This starter has to be one of the biggest PITAs I've dealt with in a while. That said, it's all swapped out, however I noticed that at somepoint when I was installing the new part, the plastic housing on the new starter's side broke off in the plug.

It starts... for now. But I can only imagine that vibration from driving is going to make crawling under my damn truck a daily need. I'm not really thinking clearly, so does anyone have any suggestions to make that plug stay where it's supposed to.... without saying take the starter back out? It's not really an option as I live out in BFE, and just happened to have bought the new one right before the original finally gave up the ghost. That, and I have zero desire to fight with that thing one more time....lol

 

Can you change the connector out with the one form the old starter? I've pulled mine a couple of times in the last month or so and do not remember it being a challenge. Don't know if it is the same on a 99 as it is on yours though.

 

The worst part about this was laying on muddy ground trying to get it done, and realizing I was trying to loosen the wrong bolt (what I thought was the starter's top bolt actually went to part of the frame.... whoops, but I was operating solely by touch).

Looks like a no-go on that connector. It seems to be attached internally. That's for the idea though!

 

Can you slip a celll phone in there and snap a photo? It will help when someone else see this thread.

 

The part in bold sounds a lot like my last date.

 

LOL!!! Working by touch works so long as you do it right

 

Put some die electric grease on it and a zip tie, and call it a day.

 

I temporarily wrapped the living daylights out of it with Gorilla Tape I had left over from my road tarp repairs (total redneck fix, I know). The zip tie has so much more finesse. Thanks... I should have thought of that. Just need to make a mental note I will probably need an electrical connector next time I have to change the starter.

 

Is this in respone to OP or VW's comment?

 

Sorry to jack the thread somewhat--but i have the 5.2 starter dangling and can't figure out how to release the small wie from this connector/coupling on the solenoid??--scoyote