GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Disassembly Procedure

  1. Remove the starter from the vehicle. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .

  2. Object Number: 431719  Size: SH
  3. Scribe matchmarks (2) on the solenoid and the drive housing to ensure proper solenoid installation.

  4. Object Number: 431720  Size: SH
  5. Remove the retaining nut and the field coil lead wire (2) from the solenoid.

  6. Object Number: 431721  Size: SH
  7. Remove the 2 screws and the solenoid (1) from the drive housing.

  8. Object Number: 465556  Size: SH

    Important: Do not disassemble the starter solenoid. If it is found to be defective, replace the solenoid.

  9. Inspect the plunger (3) and spring for wear. Replace as necessary.

  10. Object Number: 168486  Size: SH
  11. Remove the two bolts, two screws and the commutator end cover (1) from the drive housing.
  12. Remove the commutator end bushing and the washers.

  13. Object Number: 465577  Size: SH
  14. Remove the brushholder assembly.
  15. Scribe matchmarks on the field frame and the drive housing to ensure proper assembly.

  16. Object Number: 185742  Size: SH
  17. Remove the field frame (3) from the drive housing.
  18. Remove the pinion drive lever from the drive housing (1).

  19. Object Number: 465574  Size: SH
  20. Remove the armature (1) from the field frame. If the armature bearing (2) comes out during removal, apply Chassis Grease GM P/N 1051344 to it and reinstall.

  21. Object Number: 168493  Size: SH
  22. Remove the idle gear retainer (2) and three idle gears (3) from the drive housing (1).

  23. Object Number: 168496  Size: SH
  24. Remove the pinion drive lever seal (3) and the plate (4) from the drive housing (1).

  25. Object Number: 168499  Size: SH
  26. Remove the gear shaft assembly with the pinion drive lever (4) from the drive housing (1).

  27. Object Number: 168503  Size: SH
  28. Pull the overrunning clutch stop ring (4) towards the overrunning clutch assembly (1) and remove the overrunning clutch retaining ring (2).
  29. Remove the overrunning clutch stop ring and overrunning clutch assembly from the gear shaft assembly.
  30. Remove the internal gear from the gear shaft (3).

Cleaning, Inspection and Testing

Tools Required

    • J 544-01 Tension Scale
    • J 8001 Dial Indicator
    • J 26900-13 Magnetic Base
    • J 26900-5 Vernier Caliper
    • J 39200 Digital Multimeter

    Notice: Do not use grease dissolving solvents for cleaning the overrunning clutch or armature. Solvents dissolve the grease packed in the clutch and damage the armature and the field coil insulation.

  1. Clean all starter motor parts.

  2. Object Number: 168510  Size: SH
  3. Remove dirt and burn marks from the commutator end (2) of the armature (1) by sanding with a #300 or #400 grit sandpaper. Wipe the parts with a clean shop cloth.

  4. Object Number: 243860  Size: SH
  5. Place the armature onto a pair of V-blocks (1). Measure the commutator run-out using the J 8001 with the J 26900-13 . If the run-out exceeds the maximum, replace the armature.
  6. Standard Commutator Run-out
    0.05 mm (0.002 in) or less

    Maximum Commutator Run-out
    0.40 mm (0.016 in)


    Object Number: 168519  Size: SH
  7. Measure the outside diameter of the commutator (2) using the J 26900-5 . If the diameter is less than the minimum, replace the armature.
  8. Standard Commutator Diameter
    29.4 mm (1.16 in)

    Minimum Commutator Diameter
    28.8 mm (1.13 in)


    Object Number: 465550  Size: SH
  9. Measure the depth of the commutator insulation. If the insulation depth is less than the minimum, replace the armature.
  10. Standard Commutator Insulation Depth
    0.4-0.6 mm (0.015-0.023 in)

    Minimum Commutator Insulation Depth
    0.2 mm (0.008 in)


    Object Number: 168522  Size: SH
  11. Measure the resistance between the armature core (1) and the commutator (2) using J 39200 . If the resistance is 5.0 ohms or less, the armature is grounded . Replace the armature.

  12. Object Number: 243862  Size: SH
  13. Measure the resistance between the commutator segments using J 39200 . If resistance is greater than 5.0 ohms at any test point, an open circuit exists in the commutator. Replace the armature.
  14. Measure the resistance between the field coil and the field frame using the J 39200 . If the resistance is 5 ohms or less, the field windings are grounded. Replace the field frame.

  15. Object Number: 465580  Size: SH
  16. Measure the brush length using J 26900-5 . If the brush length is less than the minimum, replace the brushholder.
  17. Standard Brush Length
    12.3 mm (0.44 in)

    Minimum Brush Length
    7 mm (0.28 in)

  18. Inspect the brush holder and the insulation on the positive plates for wear. Replace the components as needed.

  19. Object Number: 465582  Size: SH
  20. Measure the resistance between the positive brush holder and the negative brush holder using J 39200 . If the resistance is 5.0 ohms or less, the brush holder is grounded. Replace the brush holder.
  21. Inspect the brush springs for corrosion or damage.

  22. Object Number: 168533  Size: SH
  23. Measure the brush spring (2) tension using J 544-01 . If the tension is less than the minimum, replace the brush spring.
  24. Standard Brush Spring Tension
    1.9 kg (4.19 lbs)

    Minimum Brush Spring Tension
    0.7 kg (1.54 lbs)


    Object Number: 168540  Size: SH
  25. Measure the starter solenoid pull-in coil resistance between terminal S (2) and terminal M using the J 39200 . If the resistance is greater than 5.0 ohms, the pull-in coil is open. Replace the starter solenoid.

  26. Object Number: 168537  Size: SH
  27. Measure the starter solenoid hold-in coil resistance between terminal S (3) and the solenoid case (1) using the J 39200 . If the resistance is greater than 5.0  ohms, the hold-in coil is open. Replace the starter solenoid.

  28. Object Number: 168499  Size: SH
  29. Inspect the pinion drive lever (4) for wear. Replace as necessary.

  30. Object Number: 168539  Size: SH
  31. Inspect the overrunning clutch (1) for wear, damage or other abnormal conditions. Verify that the clutch locks when turned in the drive direction, and rotates smoothly in the reverse direction. Replace as necessary.

  32. Object Number: 168542  Size: SH
  33. Inspect the overrunning clutch spline teeth (1) for wear or damage. Replace as necessary.

  34. Object Number: 168543  Size: SH
  35. Inspect the armature bushing (1) for wear and damage. Replace as necessary.
  36. Inspect the commutator end bushing for wear and damage. Replace as necessary.

  37. Object Number: 168545  Size: SH
  38. Inspect the starter solenoid plunger operation by first pressing in the plunger and then releasing the plunger. If the plunger does not return to its original position quickly, replace the starter solenoid (1).

  39. Object Number: 168546  Size: SH
  40. Inspect the internal gear assembly (1) and idle gears (2,3) for wear, damage or other abnormal conditions. Replace as necessary.

Assembly Procedure

  1. Lightly grease the gear shaft with Lubriplate lubricant GM P/N 1050109, or the equivalent.

  2. Object Number: 168503  Size: SH
  3. Install the internal gear to the gear shaft (3).
  4. Install the overrunning clutch assembly and the overrunning clutch stop ring to the gear shaft assembly.
  5. Install the overrunning clutch retaining ring to the gear shaft assembly. Slide the overrunning clutch stop ring (4) away from the overrunning clutch assembly to cover the overrunning clutch retaining ring (2).
  6. Lightly grease the pinion drive lever contact points with Lubriplate lubricant GM P/N 1050109, or the equivalent.

  7. Object Number: 168499  Size: SH
  8. Install the gear shaft assembly with the pinion drive lever (4) to the drive housing (1).

  9. Object Number: 168496  Size: SH
  10. Install the pinion drive lever seal (3) and the plate (4) to the drive housing (1).
  11. Lightly grease the idle gears with Lubriplate lubricant GM P/N 1050109, or the equivalent.

  12. Object Number: 168493  Size: SH

    Important: Align the notches in the idle gear retainer with the bolt holes in the drive housing.

  13. Install the 3 idle gears (3) to the drive housing (1). Secure with the idle gear retainer (2).

  14. Object Number: 168489  Size: SH
  15. Lightly grease the armature bearing with Lubriplate lubricant GM P/N 1050109, or the equivalent.
  16. Install the armature bearing (2) to the gear shaft.

  17. Object Number: 168488  Size: SH
  18. Install the armature (1) to the field frame (2).
  19. Install the armature bushing to the armature.

  20. Object Number: 185742  Size: SH
  21. Align the matchmarks and install the field frame (3) to the drive housing.

  22. Object Number: 465577  Size: SH
  23. Install the brushholder assembly to the commutator end.

  24. Object Number: 168486  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  25. Install the spring washer (2) and the commutator end cover; secure with 2 bolts and 2 screws.
  26. Tighten
    Tighten the commutator end housing bolts to 8 N·m (71 lb in).

  27. Lightly grease the solenoid plunger (3) with Lubriplate lubricant GM P/N 1050109, or the equivalent.

  28. Object Number: 465556  Size: SH
  29. Install the solenoid plunger and spring.

  30. Object Number: 431718  Size: SH
  31. Install the solenoid to the drive housing, aligning the matchmarks (2).

  32. Object Number: 431721  Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  33. Install the 2 solenoid screws.
  34. Tighten
    Tighten the solenoid (1) mounting screws to 7 N·m (62 lb in).


    Object Number: 431720  Size: SH
  35. Install the field coil lead wire (2) and the retaining nut to the solenoid.
  36. Tighten
    Tighten the field coil lead wire nut to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  37. Install the starter to the vehicle. Refer to Starter Motor Replacement .