Introduction: 1994-98 Honda Odyssey Starter Replacement

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Tools Needed:

3/8" Drive Socket Wrench

8mm Socket

10mm Socket

14mm Socket

3" Extension

6" Extension

Swivel Adapter

Small Mirror

This is about a 2 hour job from start to finish. It's a very straightforward procedure and the only difficulty you'll encounter is the rear bolt holding the starter. You'll at least want a few extensions and a swivel to give yourself some options to reach it. Other than that, it's just unhook a few wires, unbolt the old, bolt up the new and hook it up. Very straightforward.

Step 1: Disconnect and Remove the Battery

Disconnect the negative terminal of your battery. If you have an aftermarket stereo system, make sure you have the unlock code, if necessary. You can find your code at radio-code.lt or using google to search for the model number.

Disconnect the positive terminal and move them out of the way.

The battery is held in by a bracket with two 8mm nuts. Remember the orientation of the bracket and remove the nuts. The studs might fall down into the engine compartment so keep one hand on them while you're undoing the nuts.

After you have the bracket removed you can pull out the battery. If your terminals are corroded, make sure to clean them up before you put the battery back in.

Step 2: Disconnect Spark Plug Wires From Distributor Cap

I found I needed the extra space when I pulled the starter out, so I disconnected the spark plugs. Make sure you mark each one or take a picture. These must be reconnected where you took them off or your motor won't start. You only need to disconnect them at the distributor cap, don't pull them out of the valve cover.

Step 3: Disconnect the Clamp From the Radiator Hose

Remove the 10mm bolt that holds the radiator hose clamp to the starter. The small black wire from the starter is also held on by this clamp. Remove that from the clamp.

Step 4: Disconnect the Electrical Connections From the Starter

There are two electrical connections. The larger diameter wire is connected to the B terminal with a nut. This is covered by a dust cap. Pull the cap back and remove the nut. Your replacement starter may or may not come with a new nut, so keep this one just in case.

The other wire is a small diameter black one with a blade connection and can be removed by simply pulling the blade off. Pull from the blade, not the wire.

Step 5: Remove the Mounting Bolts From the Starter

There are two small bolts easily viewable on the motor. I marked these with a red "X". Those aren't the ones you want. If you look at your replacement starter, you'll see the two holes where your mounting bolts are.

The first one is easily accessed with a 3" extension. Remove that one.

Next, find the rear. Again, use your new starter as a guide to where the rear bolt is. You can use your small mirror to see back in there. You can also remove the air duct from the air filter box side for more clearance. I had to use quite a few different combinations of extensions and swivels before I found what that worked. You can try and use just the extension and socket. Once you get the socket on the bolt head, you can attach the ratchet to the extension. It's going to take a lot of patience but you'll get it.

Step 6: Remove the Starter

Now that the two bolts are off you can remove the starter from the motor. It will take a little wiggling and rotating but it will come out.

When you have the starter removed compare it to your new one. Make sure the connections are the same before you install it.

Step 7: Install the New Starter

Again, the front bolt is pretty easily installed. Don't tighten it all the way down, though because you'll need to move the starter around to align the second bolt. You can try and just use an extension with your hands to get the rear bolt started then use the ratchet to tighten it down. You want it tightened nice and snug.

When the rear bolt is snugged down, go back and tighten the front just as snug.

After that, installation is the reverse. If your starter came with a new nut, use that one when you connect the wire to terminal B. Connect the small black wire to the blade connection.

Make sure to connect anything you removed to gain clearance. If you disconnected the spark plug wires, reconnect those in their correct positions.

Clean your battery terminals, and put a thin layer of dielectric grease on the posts to prevent future corrosion.

Reinstall the battery and bracket.

Congratulations, you're done!