Starter motors engage the engine flywheel and turn the engine over in order for it to start. In case the starter on your Pontiac fails to do just that, you will need to replace it yourself, or have someone else replace it for you. While this is one of the easier do-it-yourself automotive jobs, it does require some basic mechanical aptitude, a good bit of strength and an hour or two of free time.
Lift the right front end of the Pontiac with the floor jack, so that you can place the jack stand under the right front frame. Lower the Pontiac onto the jack stand. Place the wheel chocks at back of the rear wheels to prevent the Pontiac from rolling.
Open the hood and use the battery wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery. Push the cable end into a position where it cannot accidentally contact the battery terminal during the repair process.
Climb underneath the right front of the Pontiac and locate the starter. Its location will be determined by the year and model of your Pontiac, but it can be found by looking at the right side of the engine, where the transmission bell housing is bolted to the back of the engine block.
Disconnect the starter wiring using the socket set.
Support the body of the starter with one hand while you remove its mounting bolts with your other hand and the socket set. Do not let the starter weight come down on the bolts while you are removing them.
Compare the old starter to the replacement starter. It's not uncommon for auto parts stores to sell the wrong starter. Make sure the two are physically identical before attempting to install the replacement unit.
Hold the replacement starter in position, making sure you fully support its weight with one hand while you thread the mounting bolts in with your other hand. Without relieving the support, grab the socket set and tighten the mounting bolts down completely.
Reattach the starter wiring and tighten the starter down with the socket set.
Reconnect the negative battery cable with the battery cable wrench. Lower the Pontiac off the jack stand with the floor jack.
