Changing a starter on a Renault Clio 2

Check battery: charge status and health status

check that 12 volts arrives at the solenoid excitation wire when the ignition switch is activated (ask someone to turn the key for you)

give small hammer blows on the starter body and try to start

This "trick" doesn't always work. On this car, the starter was completely broken so it was impossible to start.

The starter is located at the front of the engine, in the area circled in red

It is really very accessible; it is to my knowledge one of the easiest starters to replace.

locate the terminal - of the battery

unscrew the screw of the terminal - of the battery using an 8mm key

remove the pod and set aside

As much as step 1 is optional, this step is absolutely mandatory. It is absolutely necessary to disconnect the battery.

disconnect the solenoid excitation plug (the upper part of the starter)

unscrew the nut of the wire + battery, 13mm key

remove the wire + battery

unscrew the screw at the bottom of the starter, 13mm key

unscrew the top screw, 13mm key

The screw is opposite the other.

remove the starter

There is no longer any reference on the original starter. However, I know that this Clio is equipped with a D4F 712 engine. I was therefore able to obtain a used starter from a professional.

Here we will check the general form

and connectivity

and especially the references if possible

we see that there is a centering pin on the gearbox; it will allow us to position the starter correctly

introduce the starter

and screw in its 2 fixing screws, 13mm key

put the wire + battery in place

screw the nut, 13mm wrench

connect the excitation plug

place the terminal - on the terminal - of the battery

screw the terminal screw correctly, 8mm key

start to make sure everything works