The starter in my KJ is going. I have a 2003, 4X4, 3.7L, Automatic. I had the battery, alternator, and starter tested at AutoZone. The battery and alternator turned out fine. The starter turned out fine too; however, the AutoZone employee was not able to do a full test. He was only able to do a "Quick Test" on the machine. Based on the fact that the battery and alternator are fine, the difficult time I have starting the Liberty, and the noise it makes, we determined it was the starter. So far, I have only been able to get two price quotes on a starter, which looks like it will be between $150 - $200. Since today is a sunday, it looks like I'll have to wait to get more quotes. Has anyone else replaced the starter on their KJ? If so, how difficult was it and do I need any other parts, such as a new serpentine belt? Any tips or tricks to making this a smooth job would be much appreciated. Thanks for any help you folks can provide me.

James

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2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

The starter on the kj should not be that hard to change. I changed the starter on my mothers corolla and will never do it again, stupid japs. The starter is on the left side(drivers) and should be easy to get to. The belt can be changed in about 5min, Very easy.

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LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster

The starter is in a very tight area. I had to unbolt the front driveshaft to get it out and wiggle it around when I replaced mine. Don't mean to make this sound hard, but it was the worst starter that I ever replaced. Hopefully you have an easier time then I did. I only paid $100 to have mine rebuilt instead of getting a new one. This mght be an option if you can be with out the truck for a day or two.

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Black 02 Sport, 255/70/16, Rusty's Lift, K&N, ARB Bull Bar, Hella Lights, Optima Red Top, Streamlight Flashlight, Long Island NY

Try changing a starter in a foreign car! Then say that about the libby.

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LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster

winkelhawk:

Thanks for the heads up. I haven't had a chance yet to get into it, but it looks like it will be Sunday before I can. I'll see what I can do about not removing the front driveshaft. On my old Cherokee, the starter wasn't so bad to replace.

Any extra tips from anybody else with KJ starter experiences is much appreciated.

James

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2016 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited