Replacing a starter on a 2004-2007 Kia Spectra is a backyard DIY job. The hard part is the location, not the part itself.
These photos are the US second-generation Spectra with the 2.0L four cylinder. Kia sold that body through 2009, and the Spectra5 hatchback uses the same starter layout.
The older 2000-2004 first-gen Spectra is a different car. Do not order parts from this post for that one.
A bad starter usually clicks, cranks slow, or does nothing when the key is turned. Check the battery and the cable ends first. A weak battery looks a lot like a dead starter.
The car has to come up on jack stands so there is room to work from underneath. If that does not feel safe, take it to a shop.
Where is the Starter on a 2004-2009 Kia Spectra?
The starter sits under the engine on the transmission bell housing, on the right side closest to the firewall.
On the US 2.0L there are two 14mm bolts holding it on. The threads are on the starter and go through the transmission.
Some older 1.6L and 1.8L Spectras used three bolts. That is not this motor.
The plastic air box usually comes off so the top bolt can be reached from above.
Two wires are on the back of the starter. The battery cable is held on with a 13mm nut. The smaller solenoid wire just pulls off the S terminal.
What Starter Part Number Does a 2004-2009 Kia Spectra Use?
Kia split the starter by year and by automatic vs manual. Read the number stamped on the old unit before ordering.
- 2004-2006 automatic: 36100-23060 (reman 36100-23060RU)
- 2004-2006 manual: 36100-23100
- 2007-2009 automatic: 36100-23070 (reman 36100-23070RU)
- 2007-2009 manual: 36100-23170 (reman 36100-23170RU)
Auto and manual starters are not interchangeable. Match the number, not just the year.
What Tools and Parts Are Needed?
Basic hand tools do the whole job.
- 14mm open end wrench for the two starter bolts
- 13mm wrench for the battery cable nut
- New starter that matches the OEM number
- Jack and jack stands
- Flat head and Phillips screwdriver
- Pliers for the air box hose clamps
The two 14mm bolts are in a tight spot. An open end wrench is what usually fits. A socket and extension help if there is room.
The air intake box is easy to remove. It is held with spring clamps or hose clamps, not C-clamps.
How To Replace a Starter on a 2004-2009 Kia Spectra
- Disconnect the negative battery cable first so the starter cannot crank while hands are on the terminals.
- Jack the car up and put it on stands. Chock the wheels that stay on the ground.
- Remove the plastic air intake filter box so the top starter bolt is easier to reach.
- Pull the small solenoid connector off, then take the 13mm nut off the battery cable.
- Remove the two 14mm starter bolts. The top one is the tight one.
- Drop the old starter out from under the car.
- Set the new starter in, start both 14mm bolts by hand, then snug them even. These are M10 bolts. Do not crank them like lug nuts.
- Put the battery cable back on the 13mm stud, plug in the solenoid wire, reconnect the negative battery cable, and crank the engine to test it.
Summary
Removing a starter on a Kia Spectra is a straight forward task. The fight is the tight location, not the number of parts.
Give yourself time. Getting the two 14mm bolts out will depend on how good you are in tight spots.
If you are new to this, taking your time is the key to getting the job done.
Have you replaced the starter on a 2004-2009 Spectra 2.0L, and did the top 14mm bolt come out from above?