Where is the starter mounted?
The starter motor is traditionally mounted on the engine block near the flywheel or flexplate, where it can engage the ring gear to crank the engine.
The exact mounting point depends on the vehicle's drivetrain layout (RWD vs FWD), engine family, and transmission design. This article outlines the typical locations you’ll encounter and how to identify them on common configurations.
Common mounting locations by drivetrain layout
The following overview describes the typical mounting locations across common drivetrain configurations.
- Rear-wheel-drive and longitudinal engines: Mounted to the bellhousing side of the engine block, usually near the bottom. The starter engages the ring gear on the flywheel or flexplate, and the mounting bolts are typically two in number.
- Front-wheel-drive and transaxle layouts: Mounted on the side of the engine or bellhousing adjacent to the transmission. Access is often from the wheel well or engine bay, with the gear meshing to the flywheel or flexplate that connects to the crankshaft.
- Mid-engine or rear-engine layouts: Mounted near the gearbox/bellhousing at the rear of the engine bay. Orientation and exact position vary by model, but the starter still engages the flywheel or flexplate through the transmission housing.
While these patterns cover most passenger cars, there are exceptions depending on design goals, packaging constraints, and engine type. Always consult the vehicle’s service manual or a repair diagram for the exact mounting point and bolt pattern.
Special cases and variations
Some engines and vehicle designs place the starter in less conventional spots due to space or component layout. A few common exceptions include:
- Diesel engines often place the starter near the bottom of the bellhousing to accommodate higher torque requirements.
- Some front-wheel-drive cars with compact transaxles mount the starter on the engine side near the firewall or within the wheel well area.
- Certain mid- or rear-engine sports cars mount the starter on the rear gearbox housing, which can place it farther from the engine block than in typical layouts.
In any case, model-specific diagrams will provide the definitive mounting location and bolt pattern for your vehicle.
How to locate the starter on your vehicle
If you’re trying to locate the starter yourself, use these practical steps to identify it without guesswork.
- Look under the hood and toward the lower portion of the engine near the bellhousing where the transmission attaches to the engine.
- Identify a cylindrical motor with two main electrical connections and a gear section that meshes with a larger gear ring on the flywheel or flexplate.
- Check around the wheel wells in front- or mid-engine layouts; in some models the starter is partially obstructed by exhaust components or heat shields.
- Consult the service manual or a repair diagram for your exact model to confirm the bolt pattern and orientation.
Understanding the layout helps with both routine maintenance and more involved repairs, such as removal and replacement of the starter.
Summary
In most conventional vehicles, the starter is mounted on the engine block near the bellhousing and engages the flywheel or flexplate to start the engine. The precise location varies with drivetrain layout—rear-wheel drive, front-wheel drive, or mid/rear-engine configurations—and there are several common exceptions. When in doubt, a model-specific diagram or service manual will provide the exact mounting point and bolt pattern.
