2015–2023 Dodge Challenger

2015-2023 Dodge Challenger - Starter

By Ray Delgado ✓ Certified Mechanic · Published Sep 21, 2026 · Updated Oct 22, 2026

🔧🔧🔧 Advanced 2-4 hours $220 DIY

Save $430 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $650

Quick answer: Starter on a 2015–2023 Dodge Challenger is rated Advanced and takes about 2-4 hours. You'll need 5 tools for this job, and parts cost about $220. This guide walks you through the full job step by step, including the mistakes to avoid.

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

Total Cost

$220.00

Part Name	Part Number	Price	Buy
Replacement starter motor	—	$220.00	Amazon
Starter terminal hardware or heat shield fasteners (if needed) Optional	—	$20.00	Amazon

About prices: shown prices are typical retail averages and change frequently; cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price before buying.

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

Confirm the no-crank diagnosis

Park safely, set the parking brake, ignition off. Verify battery charge, then test battery voltage, cable/ground voltage drop, fuses, relay, and the start signal. Clicking or no-crank can also mean a weak battery or bad connection.

Disconnect the battery and gain access

Disconnect the negative (−) battery cable and isolate it. Locate the starter at the bellhousing and clear access — intake duct, splash shield, skid plate, or heat shield. If below, raise and support the vehicle on rated jack stands.

Photograph and disconnect starter wiring

Photograph the starter connections before removal. Remove the nut and main B+ cable, then unplug or remove the solenoid trigger wire. Keep the energized cable insulated from ground and inspect the terminals for heat damage, corrosion, or loose crimps.

Remove and compare the old starter

Support the starter while removing its mounting bolts, then lower it out without stressing wiring. Compare the replacement against the old unit: mounting ears, nose length, gear, solenoid clocking, connector locations, and any heat shield or bracket that must transfer.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Ray Delgado

I compare mounting ears, nose length, gear, and solenoid clocking old-against-new before the old starter leaves my hands. A solenoid clocked wrong means the harness won't reach — and I'm not making a second trip.

Install and torque the replacement starter

Fit the replacement starter to the bellhousing, hand-start mounting bolts, and tighten evenly to manufacturer spec. Reinstall any alignment dowel, bracket, or heat shield. Reconnect the solenoid trigger wire and B+ cable on clean, tight terminals; don't overtighten the stud.

🔧 Mechanic's note — Tom Becker

I fit the starter to the bellhousing and hand-start every bolt before any tightening, working them down evenly to spec. The alignment dowel goes back in first — skip it and the starter sits crooked and chews the flywheel.

Reconnect the battery and verify cranking

Reconnect the negative battery cable, reinstall shields and intake parts, and check wiring is clear of moving or hot components. Crank from a safe position; it should turn over smoothly without grinding. If the symptom remains, recheck diagnosis and wiring.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Replacing the starter when a weak battery, corroded cable, poor ground, fuse, relay, or neutral-safety circuit caused the no-crank condition
• Failing to disconnect the negative battery cable before removing the B+ cable
• Dropping the starter or cross-threading mounting bolts
• Mixing up the main battery cable and solenoid trigger wire or leaving either connection loose

Tools You'll Need

Metric/SAE socket set and ratchet Long extensions and universal joint Torque wrench Floor jack and jack stands if underside access is required Multimeter or test light Safety glasses and gloves

⚠️ Safety First!

• Informational DIY. EZ Car Fix is not a shop.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before touching starter wiring; keep the cable from contacting the terminal.
• Use jack stands on level ground whenever access underneath is required; never work beneath a vehicle supported only by a jack.
• Confirm the battery, cables, grounds, fuse, relay, and start signal before condemning the starter.
• Avoid hot exhaust components and keep hands clear when performing a controlled cranking test.