Easy Kia Optima Starter Replacement

In this video I show how to replace the starter on a 2012 Kia Optima without removing the intake. This repair should take the average person about an hour. Anyone with basic tools can do this repair. It really isn’t very hard.
There aren’t many Optima specific videos out there. The ones that are show to completely remove the intake to get to the starter. That method requires removal of a lot of plugs and vacuum connections that a novice mechanic may find intimidating. My goal here is to simplify the process enough that anyone with basic tools can have to confidence to tackle the job themselves and know that they can do it.
Money is tight these days. Anyone watching this video is trying to save where they can. I hope that I am able to help you save hundreds of dollars by doing this yourself.
If my video helps you, please hit the like button, subscribe to my channel, and leave a comment. Be kind to someone today!

[@jessehutch6239]

This was a life saver for real. I live in my car due to losing my place and job after covid and when my starter went out I really thought it was the end for me and was about to give up but after watching this I realized I can do it. I found a used starter from b n r auto wrecking for $71 and was able to install it quickly. I was so worried I was going to be towed and loss my only form of shelter so thank you thank you thank you. I'll pay it forward and help who ever I can if there stuck on the side of the road. I always do.god bless brother

[@ufixit]

I think this is the best feedback I have ever gotten. Thank you so much for sharing. Best wishes getting back on your feet.

[@thegreatecb]

​@@ufixit - Will this work for a 2018 Optima year?

[@garywright1691]

Under the car 3 bolts. Two bolts on stater. Two wires..bless them ten minutes

[@TheArchbow7]

I hope things are going better for you. your situation helped me put my issues into perspective

[@alialimahmab2855]

I’m 😊😊😅😅😅😅😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

[@wellsmitchell49]

You saved my life with this, man. I had given up on getting this starter out, which meant losing my job, being out on the street, turning to crime, prostitution, and the brief respite offered by drugs. You really helped me out. That sounds like a joke, but that's the reality of being in a tough spot with no options.

[@topelite4132]

Hell yeah🙌🏾I was able to change my starter in a walmart parking lot at 2 am in the morning using this video. Thank you so much you literally saved me🙏🏾.

[@tatianamundo7]

Outstanding video! I replaced my starter on Monday & this was a life saver. I took pictures along the way to verify specific bolt locations so that nothing was not in correct location. After I installed the new starter it started right up without a problem. However there was a rookie mistake at which I forgot to plug the sensor back into the throttlebody lol All in all the only thing I would add is if any feminine women suddenly develop the urge to work on vehicles make sure to use big curved nose pliers when undoing clips so that you do not break a nail.💃💋 Thanks for sharing & helping out people in need of tips

[@dwightleachmon4135]

This has to be one of the best how to videos I’ve ever seen on KZbin. The alternate removal process he created was a life saver. The tools listed were spot on and so were the instructions. He definitely saved me money and time. Thank you sir!!

[@609_]

Thank you brother! 😸👍🏼 Son took his '12 Optima to dealer and was quoted $750 in Tempe AZ on 10-01-2021. Watched your video twice before doing the work with my son. We watched it several times DURING the process. Followed all of your instructions as you recommended. 😎. At the moment of truth the car started 😸👍🏼. Total time 90 mins. 🇺🇸. $145 for starter at O'Reilly's in Prescott AZ. Thank you again. New sub.

[@ufixit]

I love this kind of feedback. Glad you were able to fix it and save a ton of money. Thank you for the comments.

[@609_]

@@ufixit thanks for your video. you're the real MVP

[@jroctheplug3775]

I’m gonna attempt this rn

[@josephrodriguez-ng4wz]

My friend in another state used your video to do her starter. She's back to work and was able to make rent. You don't know how truly helpful your video was. Thank you so very much.

[@ufixit]

That feedback means the world to me. Thank you so much for sharing.

[@joshuasmith2613]

ABSOLUTE WINNER!! You are the ONLY one to walk through the steps and not overcomplicate the process. Thank you very much. Great video!

[@scottormiston5496]

This is a well put together presentation, and it will save me a bunch of time. It even gives a list of all tools needed. 5 stars

[@Nightwolf769]

Very much appreciate the fact that you actually took this apart Twice! Once to actually fix it, and once to do the video! Makes my life so much easier! My daughter's starter is starting to go, appreciate your time soooo much Brother!

[@ufixit]

Glad it helped!

[@marcusp.williamson9403]

I rarely ever like, subscribe and comment, but I felt I owed you at least that.Thanks, man.

[@Jimbolo619]

Great video. One thing that wasnt mentioned in this video however, is that the coolant system should be bled for air after the installation of the starter. Anytime any coolant hose is disconnected the coolant system needs to be bled to avoid air pockets in the system, which can cause failure with water pump, thermostat etc. If you dont bleed the system you should be okay but the proper way to avoid serious engine issues due to the cooling system is to bleed the system properly. You can look up videos on that also.

[@panthers559]

Great video , did this today for the hell of it , very simple job , can actually do this fairly easy , if you go under the vehicle and remove the protection plate and the intake manifold stay plate , then go topside and hit the mount bolts

[@CountryBlessingz]

Can I do this with an older model Kia???

[@panthers559]

@@CountryBlessingz depends what year and make honestly?

[@CountryBlessingz]

@@panthers559 Thanks I got it fixed

[@zaza6151]

God Bless you! you're a life savor. The dealership quoted me $1125 saying it will take 4 hours.

[@donnieboyd5846]

Thanks , you did a great job in explaining and showing how to remove the starter, two thumbs up!!

[@jeremylarson9102]

I'm mechanic worked ah shop for 5years like 6years ago and never worked on this starter this was by far excellent video thanks so much

[@Revelation22_5]

This guy is such a hero. Already replaced it, but did it again just to help others! I tip my hat to you sir.

[@timothyarredondo9335]

My son and I just changed out his started after watching your video. Solid video! the only rough spot was getting the starter from under the intake and putting the new one in. Other than that it went smooth.

[@mauriceligon6153]

Great advice. I replaced the starter in 2hours. You are a great tech.......

[@ufixit]

Thank you for the feedback. I love hearing the success stories.

[@sorenfarmer4637]

Thank you for the helpful video! The repair took way longer, and I also had to loosen the bracket (2 additional bolts) to the left of the starter in order to get the starter out. I just couldn't maneuver it like you did until I did that.

[@joemcnamara2944]

Great video. I've got one coming in the shop in the morning. I'm sure you're gonna save me a lot of time. Thx again.

[@rikkfortini6005]

Perfect for what I needed! I mean PERFECT! This was the best DIY video I've ever used. Everything went exactly as shown. The needed tools were spot on too. Thank you very much!

[@Aleksander_Jones21]

I like that you are very detailed but you don’t take forever to explain everything you are straight to the point but you make sure it’s easy enough to learn

[@gregorywallace7614]

I'm forever watching videos of how this kind of stuff is done, a different way to get a job done. I'm not at the point yet where I need to do this to my Sorento, but I'll end up saving this video to come back to when the time comes.

[@crazycardoors]

Great video, dad and I did this in under an hour Very informative and precise

[@ufixit]

Thank you. Good times working with your dad. I treasure the memories of working with mine. I'm glad I could help.

[@jsnmrphy]

Thank you Mr Life Saver! only thing i will add. I was able to perform this with out removing the water hose. I used a bungy cord to tie the hose up attached to the lift hook.

[@scottmcdonald7577]

Let me add another complement to your video. I just finished replacing my starter on my 2013 kia in a parking lot. I've never had a starter go out the way this one did. It was working great.....never an issue. Drove to my work location finished my work. Got in my Kia to drive home and the starter wouldn't turn over the engine. Made a strange whining sound. I could tell it was the starter. Picked one up the next day at Autozone and replaced it. Your video provided great information to assist - not removing the intake manifold but just loosening it....great advice. Worked perfectly. Thank you!

[@frederickclayborn6543]

Oh and by the way when you type in how to do the starter on this certain year your video is the first to pop up!!!!

[@hilltj4]

Fantastic video! Just did the starter tonight on my wife’s Kia Optima. The step-by-step process was amazing!

[@matthagele911]

Thank you, Sir! Got this done yesterday on my 2013 Optima LX with a $75 new starter from Amazon. Never could have done it without this video. I managed it without disconnecting the coolant hose at either end, just removing the clamp in the middle. Also, I did not want to loosen the intake, so there was some extra fiddling and cramped/crunched arms, wrists and fingers, but it worked! (In hindsight, didn't save myself any trouble there). Really appreciate the help. Saved me serious $.

[@mslaadypink]

Um. Can you send me that link! Mine went out today!

[@ufixit]

There is a lot of satisfaction to fixing something yourself. I'm glad you were able to get it done. Thank you for the feedback.

[@dignopadron372]

Thanks for the video. Save me some time to do the job.

[@oscarcabrera7444]

I will never pay a mechanic again. 😅 thanks I just changed my starter thank to you 👍🏼

[@ufixit]

That is great!! I love hearing success stories. Thank you for the feedback.

[@sandyrinks1834]

I might add, no need to loosen. the manifold. At the bottom of the manifold in the middle is a metal bracket with four bolts. Remove the top two and bottom right bolts which allows the bracket to swing away and the starter will fall out the bottom. Remove plug and wire from starter and reinstall the new one. Also no need to remove the top radiator hose, just zip tie or bungy the hose back towards the manifold. You do need to remove the hose middle bracket one screw.

[@johnlocklear8575]

Awesome video had to fix my wife's car. Your video was spot on. I can not thank you enough.

[@ufixit]

Thats great! Glad I was able to help. Have a happy new year. Goodbye 2020!!

[@Titanmone]

@@ufixit is there anyway to test the starter before pulling it off? I have one same kind tried to jump the relay but nothing happens just a spark so seems starter is bad

[@ddski5930]

Working on my daughters 2012 Kia Optima. This is an awesome video!!! I had zero issues following your guidance. You are the man! Thanks so much.

[@ufixit]

Thats great!! Thank you for the comments. I love to hear success stories.

[@rambor1497]

To start with I'm not a mechanic. Looking at this video I figured to try. Your step by step was good for a non mechanic to do it. Thanks it was helpful. One thing you should've mentioned at the beginning was to be positive it's your starter that's the problem. Turner out it was my starter switch that was out. Oh well now I know how to replace a though. 😆

[@ufixit]

Thank you for the feedback and recommendations. Glad you got it fixed.

[@unmaskedjoker]

Thank you for the huge help my kia starter was shot and this video helped me and my father get my kia 2013 [134k miles ] running great

[@AaronSmith-uc7gs]

Never worked on a car before but gonna try this today.

[@funlife5458]

Thanks for the video, I remove my starter with out loosing up the bolts on exhaust manifold, an fortunately the new one doesn't want to go back an less I loose the manifold 😂, thanks again 👍

[@b3dc]

Great and effective video. I was able to change my bad starter following the straight forward instructions. It really is easier than I thought it would be. Except for jiggling the starter out from behind the intake it. That part was mad frustrating!

[@ufixit]

Glad you got it fixed. Thanks for the feedback.

[@b3dc]

@@ufixit Thank you! I couldn't have done it and I wouldn't have even tried it. if I hadn't found you're video.

[@marcusbryant7928]

Thank you for being selfless and posting this video!!!

[@josephmorris3584]

Perfect description on replacement. All tips on point!! Thanks a lot

[@ufixit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidlynch1576]

Thanks for the video it was very helpful. Did one today and you don’t actually have to take the intake loose. Just take the lower mount off for the intake and you can wiggle it out.

[@brandoncooper1546]

Great video and straight to the point. I believe it's time to change my wife's starter. Thanks for the help and you've got a new subscriber.

[@ufixit]

Awesome. I'm glad I was able to help.

[@MySpace662]

This vlog gives you a good start in replacing a starter.

[@tracylleras3607]

Thank you, great video, my son and I replaced our starter.

[@daleweston4191]

Just like the other 200+ people, Great Video much appreciated

[@spyromcfarfenugen]

Doin this on my daughters car now awesome vid. Just watched as i sit in my car in the rain. Now to get to it! Thanks for the vid Sir

[@whocares2078]

U fix it garage, your video provides better explanation than the other videos I have watched on this topic. Thanks, I will be trying this shortly.

[@2beards2bikes24]

Bro! This was the most life saving video when swapping this out! Funny thing was it wasn’t the issue but man was this great!

[@brittneyfitzpatrick3627]

This video helped me complete the replacement of my starter on 2013 Kia Optima. Only thing different I ran into with the different years was the fan had two clips at the bottom. Thanks a million. LOVE the tool list!!!!! Saved me $$$$$$ thanks again!

[@ufixit]

I love this kind of feedback. Glad you got it fixed

[@4estbeck]

Thank sir this video helped me replace my starter to my 2016 kia optima and saved me money.

[@coreyd944]

Thanks so much brother, my gf car having same issue, you really saved me an age of time here. Kudos

[@parkerbywater9240]

Great video. Helped me do this on a 2013 Kia optima. One thing that may be different on the 2013 is that I could not get the starter out without removing the whole bracket below the intake manifold that supports it. Feel the bracket back to where it connects to the block and there are two screws to remove. With this bracket out of the way the starter pretty much comes straight down

[@amadcanders1607]

That was a excellent display on how to remove a starter and I thank you for making a video about it.😊😊😊😊

[@RamirezBAMF]

Literally just did it myself on my 2017 Kia Optima EX thanks to this amazing video thanks man

[@miguelcardenas8860]

This video was a huge help, thank you man! Was able to remove it withoit takimg off the radiator hose, besides that i followed the instructions to the T. I also removed the harness bracket of the battery cable to the started, it gave me a bit more wiggle room. Thanks again!

[@ufixit]

Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for the tip about being able to do it without taking off the radiator hose.

[@lewisgray5015]

Thanks for the great step by step video. I just removed my started exactly as you described… 💪🏾

[@ufixit]

Awesome! Glad you got it.

[@omark2423]

Nice job. That's why I prefer old school vehicles. When they were simple

[@timtrudesnyder5787]

Helped me with my 2013 Kia Forte starter replacement. Thanks😊

[@rashadhogan6808]

Thanks bro I followed all your steps and it worked out amazingly. Back up and running thanks to you

[@jessediaz34]

Worked just like you said. Starter was good but wouldn't of been able to do it if it weren't for your video. Thank you very much!

[@ufixit]

Awesome!

[@lucid3067]

Thank you for this video. My moms starter is going out, and as her son, I already made up my mom to replace it for her. With the help of your video, it should be quick work. Also a bit of advice, I think youtube has a video editing feature. You might be able to add a caption at the begin of your video to tell the viewer to disconnect the battery first. I know some people who skim over videos and would completely miss that part 😂. Thanks again for the great video

[@frederickclayborn6543]

Man you are a lifesaver really appreciate the way you broke it all down and I have already liked and subscribed 👍👍

[@paullafay4730]

Thank you for this video I was at a complete loss on doing the starter I have replaced the head gasket but I didn't wanna take the intake manifold off

[@mastrcraft4067]

gonna give it a shot this weekend. Garage wanted 850.00 to do it for me.

[@ufixit]

You can absolutely do it yourself and save about $650.

[@mastrcraft4067]

@@ufixit took me about an hour fifteen. not bad at all! hardest part was getting the angle when putting it back in. thanks for this video.

[@andrewcarrico2714]

I’m just about to do this! Thanks for the video!

[@eddieestep5110]

L

[@Jpmp13]

Just changed out my starter on my 11 sx. Didn't even have to mess with the intake manifold. Just remove the bracket at the bottom of the manifold that is bolted to the intake and to the engine block..easy...

[@juancolon6362]

This video is great and really detailed in the procedures required to get to and remove the starter of the vehicle. Thumbs Up!!!

[@brokenwrench404]

Great tutorial! I was able to r&r the starter without removing the upper radiator hose, loosening the throttle body and loosening the intake. Just remove the upper radiator hose tie down, remove the cooling fan, air intake hose and the lower intake to engine block brace. Totally shocked that lie charges 5 hours for this job.

[@ufixit]

Thats great information. Thank you for sharing.

[@cmeonbmx]

Well I liked it because you gave me the Start information to get started the starter will arrive Wednesday today's Monday I'm hoping in 1 hour I can have it all out. Thanks for the information so far

[@ufixit]

How did it go? I hope you got it.

[@cmeonbmx]

@@ufixit sorry I forgot to post an update

[@adamefernando89]

Awesome video I just didn’t want to mess with the cooling system so I left it intact just move the hose out of the way. But other than that straight follow all the way !! Thanks again

[@ufixit]

Yep. Several folks have done that. Makes sense and saves having to buy antifreeze. Thank you for the feedback.

[@tupipitu]

Wow

[@DavidBowCrazyBabyak86]

Thank you so much for this video. Help me out tremendously and save me a lot of money

[@joemarkey]

Such a great description. Did it with the help of my son. Thanks!

[@heatherburns4720]

Thanks for video. My brother and I were able to follow you and get to my starter.

[@DavidBowCrazyBabyak86]

Great job explaining everything and thank you, i was told you had to take the intake off but you fixed that problem thank you so much

[@mikemccants8719]

Great video my man! My daughter has the same exact car. I will know what to do if starter replacement is needed. Thanks a mill

[@Trekopolis]

Great presentation thank you. I'm not sure if my starter is the culprit or my battery. I trickle-charged battery all night (will test it later with voltage meter) but it didn't make a difference when I tried starting the car. It almost feels like the battery is weak, but not 100% sure. My question is how do you know the starter is bad vs the battery or the alternator? When I push the starter button it struggles to turn over, (the cranking is very labored) but it starts. I'm having trouble understanding what it really is. I've never had a starter go bad so I don't know what the symptoms are. Labored starting or turning over is basically the deal. Thanks for any input on this. I'm trying to avoid spending money not needed by understanding the logic behind the process.

[@gsizegs]

Thanks. Going to pick the replacement up now and swapping it. Great video, thanks again.

[@Chigger-ef2fm]

This video was EXTREMELY helpful!!!! The only complaint that I have is that my starter didn’t come out or go in exactly like yours and I think you may need to think about your definition of lose a “little” coolant lol.

[@ufixit]

Glad the video helped. I get your point on the coolant. Thank you for the feedback.

[@misfitvernell]

After changing mine in 3°.. your video helped me alot. Thanks so much

[@ufixit]

Thank you for the feedback. Glad it helped.

[@jessesanchez2266]

Great video did it on my 2013 EX. Only thing I did different was removing the started and taking the nut off when the started is dropped all the way down. Follow the wiring behind the started until you get to a plastic pin that comes off easily this allows it to drop all the way down.

[@ufixit]

Great tip. Thank you.

[@KnightsoftheN1te]

This video helped me with replacing a starter on a 2.4 16 Sorento. Good stuff.

[@ufixit]

Thank you for the feedback. I'm glad it helped you save some $$$

[@user-tp6vk7gc2r]

Your the reason I was able to change my starter in my driveway!! Thank you sir!! Liked and subscribed!!!

[@justinbrewer9326]

Like many have said,, excellent video, great detail, great speed. Thanks for showing this.

[@ufixit]

Absolutely! Glad it helped

[@allenciesielski5311]

This is a great video and thanks for posting it. I found a little easier way to do it without removing some stuff and not removing radiator hose or fan. Thanks again

[@ufixit]

That's great! I'm glad the video was helpful.

[@QuashiesGarage]

Good short cut I’ve used it with great results

[@PaulAndrews-cx7fh]

Great video, should save some time on my project.

[@joshuap5820]

Thanks for the video. It mostly gave my the confidence to do it knowing it didn’t have to take the whole air intake off. Took me 1.5 hours. Back together in about 5-10 mins. Funny how that works out. I’m commenting though to add that with I figured it was worth trying and with alittle finesse you can skip loosening the air intake all together! Thanks for the video!! Will subscribe.

[@joshuap5820]

Just want to add though if you take the entire air box off it gives you lots of room and that helped a lot too, takes just a min or two and pops right off.

[@JorgeSanchez-rw5tc]

Awesome video. I was just a little worried because you wouldn’t disconnect the negative from battery. 😵

[@briansmith9111]

Thank u man, that was a great video, i was talking to the video saying"gotta disconnect the battery" lol

[@ufixit]

Ha! Yep. Important step. Glad it helped.

[@Antho51146]

Great info, before trying myself went to the dealership and it was covered under the 100,000 warranty and dealership did it for free

[@ufixit]

Wow. That's good to know. We checked with our dealer and were told it would be $250 to check it out and that the starter wasn't covered under warranty. We have always had good service from Kia, so I'm surprised they gave us the wrong answer. Thank you for sharing.

[@Antho51146]

It had something to do with the motor and being replaced at an early milage for ceasing 🤷‍♂️

[@jrobles78586]

Sir.. great video, thank you for doing this with great explanation of how to do this. My son's car just had this problem with his kia.. again thank you so much.. please keep on making more great vids.. also I am a new subscriber

[@cmeonbmx]

Oh and I hit the sub. I'll definitely start here next time I need to fix a car

[@aridematos3555]

Thanks a bunch! I was able to do it by following your tutorial!

[@tomlatorre8257]

Great video. This was very helpful & I appreciate you taking the time to post it. THANKS!!!

[@cweyant2000]

EXCELLENT VIDEO, Well done and detailed! Cudos!

[@ufixit]

Thank you. Glad it helped.

[@mustafaalasady316]

Nice job thanks Mustafa from Iraq 🎉

[@blicky_buckz1]

Great video but it’s just as fast an easy to pull just the intake and leave the fans and everything in place.Also makes it easier to place the starter and wires but this works also

[@gregbaldwin9661]

Good job. This saves time. Thanks.