2002 Chevrolet Impala LSFACTORY OEM SERVICE PROCEDURE

Starter Motor: Installation

  1. The 3.4L uses a PG260 F1 starter motor. Verify that the correct starter motor is being installed. See Fig 1 .
  2. Align the starter motor to the engine. Install any shims , if removed. Install the starter bolts finger tight until seated. Then, tighten the starter bolts to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  .
  3. Install the positive battery cable and install the solenoid BAT terminal nut finger tight to the starter motor. See Figure . Install the starter solenoid wire and install the starter solenoid S terminal nut finger tight to the starter motor. Tighten the solenoid BAT terminal nut and the starter solenoid S terminal nut to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  .
  4. Install the torque converter covers. Tighten bolts to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  . Install the lower air deflector. Tighten bolts to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  . Lower the vehicle. Connect the negative battery cable. Tighten battery cable to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  .
Fig 1: Measuring PG260 F1 Starter Length (3.4L)
G98F00989Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.


  1. The 3.8L uses a PG260 F2 starter motor. Verify the correct starter motor is being installed. See Fig 1 . Align the starter motor to the engine. See Figure . Install any shims, if removed.
  2. Install the starter bolts finger tight until seated. Tighten the bolts to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  .
  3. Install the positive battery cable and install the solenoid BAT terminal nut finger tight to the starter motor. See Figure . Install the starter solenoid wire and install the starter solenoid S terminal nut finger tight to the starter motor. Tighten the solenoid BAT terminal nut and the starter solenoid S terminal nut to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  .
  4. Install the torque converter covers. Tighten bolts to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  . Install the lower air deflector. Tighten bolts to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  . Lower the vehicle. Connect the negative battery cable. Tighten battery cable to specifications. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS  .
Fig 1: Measuring PG260 F2 Starter Length (3.8L)
G98I00990Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.

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