2003 Vibe GT Starter Removal- Ugh!

[Vibenator]

Thought I'd replace the starter on my 2003 GT. All the videos I've found show the starter removal process for a standard Vibe/Matrix. Looks quite simple due to the relatively small plastic intake manifold that lets you get at the starter without removing the manifold. However, the GT model has a huge two-piece aluminum intake manifold that all but covers the starter. Can't see a way to get at the starter without removing the manifold which is quite a job in itself. As I'm a 72-year old geezer with arthritic hands and a bad back, my days of leaning over a fender for hours are gone. Gonna bite the bullet and take it to the repair shop. First trouble I've had with the car in 17 years and only 52,000 miles. Can't complain. Oh yeah, I replaced the slipping clutch 15 years ago at around 18,000. Heard that the problem was common with early GTs.

[Caretaker]

I think you are making the right choice given that the bolts on there could be rusted on solid as well. That's what happened to me on my '07 Fit. Don't forget, if you get it at Pep Boys or the equivalent, there is a lifetime warranty. That might not matter to you depending on when you plan on getting your next set of "wheels" but it can be piece of mind. If I have to replace mine again, I'm going with something other than Denso. I can't believe my already replaced starter is making "the noise" again from time to time. Had I gotten it at Pep Boys to begin with and had them do the install, I wouldn't have anything to worry about.

[zbyers]

If you were local, I'd gladly help with the install. As Caretaker mentioned, sometimes it's okay paying someone else to do something just to save you time and aggravation, and in this case, endless back pain leaning over the car.

On my GT, I removed the starter from the bottom...Still accessed the one bolt from the top, but I reached the wires and the second bolt laying on the ground under the car. I had dad helping, and between the two of us we had mine GT starter replaced in 15min.

[Vibenator]

Thanks for the reply. Will get out the old creeper and give it a try. Somehow I wrongly assumed that it wasn't accessible from underneath. Guess I'm old and confused.

[zbyers]

Thanks for the reply. Will get out the old creeper and give it a try. Somehow I wrongly assumed that it wasn't accessible from underneath. Guess I'm old and confused.

No worries. It's worth taking a gander to see if you are able to access it from below. If not, a local mom and pop shop shouldn't charge toooo much for you to drop it off and have them replace for you.

[pwyu1969]

My kids vibe blew a starter on the other side of the state. I had to lay $480 for the repair! $260 for starter, $110 for labor, $60 for diagnosis. It really hurt since I’ve done two of them in my 03 and other 06. $120 for the part. That said, I took both mine out from the bottom. The one issue I had with the first one was that it was frozen on. Has to beat it off with a hammer based on mechanic friends recommendation.

[zbyers]

My kids vibe blew a starter on the other side of the state. I had to lay $480 for the repair! $260 for starter, $110 for labor, $60 for diagnosis. It really hurt since I’ve done two of them in my 03 and other 06. $120 for the part. That said, I took both mine out from the bottom. The one issue I had with the first one was that it was frozen on. Has to beat it off with a hammer based on mechanic friends recommendation.

You absolutely overpaid for all of that. Why would they charge an additional $60 for diagnosis, when you already knew it was bad? $260 for a starter is insane.