri have a 87 Dodge Dakota v-6 pick upat the bottom of the bell housing there are 2 bolts one on each side that hook to a bracket.that hooks to the moter.remove both bottom bolts,you will be able to move and bend the bracket on the starter side out of the way,also will be able to pull the sheet metal gauard from the lower half of the bell housing out.take the top and bottom bolts out of the starter you will need to twist and turn the starter to get it out.but its not all that bad.that is the way i did mine hope this was some help to you Dave