The starter motor is a central part of the engine's electrical system. If your LeBaron is slow to start or does not turn over at all, the starter may be to blame. You can remove the starter and have it tested at most auto parts stores to determine if it is failing, before replacement. Replacing the starter requires only a few steps, making it a realizable project for the home mechanic.
Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal using a wrench. Position the cable so that it cannot come into contact with the battery terminal while you are working.
Lift the front of the LeBaron with a jack and secure it on a set of jack stands. Be sure that the jack stands are level, so that the vehicle does not shift while you are working.
Remove the mounting bolt running from the front of the starter motor, using a wrench or socket and ratchet. Support the motor carefully, so that it does not fall. Remove the mounting bolt running from the rear of the starter motor with a wrench or socket and ratchet, then remove the nut from the rear of the starter with a wrench.
Remove the nuts securing the electrical wires to the starter motor--there are two nuts that need to be removed with a wrench. Disconnect the wiring harness from the starter and pull the starter motor free of the vehicle.
Position the new starter in the same orientation as the one you removed. Connect the two electrical wires to the corresponding locations, in the same manner they were routed on the original starter. Torque the nuts to the manufacturer's recommendation. Reconnect the wiring harness connector to the starter.
Secure the starter motor with the three mounting bolts. The upper mounting bolt should be fed through the rear of the starter. The lower mounting bolt should be fed through the front of the starter. Replace the nut on the rear of the starter. Tighten each of the bolts to 40 foot-pounds with your torque wrench.
Use the jack to raise the vehicle enough to remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Reconnect the negative battery cable and start the vehicle to test the new starter.
