GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 2002 🢒 Century 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Electrical 🢒 Starter Replacement

Starter Replacement 3.1L

Removal Procedure
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the front lower air deflector. Refer to Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  4. Remove the torque converter covers. Refer to Torque Converter Cover Replacement in Automatic Transaxle - 4T65-E.

    5. Object Number: 473052 Size: SH
  5. Remove the starter solenoid BAT terminal nut  (8) and disconnect the positive battery cable (9) at the starter motor.
  6. Remove the starter solenoid S terminal nut (7) and disconnect the starter solenoid wire (6) at the starter motor.

    7. Object Number: 461901 Size: SH
  7. Remove the starter bolts (1, 2) and the starter motor. Remove the shims, if necessary.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 193603 Size: SH

    Important: Select the proper starter motor for installation.

  1. The 3.1L uses a PG260 D starter motor.

    2. Object Number: 461901 Size: SH
  2. Align the starter motor to the engine. Install any shims , if removed.

    3. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the starter bolts (1,2) finger tight until seated.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 43 N·m (32 lb ft).


    Object Number: 473052 Size: SH
  4. Connect the positive battery cable (9) and install the solenoid BAT terminal nut (8) finger tight at the starter motor.
  5. Connect the starter solenoid wire (6) and install the starter solenoid S terminal nut (7) finger tight at the starter motor.

    6. Tighten

        • Tighten the solenoid BAT terminal nut (8) to 9.5 N·m (84 lb in).
        • Tighten the starter solenoid S terminal nut (7) to 2.3 N·m (20.4 lb in).
  6. Install the torque converter covers. Refer to Torque Converter Cover Replacement in Automatic Transaxle - 4T65-E.
  7. Install the front lower air deflector. Refer to Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  8. Lower the vehicle.
  9. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .

Starter Replacement 3.8L

Removal Procedure

Important: The starter motor PG260 G or PG260 L used on this vehicle are NOT serviceable. Replace this motor as a complete unit.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .
  2. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the front lower air deflector. Refer to Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  4. Remove the torque converter covers. Refer to Torque Converter Cover Replacement in Automatic Transaxle - 4T65-E.

    5. Object Number: 337939 Size: SH
  5. Remove the starter solenoid BAT terminal nut (6) and disconnect the positive battery cable (7) at the starter motor.
  6. Remove the starter solenoid S terminal nut (5) and disconnect the starter solenoid wire (4) at the starter motor.

    7. Object Number: 461897 Size: SH
  7. Remove the starter bolts (1,2) and the starter motor. Remove the shims, if necessary.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 193613 Size: SH

    Important: Select the proper starter motor for installation.

  1. The 3.8L (L36) uses a PG260 G starter motor.

    2. Object Number: 211414 Size: SH
  2. The 3.8L (L67) uses a PG260 L starter motor.

    3. Object Number: 461897 Size: SH
  3. Align the starter motor to the engine. Install any shims , if removed.

    4. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  4. Install the starter bolts (1,2) finger tight until seated.

    5. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 43 N·m (32 lb ft).


    Object Number: 337939 Size: SH
  5. Connect the positive battery cable (7) and install the solenoid BAT terminal nut (6) finger tight at the starter motor.
  6. Connect the starter solenoid wire (4) and install the starter solenoid S terminal nut (5) finger tight at the starter motor.

    7. Tighten

        • Tighten the solenoid BAT terminal nut (6) to 9.5 N·m (84 lb in).
        • Tighten the starter solenoid S terminal nut (5) to 2.3 N·m (20.4 lb in).
  7. Install the torque converter covers. Refer to Torque Converter Cover Replacement in Automatic Transaxle - 4T65-E.
  8. Install the front lower air deflector. Refer to Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement in Engine Cooling.
  9. Lower the vehicle.
  10. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection .