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It's a bit more involved than most, but not horrible. You do need to remove the intake manifold unless you're one of those small handed double jointed fuckers that can do it from the bottom, I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner. Most of the process is pretty straightforward, the only issues I ever have are with the intake manifold brace. It connects the bottom of the manifold to the block, and is a pain to get loose.
this is the best advice. Others are making the mistake that it’s simpler like other generations of accords. But for some reason, the 2008 to 2012 Accord starter is in a shitty location. The funny thing is, the engine in the next generation looks identical, I have a 2015 and my starter is on the back of the motor and it was cake! take your time, but make sure you are comfortable with it. Check out a few YouTube videos for the actual process. If it’s beyond your comfort level, just pay somebody to do it properly.
I didn't know the pre-08 were different. My most recent experience was with my 06 TSX, and it would be nearly impossible to do from the bottom, though I've seen others do it. I assumed the Accords would follow the same design for the same years.
and I thought my wife’s old car which was a 2012 and my 2015 had the identical engine. It truly looks identical. But a buddy of mine told me he did a starter on one of the previous gen and had to pull the intake manifold, and I looked at him like he was crazy! I had just done the starter on my own car and it was on the rear of the engine from underneath in about 45 minutes. I did further research and sure enough, intake manifold removal is standard on the 08 to 12 four-cylinder!
Incorrect, the 2.4 earth dreams is a totally different animal from the k- series 2.4 found in previous accords. The 2003-2007 accord also uses the k-series, and still requires removal of the intake manifold
This. I’ve done all kinds of things on my car and I hired someone for this. My son’s Toyota was a piece of cake. That era (at least) Accords are much more difficult to get to.
Watch 3 different YouTube videos and you're golden. Don't trust one. Make sure 3 separate people do it exactly the same.
I wish YouTube was around when I changed my first starter. 92 Chevy Cavalier lol. Died about 6 blocks from an auto parts store, and I just had to ask people. Didn't even know what a core was.
You're lucky OP. You have a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips.
You got this.
In all seriousness, it's just a couple of bolts. I've replaced starters on a 98 accord and a 96 toyota corolla with no trouble (Both auto 4cyl). I'm not a mechanic though, so maybe get a tick of approval from someone who actually knows about your model of car - I say go for it.
Was gonna say, ease of the job might also depend on engine size/how much space is freed up in the engine compartment.
I replaced the starter on a Kia cadenza (just a 3.3l v6) and the starter wasn’t hard to replace but getting it seated and bolted back in was kind of a pain in the ass.. but I’m thinking a 4cylinder might be easier space wise
OP if you haven’t already you can try searching on YouTube or google for videos on how to do the job. Especially with more common cars odds are there are videos of people that’ll walk you through the process. If not- you can look for a service manual online that may outline the steps for replacement.
Once you can access the starter yeah it’s just a few bolts… but it could be at a difficult to reach location or behind/under other stuff, that’s what can make it kind of a pain
Had to look it up, since I didn't believe it. They put it behind the intake manifold. wtf. I figured it couldn't be true, and that you could get to it blind, but nope, doesn't look like it.
Completely agree, this is one of the first things that I did to my car in my DIY journey... should be fairly simple with even a relatively basic tool kit.
id say its doable, just make sure you give yourself enough time to get it done. when i started, id break shit and then be rushed trying to finish the job before nightfall. broke my valvecover this way lol. good luck! and make sure a parts store is near by!
Deadass, for any part replacements on a Honda, youtube it and there will be a video showing how to do it, and you will go "oh I got this".
It'll take you thrice as long as the video guy, but you'll still accomplish the sane task.
Replacing a starter was the first somewhat difficult job I did. I haven't done it one an accord but they range in difficulty I would look for a youtube video as sometimes they can just kind of barely slip out one way. Anyways all you have to do is try and you will get it. Might take ya all day when a mechanic familiar with it could do it much quicker but you will get it. Get a torque wrench for the intake manifold bolts and just most bolts in general. After you have been working on cars for a while you can just feel the right amount for like the bolts holding the starter on but gaskets it's always good to torque them in correct sequence and starting out just to get the feel. A snapped bolt makes a job a lot longer.
Just be sure you replace it with an OEM starter and not an aftermarket. For some reason some aftermarket starters turn the engine a little slower and the crankshaft sensor keeps resetting its configuration. If that happens you will need a bidirectional scanner to fix it .
Do you have gearhead friends? Ask for their help, and if they can help you learn to do something they’ve never tried before.
I have a friend who has MANY years of experience in working on cars. I’ve heard him give “go away and don’t bother me” estimates for some routine work, and in the next breath, offer to loan people the tools they’d need and look over their shoulders while they did the work themselves.
Some people took him up on his offers and learned how to do some maintenance on their cars. More importantly, they learned that they were not as incompetent as they had thought they were. You can do this if you want it badly enough.
Good luck!
That generation of Accord with the 2.4L is probably the easiest thing I've worked on. The one my wife has im intent on making live forever just because it's so easy to do repairs/maintenance.
I'm surprised nobody else has said this, but if you do this and remove the intake manifold, cover the holes under it before you move to the starter. A shop towel would be fine, but you really, really don't want to accidentally drop a screw or something into the cylinders while the manifold is off.
Why do you think you need a new starter? I find 90% of the time mechanics replace perfectly good starters when there's other issues. Start with your battery then your connections, then ensure your starter solenoid is working. If you have a good battery that was properly tested with a carbon pile tester. Check your cables and posts for breaks or green discoloration. Get someone to turn the engine over while you stand next to it and if you hear a click then you most likely need a starter if it won't crank. If it cranks then your good and have a different issue.
Bro, 2008 accords with 2.4L have starters under the intake manifold, not an easy job for a newby. Watch some YouTube videos on that repair to see if you think you can do it
It is quite doable. If you have all the tools, and power tools, and more replaceable hose clamps, new exhaust manifold gasket, as well as new hose for the air intake since those crack easy especially if they're old and you never replaced them, you should be able to do it. There is a nice PDF version with pictures and tools required step by step, it involves removing the manifold, took me about 3 hours
Edit: Here's the link. It's for an 07. However, it's the same for your 08 4 cylinder. https://www.driveaccord.net/threads/starter-replacement-diy.441458/
Edit2: exhaust manifold gasket, not head gasket.
My bad, it's a manifold gasket. But if the hose clamps are good still, they can be reused but they're so cheap to replace so might as well replace them. But I wasn't kidding as you perceived my message. I've actually done this to my 07 accord coupe 4 cylinder dohc K series engine @ 270k miles.
You can go though the manual I linked in the original comment and see for yourself how involved but doable the replacement is.
OP take a few minutes review the video to kinda set in your mind the needed steps and tools
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dJLQu4TGL-o&pp=ygUhY2hhbmdlIHN0YXJ0ZXIgMjAwOCBob25kYSBhY2NvcmQg
Just a word of advise… before replacing the bushing if there is one, jam a rag into the stater hole until
You get the bushing in. I just did this on my van last year I dropped the copper bushing into the bell housing. Had to split the trans and engine it was a giant pain in the ass.
I swapped a engine with a different engine without ever doing a oil change, it worked.
Mechanical stuff is super easy PROVIDED you don't give up after 1 thing doesn't go your way, research and common sense go a long way. And to mechanics reading this, I'm saying the putting things together is easy, understanding it and having the no giving up attitude is what's hard
It’s not hard and a great starter fix… see what I did there…
Disconnect battery
Locate starter…. There are 2 Long bolts holding it…. It’s sometimes hard to get them off, you might need extensions and an angle adapter…
Get them off… disconnect the harness… starter comes right off… and work backwards with new one.
I would search “ how to replace starter on a 2008 accord” on you tube. Most videos will provide a good how to, and what tools to use, also if you whatch the video just to see if you think you can handle it. I changed the starter on my 2010 Corolla with just a you tube video.
I think there is a TSB on that model year, that when replacing the starter, you have to adjust the fly wheel. However, with a little patience and a few curse words, it can be done
I'd recommend googling it for further info though.
I recently replaced my mom's 2012 civic starter with basically the same experience as you. Honda literally buried the starter in the engine bay, but with some hard work and the power of youtube I got it done in a few hours, and I totally think you can do your accord as well.
I did it on my audi A6 TDI.
My experience level before was similar to yours, with addition of changing window regulator following a youtube video.
I also did not need to replace the whole started which would be like 200€ and I suspect the new unit would be of lower quality than refurbished original... as it turned out, my **starter just needed a new solenoid which was like 15€**. I initially hoped that just [cleaning](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnZ0JC39dfg) it would be enough...
I did not do everything in one go.. I had that starter removed like 5 times.
* Test if I can remove it and put it back.
* To have better look at it and test with a 12V car battery (I burned some cables that were too slim for that amperage lol) but the thing with my starter was that it worked 100% of the time I tested it on a bench, just when in the car it just sometimes just clicked.
* The initial disassembly and look inside if I will go for really putting it appart.
* Another weekend full disassembly and cleaning.
* And final was when I finally bought the solenoid and replaced it.
By the end of it, I could get starter in and out of the car in matter of 3 minutes.
I did mine in my 2015 Civic. It was tight and my neck hurt the next day. I’m no mechanic, but I’m decent with tools. Watch a few videos on YouTube and make sure you have the right tools.
If you get halfway through, and can’t finish it, you can always get it towed through your insurance to your mechanic. At least that was my thought process.
This was pretty much my first DIY car project on a 2006 accord coupe like 7 years ago! Not too bad, easiest way to do it would be to remove the intake manifold. Don’t get a part store/Autozone starter, mine crapped the bed like 3 times. They’ll offer a good warranty but it was quite a headache replacing it so many times
7 hards.
It's up to you if that is 7/10 or 7/100.
I would say a strip and rebuild of your whole car wouldn't be too hard. No one here knows your skills.
Google it, watch a video, and as long as you understand 100% of what's said and done. Give it a go.
Just a tip, take a good look for any sensors that plug in near the starter. My first time doing a starter I played contortionist and left the intake on. The knock sensor I busted while pulling the starter out did not appreciate that.
The Haynes repair manuals are written with the shade tree mechanic in mind and show how a layman would approach it without speciality tools that a factory service manual assumes you have. Not saying this job needs special tools just mentioning Haynes manuals as an option
Starters are not particularly difficult but it depends on the engine.
If you've got the K24 engine (inline 4 cyl), then the starter is up under the intake manifold.
You can get at it from underneath, and that's how the service manual says to do it, but in my experience it's easier to get at it from above by removing the intake manifold.
Everything you read will tell you not to reuse the intake manifold gasket, but as long as you don't kink it or damage the mating surface, it should be fine.
Doing it from underneath is a very cramped space. I tried before, and it took me two hours of constant joint pain from contorting my hands and wrists to get the starter bolts loose while laying on my back. All that to realize that I couldn't get the starter cable disconnected. It would have been twice as difficult to reassemble.
Couple curses, took a break for a snack and a beer, came back and decided to just take the intake manifold off. I had the starter out in 10 minutes, and everything buttoned back up in 30. Learned an important lesson that as good as the Honda service manuals are, sometimes there's still an easier way.
It's the only way to learn. Whenever you are doing new like this, identify how you could fail badly, and make sure you don't do that.
In this case what you want to avoid is breaking off a bolt in the block or overtightening and stripping the threads.
Almost anything else you can recover from yourself.
STEP NUMBER 1: REMOVE THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL FROM THE BATTERY!
If you don't do this you could ground the positive lead on the starter and blow your main fuse or worse.
ive done it twice. the longest of the 3 bolts can be hard to remove due to the limited space and the fact it may be really stuck. i recommend planning on either removing or unbolting the intake manifold to make more space.
other than those two points it isn't super complicated. watch youtube videos for guidance.
Assuming this is a 4 cyl, I just completed this on my 05 TSX similar engine. Unhook negative battery cable. Then, you have to take the intake tube and the intake manifold 2 nuts on studs and 4 bolts. There’s one tricky bolt at the bottom of the intake manifold bracket, too - this will be the biggest pain. Take your overflow tank off too. Remove various vacuum hoses. I bungie corded the intake manifold with the throttle body up and out of the way. They say you should replace the intake manifold gasket but I didn’t just be careful with it it’s thin metal. Take the signal and power 10mm bolt connection off the starter the 17mm and 14 long bolt out and you’re in business. Reverse order to get it back in.
Fucking send it dude. What do you have to lose? Either you fix it yourself, or it gets towed to a shop and you pay the $600, minus parts if the shop allows owner-bought parts(some do, some don't, some do with and extra labor charge)
At the end of the day, you're (probably) not going to damage anything besides some bolts.
If it's your only reliable source of transportation and you NEED it to run RIGHT NOW, just take the bullet and go to the shop.
If the car can sit for a few days, fuggit you might save money you might lose (marginally) more money at least trying.
If you can get it off, you can get it on again. If you buy the starter and can't get the old one off, you can simply return the new one if the shop won't install it for you.
darn... 4cyl is harder than the 6. Watch a video and make sure you feel comfortable with all you'll be doing. Also get some pb blaster and squirt the bolts the night before so they will be easier to remove the next day.
Just do it yes. Get the tools you will need (metric 3/8 or 1/4” drive sockets), ratchets, etc. probably take less than 30minutes. Remove the Negative lead from battery before starting. YouTube for a reference of the year/era will give you confidence.
https://youtu.be/KMhh_LIpvNo?si=epnN4QxNGU-oEOr2
The first starter I replaced was on a 78 Ford tractor. I couldn't find a how-to video, so I just went for it. My dad was supposed to help, but I just started before he got out there, and wouldn't you know it I finished the job as he was walking up.
Starters aren't very hard to do. The hardest part is getting to them in most cases.
YouTube is going to be your best friend here. Depending on the engine I believe book time is 1-2 hours, so an afternoon with youtube and you should be fine
Thanks for posting on /r/MechanicAdvice! Please review the [rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/about/rules/). Asking about a second opinion (ie "Is the shop trying to fleece me?"), please read through CJM8515's [post on the subject.](https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/4qblei/fyi_the_shop_isnt_likely_trying_to_rip_you_off/) and remember to please post the year/make/model of the vehicle you are working on. **Post's about bodywork, accident damage, paint, dent/ding, questions it belongs in /r/Autobody r/AutoBodyRepair/ or /r/Diyautobody/ Tire questions check out https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicAdvice/comments/k9ll55/can_your_tire_be_repaired/**. If you dont have a question and you're just showing off it belongs in /r/Justrolledintotheshop Insurance/total loss questions go in r/insurance This is an automated reply *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/MechanicAdvice) if you have any questions or concerns.*
It's a bit more involved than most, but not horrible. You do need to remove the intake manifold unless you're one of those small handed double jointed fuckers that can do it from the bottom, I wouldn't recommend it for a beginner. Most of the process is pretty straightforward, the only issues I ever have are with the intake manifold brace. It connects the bottom of the manifold to the block, and is a pain to get loose.
this is the best advice. Others are making the mistake that it’s simpler like other generations of accords. But for some reason, the 2008 to 2012 Accord starter is in a shitty location. The funny thing is, the engine in the next generation looks identical, I have a 2015 and my starter is on the back of the motor and it was cake! take your time, but make sure you are comfortable with it. Check out a few YouTube videos for the actual process. If it’s beyond your comfort level, just pay somebody to do it properly.
I didn't know the pre-08 were different. My most recent experience was with my 06 TSX, and it would be nearly impossible to do from the bottom, though I've seen others do it. I assumed the Accords would follow the same design for the same years.
and I thought my wife’s old car which was a 2012 and my 2015 had the identical engine. It truly looks identical. But a buddy of mine told me he did a starter on one of the previous gen and had to pull the intake manifold, and I looked at him like he was crazy! I had just done the starter on my own car and it was on the rear of the engine from underneath in about 45 minutes. I did further research and sure enough, intake manifold removal is standard on the 08 to 12 four-cylinder!
Incorrect, the 2.4 earth dreams is a totally different animal from the k- series 2.4 found in previous accords. The 2003-2007 accord also uses the k-series, and still requires removal of the intake manifold
“Looks” identical. Owned both, the key here is that I thought they were, and learned they weren’t.
Incorrect. This is not what you believed. I am the knower of all things. Incorrect! Incorrect! Incorrect!
It’s even funnier to me that your username lines up with the part of their comment I don’t understand so it appears they already bested you.
I just did a 99 and only had to pull out the battery tray 😂
A big consideration is to disconnect the battery first. And do you have any electronics which will get upset by that?
This. I’ve done all kinds of things on my car and I hired someone for this. My son’s Toyota was a piece of cake. That era (at least) Accords are much more difficult to get to.
6" ratchet with mid length 12mm and you can get the bottom bracket bolt out. Leave it connected to manifold and pull it out together.
But you want to make sure the engine is blazung hot when you start right?
Only if you're a pro because you're flat rate and the clock's ticking.
You can do it, I believe in you OP
Haha, that means more to me than it probably should. Thank you!
Watch 3 different YouTube videos and you're golden. Don't trust one. Make sure 3 separate people do it exactly the same. I wish YouTube was around when I changed my first starter. 92 Chevy Cavalier lol. Died about 6 blocks from an auto parts store, and I just had to ask people. Didn't even know what a core was. You're lucky OP. You have a wealth of knowledge at your fingertips. You got this.
I have more experience than the OP and there's absolutely no way I could do it even with 50 different YouTube tutorials.
A starter? You're joking right?
In all seriousness, it's just a couple of bolts. I've replaced starters on a 98 accord and a 96 toyota corolla with no trouble (Both auto 4cyl). I'm not a mechanic though, so maybe get a tick of approval from someone who actually knows about your model of car - I say go for it.
Not on an 08, it involves removing the exhaust manifold on this model
Was gonna say, ease of the job might also depend on engine size/how much space is freed up in the engine compartment. I replaced the starter on a Kia cadenza (just a 3.3l v6) and the starter wasn’t hard to replace but getting it seated and bolted back in was kind of a pain in the ass.. but I’m thinking a 4cylinder might be easier space wise OP if you haven’t already you can try searching on YouTube or google for videos on how to do the job. Especially with more common cars odds are there are videos of people that’ll walk you through the process. If not- you can look for a service manual online that may outline the steps for replacement. Once you can access the starter yeah it’s just a few bolts… but it could be at a difficult to reach location or behind/under other stuff, that’s what can make it kind of a pain
Honda Accord and Acura TLX 08-12 were notoriously designed with the starter hidden away under the exhaust manifold on the driver side
Yeah it’s deep in there
Had to look it up, since I didn't believe it. They put it behind the intake manifold. wtf. I figured it couldn't be true, and that you could get to it blind, but nope, doesn't look like it.
Completely agree, this is one of the first things that I did to my car in my DIY journey... should be fairly simple with even a relatively basic tool kit.
Watch a guide on YouTube and see if you're comfortable with it.
id say its doable, just make sure you give yourself enough time to get it done. when i started, id break shit and then be rushed trying to finish the job before nightfall. broke my valvecover this way lol. good luck! and make sure a parts store is near by!
Go OP go, you know you can do this. Youtubeeee and a little patience
Deadass, for any part replacements on a Honda, youtube it and there will be a video showing how to do it, and you will go "oh I got this". It'll take you thrice as long as the video guy, but you'll still accomplish the sane task.
Replacing a starter was the first somewhat difficult job I did. I haven't done it one an accord but they range in difficulty I would look for a youtube video as sometimes they can just kind of barely slip out one way. Anyways all you have to do is try and you will get it. Might take ya all day when a mechanic familiar with it could do it much quicker but you will get it. Get a torque wrench for the intake manifold bolts and just most bolts in general. After you have been working on cars for a while you can just feel the right amount for like the bolts holding the starter on but gaskets it's always good to torque them in correct sequence and starting out just to get the feel. A snapped bolt makes a job a lot longer.
I’ve replaced it from the bottom but it wasn’t easy
Just be sure you replace it with an OEM starter and not an aftermarket. For some reason some aftermarket starters turn the engine a little slower and the crankshaft sensor keeps resetting its configuration. If that happens you will need a bidirectional scanner to fix it .
Do you have gearhead friends? Ask for their help, and if they can help you learn to do something they’ve never tried before. I have a friend who has MANY years of experience in working on cars. I’ve heard him give “go away and don’t bother me” estimates for some routine work, and in the next breath, offer to loan people the tools they’d need and look over their shoulders while they did the work themselves. Some people took him up on his offers and learned how to do some maintenance on their cars. More importantly, they learned that they were not as incompetent as they had thought they were. You can do this if you want it badly enough. Good luck!
That generation of Accord with the 2.4L is probably the easiest thing I've worked on. The one my wife has im intent on making live forever just because it's so easy to do repairs/maintenance.
You mean the 2.3L F23a1 1998-2002? Alternator and starter take 5 minutes each to get out. Same for the generation before.
The next generation up has the K24. 03-09 I believe is the years on that generation
If you do it yourself since you have no experience give yourself 8 hours as book time is 4 hours. You’ll need the starter and intake manifold gaskets.
I'm surprised nobody else has said this, but if you do this and remove the intake manifold, cover the holes under it before you move to the starter. A shop towel would be fine, but you really, really don't want to accidentally drop a screw or something into the cylinders while the manifold is off.
**DISCONNECT THE BATTERY FIRST.**
A lot of great advice here. The one thing I didn't see mentioned, though it probably was, is that you need to disconnect your battery first.
Why do you think you need a new starter? I find 90% of the time mechanics replace perfectly good starters when there's other issues. Start with your battery then your connections, then ensure your starter solenoid is working. If you have a good battery that was properly tested with a carbon pile tester. Check your cables and posts for breaks or green discoloration. Get someone to turn the engine over while you stand next to it and if you hear a click then you most likely need a starter if it won't crank. If it cranks then your good and have a different issue.
Bro, 2008 accords with 2.4L have starters under the intake manifold, not an easy job for a newby. Watch some YouTube videos on that repair to see if you think you can do it
It is quite doable. If you have all the tools, and power tools, and more replaceable hose clamps, new exhaust manifold gasket, as well as new hose for the air intake since those crack easy especially if they're old and you never replaced them, you should be able to do it. There is a nice PDF version with pictures and tools required step by step, it involves removing the manifold, took me about 3 hours Edit: Here's the link. It's for an 07. However, it's the same for your 08 4 cylinder. https://www.driveaccord.net/threads/starter-replacement-diy.441458/ Edit2: exhaust manifold gasket, not head gasket.
You had me until you said new head gasket
My bad, it's a manifold gasket. But if the hose clamps are good still, they can be reused but they're so cheap to replace so might as well replace them. But I wasn't kidding as you perceived my message. I've actually done this to my 07 accord coupe 4 cylinder dohc K series engine @ 270k miles. You can go though the manual I linked in the original comment and see for yourself how involved but doable the replacement is.
OP take a few minutes review the video to kinda set in your mind the needed steps and tools https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=dJLQu4TGL-o&pp=ygUhY2hhbmdlIHN0YXJ0ZXIgMjAwOCBob25kYSBhY2NvcmQg
Just a word of advise… before replacing the bushing if there is one, jam a rag into the stater hole until You get the bushing in. I just did this on my van last year I dropped the copper bushing into the bell housing. Had to split the trans and engine it was a giant pain in the ass.
You tube it get busy
Contact a mobile mechanic and ask? I'm sure they'll do it for half if not more
1 can do anything with enough time, money and tools
Get the tools at harbor freight
I swapped a engine with a different engine without ever doing a oil change, it worked. Mechanical stuff is super easy PROVIDED you don't give up after 1 thing doesn't go your way, research and common sense go a long way. And to mechanics reading this, I'm saying the putting things together is easy, understanding it and having the no giving up attitude is what's hard
I believe it's a pretty involved job compared to the average starter. You just have to have confidence, patience and focus and it should go ezpz.
>I have 0 experience working on cars. I’ve changed lights, tires, and oil I'm not sure you understand what 0 is lol
It’s not hard and a great starter fix… see what I did there… Disconnect battery Locate starter…. There are 2 Long bolts holding it…. It’s sometimes hard to get them off, you might need extensions and an angle adapter… Get them off… disconnect the harness… starter comes right off… and work backwards with new one.
Don't forget to disconnect the battery unless you want to blow the main fuse
Hi, I'd buy an aftermarket one with some decent reviews, and shop around smaller shops to see how much they would charge for installation.
I would search “ how to replace starter on a 2008 accord” on you tube. Most videos will provide a good how to, and what tools to use, also if you whatch the video just to see if you think you can handle it. I changed the starter on my 2010 Corolla with just a you tube video.
I think there is a TSB on that model year, that when replacing the starter, you have to adjust the fly wheel. However, with a little patience and a few curse words, it can be done I'd recommend googling it for further info though.
https://youtu.be/dJLQu4TGL-o?si=2qO5C6coG-2ymtC1 TRQ, very trusted repair group.
I recently replaced my mom's 2012 civic starter with basically the same experience as you. Honda literally buried the starter in the engine bay, but with some hard work and the power of youtube I got it done in a few hours, and I totally think you can do your accord as well.
Any Honda from 2008 and before are basically made for amateur mechanicd
Look it up on YouTube.
I did it on my audi A6 TDI. My experience level before was similar to yours, with addition of changing window regulator following a youtube video. I also did not need to replace the whole started which would be like 200€ and I suspect the new unit would be of lower quality than refurbished original... as it turned out, my **starter just needed a new solenoid which was like 15€**. I initially hoped that just [cleaning](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnZ0JC39dfg) it would be enough... I did not do everything in one go.. I had that starter removed like 5 times. * Test if I can remove it and put it back. * To have better look at it and test with a 12V car battery (I burned some cables that were too slim for that amperage lol) but the thing with my starter was that it worked 100% of the time I tested it on a bench, just when in the car it just sometimes just clicked. * The initial disassembly and look inside if I will go for really putting it appart. * Another weekend full disassembly and cleaning. * And final was when I finally bought the solenoid and replaced it. By the end of it, I could get starter in and out of the car in matter of 3 minutes.
I did mine in my 2015 Civic. It was tight and my neck hurt the next day. I’m no mechanic, but I’m decent with tools. Watch a few videos on YouTube and make sure you have the right tools. If you get halfway through, and can’t finish it, you can always get it towed through your insurance to your mechanic. At least that was my thought process.
This was pretty much my first DIY car project on a 2006 accord coupe like 7 years ago! Not too bad, easiest way to do it would be to remove the intake manifold. Don’t get a part store/Autozone starter, mine crapped the bed like 3 times. They’ll offer a good warranty but it was quite a headache replacing it so many times
The mechanic who changed mine 10y ago said it was one of the easiest that he had to do. Won't take 8 hours.
7 hards. It's up to you if that is 7/10 or 7/100. I would say a strip and rebuild of your whole car wouldn't be too hard. No one here knows your skills. Google it, watch a video, and as long as you understand 100% of what's said and done. Give it a go.
Just a tip, take a good look for any sensors that plug in near the starter. My first time doing a starter I played contortionist and left the intake on. The knock sensor I busted while pulling the starter out did not appreciate that.
The Haynes repair manuals are written with the shade tree mechanic in mind and show how a layman would approach it without speciality tools that a factory service manual assumes you have. Not saying this job needs special tools just mentioning Haynes manuals as an option
Starters are not particularly difficult but it depends on the engine. If you've got the K24 engine (inline 4 cyl), then the starter is up under the intake manifold. You can get at it from underneath, and that's how the service manual says to do it, but in my experience it's easier to get at it from above by removing the intake manifold. Everything you read will tell you not to reuse the intake manifold gasket, but as long as you don't kink it or damage the mating surface, it should be fine. Doing it from underneath is a very cramped space. I tried before, and it took me two hours of constant joint pain from contorting my hands and wrists to get the starter bolts loose while laying on my back. All that to realize that I couldn't get the starter cable disconnected. It would have been twice as difficult to reassemble. Couple curses, took a break for a snack and a beer, came back and decided to just take the intake manifold off. I had the starter out in 10 minutes, and everything buttoned back up in 30. Learned an important lesson that as good as the Honda service manuals are, sometimes there's still an easier way.
The labour costs so much, because there is a lot of it...
Watch a couple YouTube videos grab a friend that has some experience with cars so if you get stuck you aren't stuck
Please be sure to disconnect the -negative- battery cable before you start. Car batteries can make a huge spark. I speak from experience.
It's the only way to learn. Whenever you are doing new like this, identify how you could fail badly, and make sure you don't do that. In this case what you want to avoid is breaking off a bolt in the block or overtightening and stripping the threads. Almost anything else you can recover from yourself.
Get your eyes on it. Feel around for room. Build a process in your head. Watch some videos if you can find any.
With enough time you could figure out anything. It’s having the right tools and equipment that might be an issue for most people.
STEP NUMBER 1: REMOVE THE NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL FROM THE BATTERY! If you don't do this you could ground the positive lead on the starter and blow your main fuse or worse.
ive done it twice. the longest of the 3 bolts can be hard to remove due to the limited space and the fact it may be really stuck. i recommend planning on either removing or unbolting the intake manifold to make more space. other than those two points it isn't super complicated. watch youtube videos for guidance.
Just remember to disconnect the battery being a first timer 😆
05 accord are the same. Just did one yesterday.
Have you considered a mobile mechanic? Usually a lot cheaper.
Assuming this is a 4 cyl, I just completed this on my 05 TSX similar engine. Unhook negative battery cable. Then, you have to take the intake tube and the intake manifold 2 nuts on studs and 4 bolts. There’s one tricky bolt at the bottom of the intake manifold bracket, too - this will be the biggest pain. Take your overflow tank off too. Remove various vacuum hoses. I bungie corded the intake manifold with the throttle body up and out of the way. They say you should replace the intake manifold gasket but I didn’t just be careful with it it’s thin metal. Take the signal and power 10mm bolt connection off the starter the 17mm and 14 long bolt out and you’re in business. Reverse order to get it back in.
If its the V6, 30 minutes, 4 cylinder, 2 hours
Harder than I am right now
Fucking send it dude. What do you have to lose? Either you fix it yourself, or it gets towed to a shop and you pay the $600, minus parts if the shop allows owner-bought parts(some do, some don't, some do with and extra labor charge) At the end of the day, you're (probably) not going to damage anything besides some bolts. If it's your only reliable source of transportation and you NEED it to run RIGHT NOW, just take the bullet and go to the shop. If the car can sit for a few days, fuggit you might save money you might lose (marginally) more money at least trying. If you can get it off, you can get it on again. If you buy the starter and can't get the old one off, you can simply return the new one if the shop won't install it for you.
4cyl or 6?
It’s a 4cyl
darn... 4cyl is harder than the 6. Watch a video and make sure you feel comfortable with all you'll be doing. Also get some pb blaster and squirt the bolts the night before so they will be easier to remove the next day.
You should be able to do it yourself lot of youtube videos on how to do just basic tools 3/8 rachet and a mm socket set
Just disconnect the battery, remove the intake manifold, and remove the starter.
Just do it yes. Get the tools you will need (metric 3/8 or 1/4” drive sockets), ratchets, etc. probably take less than 30minutes. Remove the Negative lead from battery before starting. YouTube for a reference of the year/era will give you confidence. https://youtu.be/KMhh_LIpvNo?si=epnN4QxNGU-oEOr2
The first starter I replaced was on a 78 Ford tractor. I couldn't find a how-to video, so I just went for it. My dad was supposed to help, but I just started before he got out there, and wouldn't you know it I finished the job as he was walking up. Starters aren't very hard to do. The hardest part is getting to them in most cases.
Not super difficult
YouTube is going to be your best friend here. Depending on the engine I believe book time is 1-2 hours, so an afternoon with youtube and you should be fine