Every time you turn the key to the Start position on your Pontiac Sunbird, the starter motor uses the battery and a solenoid to spin the crankshaft to start the engine. The pinion gear on the starter and other internal components make this possible as well; however, these components wear out and, after hundreds of starts, utlimately fail. At that point you need to replace the starter motor. With the correct replacement for your particular Sunbird model, follow this guide to install the new unit.
Remove the negative battery cable using a wrench.
Take the engine harness off the motor mount to gain access to the starter mounting bolts using a ratchet and socket, if necessary.
Raise the front of your Pontiac Sunbird using a floor jack and support it on two jack stands. On some Sunbird models, you may have access to the upper starter-mounting bolt from the top of the engine compartment.
Unbolt the solenoid cover from the top of the starter motor, if your particular model is equipped with it. Use a ratchet and socket.
Label the wires connected to the starter solenoid, mounted on top of the starter motor, if necessary. Then remove the wires and the battery cable from the solenoid using a wrench or ratchet and socket.
Detach the rear support bracket from the starter motor using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
Unscrew the two starter-to-engine bolts using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket. Depending on your particular Sunbird model, these starter-mounting bolts may be different in size and there might be one or more shims mounted between the starter and engine block. Make a note of these items to make starter installation easier, if necessary.
Remove the starter from the vehicle.
Set the starter motor and shims in place.
Start the two starter-to-engine mounting bolts by hand or use the ratchet extension. Then tighten the bolts using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
Attach the rear support bracket from the starter motor using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.
Connect the wires and battery cable to the starter solenoid using the wrench or ratchet and socket.
Install the solenoid cover to the top of the starter motor, if your particular model is equipped with it. Use the ratchet and socket.
Lower the vehicle.
Attach the engine harness to the motor mount using the ratchet and socket, if you had to remove it to gain access to the starter mounting bolts.
Connect the negative battery cable using the wrench.
Perform an "Idle Learn" procedure on your Pontiac Sunbird if it is equipped with a 3.0L engine. See the Tip box at the bottom of this article for more information.
Hook up a suitable scan tool to the Data Link Connector (DLC) located under the dashboard.
Turn the ignition switch to the On position but do not start the engine.
Select the Idle Air Controller (IAC) on the scan tool; go to Miscellaneous Test Mode and select Idle Learn.
Make sure the transmission is in Park (automatic) or Neutral (manual).
Run the test following the instructions on the scan tool.
Unplug the scan tool and turn off the ignition switch when you have finished the test.
