Removing the starter from the 1997 Chevy Malibu is a little different from the other Chevrolet models but it's still an easy procedure. If the starter begins giving you trouble, then your best bet is to make sure it actually is the starter and not a fuse or a relay that is causing the problem. If you hear what sounds like a rapid clicking sound when you are trying to start the car, it's likely your starter but if it simply does nothing, it might just be something else.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal by loosening the nut with a wrench. Disconnect the air inlet from the fuel throttle body. This looks like a large hose and you can remove it by loosening the screws on the clamp with the screwdriver and pulling it off.
Place the drain pan under the oil filter and take the oil filter off the car by turning it counterclockwise. Remove the top starter bolt using a ratchet and socket and then place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the car.
Raise the car up using the automobile jack and place a jack stand under the frame near the jacking point of the car. Raise the jack stand up to the frame of the car.
Crawl under the car and remove the remaining bolt from the starter using a socket and ratchet. Maneuver the starter in a manner that gains you easier access to the wiring to the starter. Use a wrench to remove the nuts and then pull the wires off.
Pull the starter away from the engine.
