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How difficult is it to replace the starter of a car?
I had trouble starting my car earlier today, and at first thought the battery went dead, but the radio, lights and windows were fine so it must be the starter. After about 40 minutes of turning the key again and again, the car finally started up. So how difficult is it to replace a faulty starter, or can only a professional auto-mechanic do it? The car is a Mazda Protege, 2001. I know how to handle tools, but not a professional mechanic by any means.
Difficulty depends on what tools you have. The starter on this vehicle is probably between the firewall and the engine. This creates some accessibility issues. If you have some ramps you can do this from the bottom of the car. If you plan on using a jack remember to use jack stands, NEVER GET UNDER A CAR THAT IS HELD UP BY JUST A JACK. The starter is probably held by 2 bolts and can be removed with some hand tools. Should take you about an hour and a half. Don't forget to disconnect the battery before you do this and make sure you take note of where the wires on the starter go. Besides that you should do all right. Remember you can take your starter to your closest Auto Zone and they can test it for you. I recommend before you do any work on it you check to see if there is a starter relay. That might be your problem. Good Luck.