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1G 91 Eclipse GS 2.0, how do I replace the starter?

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Tmead

Probationary Member
8
1
Nov 9, 2025
San Antonio, Texas
New to working on cars, this is my first project to learn and hopefully get running. Any links to part outs or other helpful info on this cars engine would be helpful as well! I need to replace the starter first and for most though and do know how to.
 
Do you hear the starter solenoid on the starter itself (not the starter relay) click when key goes to start position? If so, make sure it's not just a poor large battery cable connection or weak battery which may be the real problem. Just a slight (0.1 ohm) resistance due to corrosion, dirt, not tight, etc on one of these connections will prevent the starter from engaging.
 
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Do you hear the starter solenoid on the starter itself (not the starter relay) click when key goes to start position? If so, make sure it's not just a poor large battery cable connection or weak battery which is the real problem. Just a slight (0.1 ohm) resistance due to corrosion, dirt, not tight, etc on one of these connections will prevent the starter from engaging.
Well I haven’t heard it crank at all myself yet because I don’t have a battery for it. This car is in need of some serious loving, I’ve got it jacked up right after a hell of a fight getting the front wheels off. Discovered the ebrake only functions on the LH RR wheel… I do appreciate this info though I plan on getting a battery hooked up soon and after I grab few more parts like a valve cover gasket set and some new injectors I’ll try to crank it for the first time. With this in mind ima hold off on taking out the starter until I can see and diagnose for myself whether or not it’s no good. Thank god I found this forum you all are a blessing 🙏
 
This big cable was cut and I’m worried this build is chalked because of it along with everything else in the car. I don’t want to get to deep in over my head.

Saw this when removing the starter in my 91 non turbo Eclipse GS

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Hold up. Before you buy a single part you need to diagnose. Already you're planning a starter and new injectors? Why?
You want to scrap the project because of a battery cable????
Bring us up to speed here as I'm not understanding your thought peocess.
 
No no no I don’t want to scrap the whole thing I was just worried, starter was taken out and I just put it back after getting it tested turned out it was good. I’m new to all this and learning as I go.

Okay so bear with me, I’m lacking in knowledge but this is what I do know. A few cables and wire harness are cut. No battery, intake in tact but the tube is chopped in 2 pieces. No valve cover gasket. Possible missing manifold gasket. (I believe that’s the right name for the part I’m referencing). I removed the fuel injectors, the rubber hoses that feed into the spark plugs were already removed when I got the car. And I found a few missing plastic pieces that go in between the insert and the o-ring. Brakes are cooked. Ebrake only functions on LH RR side. The thermostat housing is missing some parts. I’ll follow up later when I’m off work next weekend with more detailed pictures as I keep the car down the street in my dad’s garage. (Can’t work on cars at my apartment complex) so that’s where I’m at I have new rotors and brake pads that came with my purchase I plan on putting on later down the road I just need new calipers.

Forgive my previous posts being a bit all over the place I just wanted to dive in and see what I’m working with and I don’t really regret it I’ve had a ton of fun and learned a lot so far considering I have very little knowledge prior. Im a young guy excuse my overall ignorance. 😅

Any tips or pointers would be appreciated! Thank you!

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No no no I don’t want to scrap the whole thing I was just worried, starter was taken out and I just put it back after getting it tested turned out it was good. I’m new to all this and learning as I go.

Okay so bear with me, I’m lacking in knowledge but this is what I do know. A few cables and wire harness are cut. No battery, intake in tact but the tube is chopped in 2 pieces. No valve cover gasket. Possible missing manifold gasket. (I believe that’s the right name for the part I’m referencing). I removed the fuel injectors, the rubber hoses that feed into the spark plugs were already removed when I got the car. And I found a few missing plastic pieces that go in between the insert and the o-ring. Brakes are cooked. Ebrake only functions on LH RR side. The thermostat housing is missing some parts. I’ll follow up later when I’m off work next weekend with more detailed pictures as I keep the car down the street in my dad’s garage. (Can’t work on cars at my apartment complex) so that’s where I’m at I have new rotors and brake pads that came with my purchase I plan on putting on later down the road I just need new calipers.

Forgive my previous posts being a bit all over the place I just wanted to dive in and see what I’m working with and I don’t really regret it I’ve had a ton of fun and learned a lot so far considering I have very little knowledge prior. Im a young guy excuse my overall ignorance. 😅

Any tips or pointers would be appreciated! Thank you!

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Ignorance is fine. Its remaining ignorant that's a problem. Keep moving. Ask questions. We will be here along the way.

I will suggest this
 
Well I haven’t heard it crank at all myself yet because I don’t have a battery for it. This car is in need of some serious loving, I’ve got it jacked up right after a hell of a fight getting the front wheels off. Discovered the ebrake only functions on the LH RR wheel… I do appreciate this info though I plan on getting a battery hooked up soon and after I grab few more parts like a valve cover gasket set and some new injectors I’ll try to crank it for the first time. With this in mind ima hold off on taking out the starter until I can see and diagnose for myself whether or not it’s no good. Thank god I found this forum you all are a blessing 🙏

Ignorance is fine. Its remaining ignorant that's a problem. Keep moving. Ask questions. We will be here along the way.

I will suggest this
Thank you friend 🫡
 
This big cable was cut and I’m worried this build is chalked because of it along with everything else in the car. I don’t want to get to deep in over my head. Saw this when removing the starter in my 91 gs non turbo eclipse

You must be logged in to view this image or video.

Regarding the cut black with red cable, it should go to the positive battery terminal on one end and the starter at the other. It is part of the starter and reverse lights harness which is easily replaced and separate from the engine harness. Refer to this post which shows the complete starter and reverse lights harness.
 
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