Dodge Repair: starter removal for 1998 Ply Neon w/ Auto DOHC, starter solenoid, bolt removal


Question
How do you remove starter. I took out front engine insulator mounting bolt, but the front engine mounting bracket bolted to frame wont allow the engine to drop down far enough to get at top starter bolt.

Answer
STARTER
REMOVAL
Disconnect battery negative cable Battery Cable Removal and Installation
Raise vehicle.
Vehicles equipped with A/C:
Using a floor jack or jack stand, support the engine and transmission assembly so they will not rotate.
Remove the front engine mount bolt from the insulator and front crossmember mounting bracket Front Engine Mount Bolt Removal
Lower the front of the engine, rotate the engine forward, allowing easier removal of starter motor.
For easier servicing, do not remove the wiring from starter at this time.
Remove two bolts attaching starter to transmission housing Starter Removal
Remove starter/starter solenoid assembly from transmission housing. Position the starter to gain access to the wiring connectors.
Remove the battery positive cable nut and remove the battery positive and generator output wire from the starter Wire Connection
Disconnect push-on solenoid connector. Pull back on slide and push down on rear tab to release lock.
Position the starter vertically such that the pinion end faces downward.
Remove the starter through the bottom of the vehicle. Move aside A/C plumbing as necessary.
INSTALLATION
Clean corrosion/dirt from the cable and wire terminals before installing wiring to the solenoid.
Connect the battery positive and generator output wire to the starter solenoid post Wire Connection
CAUTION: It is critical that the generator output terminal be connected to the battery positive terminal of the starter solenoid, for proper operation of the charging and cranking systems.

Connect the push-on until fully engaged.
Position the starter face into transmission housing. Support starter in pilot and start the top bolt Starter Removal
Attach ground cable to lower mounting bolt and start bolt.
Ensure the proper starter alignment before tightening the starter mounting bolts to 54 N·m (40 ft. lbs.) torque.
Vehicles equipped with A/C:
Using a floor jack or jack stand, raise the engine and transmission assembly to the original position.
Install the front engine mount bolt through the insulator and front crossmember mounting bracket Front Engine Mount Bolt Removal
Tighten bolt to 54 N·m (40 ft. lbs.) torque.
Lower vehicle and connect battery cables.