Jeep Liberty Starter Problem

ffemtreed · #1 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 06:47 AM

Anyone here ever deal with changing the starter motor on a 03 Jeep liberty? I need to change mine and i want to know if I can tackle this myself.

JIm

PS-- where did the 4x4 forum go?

mdram · #2 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 07:09 AM

most starters are fairly simple, never did a libby, but i cant imagine it beig that difficult. crawl under and take a peek, see how it looks

normally its only a couple of bolts and a wire or 2

ffemtreed · #3 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 07:34 AM

I didn't get a chance to look under it yet, it just wouldn't start this morning and I had to be at work on time so I couldn't play.

During my lunch break today I am going to crawl under and get a good look.

I have changed alternators, water pumps and brakes before with very little problems, I just worry that I am going to have to a controsionist to reach the bolts of the starter.

I just really hope this is my starter and not something more serious. I can hear the starter motor running and spinning its just not catching on anything. I am assuming its the solenoid but I am scared it might be the flywheel or something like that.

trowpa · #4 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 08:01 AM

Wow - Jim. Good luck. Hope you get it fixed soon - we gotta fish!!!!!!!!!!!

ffemtreed · #5 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trowpa

Wow - Jim. Good luck. Hope you get it fixed soon - we gotta fish!!!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, your ride on the beach this weekend depends on this being fixed!

I'll try my best!

mdram · #6 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 08:31 AM

if its spinning and not engaging most likely its not pushing the starter gear forward. last starter i changed took @ 15min

ffemtreed · #7 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdram

if its spinning and not engaging most likely its not pushing the starter gear forward. last starter i changed took @ 15min

Do you know if its possible to just change the solenoid, or should I just do the whole starter since I will (hopefully) have it out.

mdram · #8 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 08:58 AM

most vehicles that ive worked on the solenoid is part of the starter, easier to change the whole thing. i believe fords have a separate one, but since i never plan to own a ford i cant say for certain

Dave · #9 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ffemtreed

Do you know if its possible to just change the solenoid, or should I just do the whole starter since I will (hopefully) have it out.

I have had a similar problem, and ended up being lose starter bolts, especially if you have a slight oil leak, works as a penetrating fluid. I dont recall the difficulty level for a libby starter but should not be out of reach for a d.i.y. job, let me know if i can help.

p.s. not sure where the 4x4 forum went, think it got lost with all the changes to the site lately. It is weird being the 4x4 moderator with no area to moderate.lol.

ffemtreed · #10 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 12:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave

I have had a similar problem, and ended up being lose starter bolts, especially if you have a slight oil leak, works as a penetrating fluid. I dont recall the difficulty level for a libby starter but should not be out of reach for a d.i.y. job, let me know if i can help.

p.s. not sure where the 4x4 forum went, think it got lost with all the changes to the site lately. It is weird being the 4x4 moderator with no area to moderate.lol.

Wow if all I have to do it tighten up a few bolts that would be awesome. I am not aware of any oil leaks, however I do have some vibration when I drive when sand is in my wheels and throws them off balance.

Steve · #11 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 12:30 PM

Hmmm, possibly the spring?
Did ya smack it with a hammer?

ffemtreed · #12 (**permalink**) 06-19-2007, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve

Hmmm, possibly the spring?
Did ya smack it with a hammer?

I didn't try the mallet trick. Even if it does start after whacking it I would still want to change it. The last thing I want to happen is getting permentaly stuck on 10 miles down the beach!