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Audi A3/A4 B7: How to Replace Starter

The starter is needed to generate enough power to start the engine. This article will show you how to replace a starter on an Audi A3 and A4.

By Jared Hammond - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A3/A4 B7 (1996-2008).

The starter has one job, and that's to pull enough power to get the engine started. Starters can go bad over the years through general wear and tear, or maybe you just have a cheaply made starter. On Audi's they are pretty expensive to replace, so be absolutely certain that the problem is with the starter and not with the battery, the ignition switch, or even the electrical connectors. All of these thing are much cheaper to replace than the starter.

Audi A3/A4 B7: How to Replace Starter

Materials Needed

  • Replacement starter
  • Ratchet with 13mm and 18mm sockets and extension
  • Breaker bar
  • Flat head screwdriver
  • Torx screwdriver
  • Anti-seize (optional)
  • Jack and jack stands

Step 1 – Disconnect battery and lift the car

Loosen and remove the negative (black) battery cable from the battery. Lift the front end of the car with a jack and set it on jack stands. Make sure that it sits firmly and securely on the jack stands.

AUDI A3 A4 B7 B8 STARTER REPLACE REMOVE CHANGE HOW TO
Figure 1. Lift the car and set it on jack stands.

Step 2 – Remove under-body panels

In order to access the starter from underneath the car, you'll need to remove the belly pan under the front bumper and the splash guards for the front wheels. These are held up by a series of bolts and Torx screws. Once the under-body panels are removed, you should be able to see the starter sitting next to the engine.

AUDI A3 A4 B7 B8 STARTER REPLACE REMOVE CHANGE HOW TO
Figure 2. Remove the belly pan.

Step 3 – Remove the starter

Locate and disconnect the wire connector for the starter. It is held down by a nut. Then proceed to remove the three mounting bolts on the opposite sides of the starter. One of the bolts is hidden behind the starter solenoid. The other two long bolts are not easily removed, so you'll want to use a breaker bar to break them loose. Once the bolts are removed, carefully pull the starter away from the engine and set it aside.

AUDI A3 A4 B7 B8 STARTER REPLACE REMOVE CHANGE HOW TO
Figure 3. Remove the starter.

Pro Tip

On the Audi A3, you may find it easier to approach the starter from above. You'll need to remove the air filter box to reach it, but you should be able to easily remove it from there.

(Related Article:How to Replace Air Filter - AudiWorld.com)

Step 4 – Install new starter

Installing the new starter is the reverse of the previous steps. Move the starter into place and thread in the mounting bolts. Apply some anti-seize grease to the threads of the mounting bolts, if you want to make the mounting bolts easier to remove later on. Tighten down all three mounting bolts, then reconnect the wire connector. Now reconnect your battery and test the starter. If it doesn't work at first, check your cables to make sure they are firmly attached. If the starter works, then reattach the under-body panels and lower the front end of the car.

AUDI A3 A4 B7 B8 STARTER REPLACE REMOVE CHANGE HOW TO
Figure 4. Install new starter.

Featured Video: VW/Audi A4 2.0t Starter Replacement

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