The starter on the Hyundai Elantra is located under the engine. This powerful little motor cranks the engine when you turn on the ignition key. Without it, your Elantra would not start. Over time, the motor brushes located inside the motor wear out and stop working. When this happens, the motor fails to engage the engine when you turn the key. The only way to correct the issue and get your Elantra back on the road is to replace the broken starter with a new one.
Place the Elantra onto a set of jack stands if it will not start. If it does, drive the Elantra onto a set of front ramps so you can get under it.
Disconnect the negative battery cable using a socket and ratchet.
Locate the starter under the engine. It is toward the back, halfway up. It bolts to the transmission housing. Use the replacement starter for a visual aid.
Locate the starter solenoid that's bolted on top of the starter. You will remove the solenoid along with the starter. On the back of the solenoid, you will locate two wires connected to threaded studs. Remove the nuts that secure the wires to the metal studs using a socket and ratchet. Pull the wires free of the metal studs.
Remove the three bolts that secure the starter to the transmission housing and pull the starter free.
Unplug the wiring harness from the starter motor.
Remove the two bolts that secure the solenoid to the to the starter and then remove the nut that secures the starter motor/starter solenoid jumper wire to the starter motor using a socket and ratchet.
Secure the starter solenoid to the top of the new starter using the two bolts, socket and ratchet.
Secure the jumper wire to the starter motor and the starter solenoid using the nuts, socket and ratchet.
Plug the wiring harness back into the starter motor.
Secure the starter to the transmission housing using the three bolts, socket and ratchet.
Secure the wire to the back of the starter solenoid using the nut, socket and ratchet.
Reconnect the negative battery cable using the socket and ratchet.
