Can I change the starter on my car at home? I have a 2003 Honda Accord, and I’ve been having trouble with it lately. But I don’t have the money to take it to the shop.

Liz Jenson · Updated on Mar 20, 2023

Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.

Performing basic car repairs yourself is a great way to save money! Starters can be a little complicated, however, since you’ll have to remove the intake manifold in order to complete the process.

If you do decide to change the starter on your 2003

Honda Accord

yourself, you can do it by following these steps. But note that this information should not replace the advice of a professional mechanic.

Before you begin, have your owner’s manual ready so you can find all of the parts that you need to remove more easily.

Open the hood

and disconnect the negative battery terminal, then disconnect the positive battery terminal.

Disconnect the intake air temperature sensor connector.

Next, remove the vacuum hose and the breather pipe.

Now you should be able to remove the intake air duct.

Remove the engine cover.

Loosen the lock nuts securing the throttle cable and the cruise control actuator cable, then slip the cable ends out of the accelerator linkage. Be careful not to bend the cables when removing them!

Remove the evaporative emission canister hose and the brake booster vacuum hose.

Remove the engine wire harness connectors and the wire harness clamps from the intake manifold.

Remove the bolt that secures the harness holder, then remove the harness clamps.

Remove and plug the water bypass hoses.

Remove the harness clamp and connector from the intake manifold bracket.

Now, you should be able to remove the intake manifold bracket.

Remove the vacuum hose.

Finally, remove the intake manifold.

Disconnect the starter cable from the B terminal.

Disconnect the BLK/WHT wire from the S terminal.

Remove the starter harness clamp.

Remove the starter harness holder.

Finally, remove the two bolts that hold the starter in place, then remove the starter.

Replace the starter with a new one, then reassemble the starter and intake manifold by following these directions in reverse order.

If you have any problems throughout this process—or if it seems too complicated—it might be best to call a professional to avoid accidentally damaging your car.

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Why isn’t my car starting? A quick troubleshooting guide

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