2018 Rubicon Starter Replacement???

[DunkFunk]

Hello All,

I have been a solo mechanic for my jeeps since 2016. I bought a 2018 Ruby lately and have run into a starter snag. According to Jeep you have to remove the Cat in order to replace the Starter. I have seen 1-2 videos online discrediting this, but i’d like to hear from the group. Has anyone successfully removed / replaced their starter without removing the Cat? If you did remove the Cat, how difficult was that? I ask because my Jeep is at the dealership and they are trying to convince me it’s impossible. I also ask because there is little to no info online about 2018 and up Jeep service (most likely because of warranties). I’d like to do the job myself and not give my money to greedy ass dealerships that are selling Jeeps with wayyyyyyy too many electrical issues.

Please Jelp!

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[Flip]

In this video I don't know if it's a Rubicon, but he said he did it (2018 JL Wrangler) He disassembled the old starter to get it out and the new starter is shorter than the OEM, so it fits back in no problem.

Let us know how it works out for you if you end up changing it out.

2018 Wrangler JL starter replacement quick tip for DIYers and technicians - YouTube

 

[DunkFunk]

Thank you for responding! I did watch that video earlier in the week, but it’s pretty questionable, as he doesn’t walk you through all the pain points / procedures. Turns out you have to dismantle the CAT. Having said that I appreciate you following up. I am so frustrated with the beautiful lemon I bought! I agreed to pay the dealer 2-3 hours of shop rate to get my Ruby “sellable”. What a disaster vehicle, I had such high hopes. I miss my 94’ wrangler. Nuts & Bolts.

 

[Jeep Wick]

Thank you for responding! I did watch that video earlier in the week, but it’s pretty questionable, as he doesn’t walk you through all the pain points / procedures. Turns out you have to dismantle the CAT. Having said that I appreciate you following up. I am so frustrated with the beautiful lemon I bought! I agreed to pay the dealer 2-3 hours of shop rate to get my Ruby “sellable”. What a disaster vehicle, I had such high hopes. I miss my 94’ wrangler. Nuts & Bolts.

Which engine do you have?
On the 3.6 the service manual does specify the left converter, which includes the front drive shaft, cross member, resonator, and Y pipe. Does seem quite involved.

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