Review on 🔌 ACDelco GM OEM 12608653 Starter by Bryan Hill

Although Revain's Car Compatibility Checker incorrectly showed this part to not fit my 07 CTS 3.6L, I checked the part number on my factory starter went with it and ordered it anyway. The starter arrived in the shipping box with no packaging other than the wrapping paper, but it was in perfect condition and was the correct part, so I proceeded with the installation. I don't know where the original factory starter was made, but this starter had a label indicating it was made in Japan, which was a pleasant surprise. side just behind the front wheel and disconnect the battery before going under it to remove the nut that secures the battery cable to the starter terminal. There are two bolts holding the starter in place, both of which can be removed with a regular socket and ratchet without extensions or universal joints. But before the starter can pull out, the sensor mounted next to the starter needs to be rotated a little to give enough clearance. A simple loosening should help, removal is not necessary. With the sensor rotated, the starter can be pulled out once the two bolts are removed and the solenoid connector disconnected. Personally I found it easier to remove the mounting bolts first so I could reposition the starter for better access to the connector, the cable should have enough slack to wiggle a bit. Once everything is disconnected from the starter and the adjacent sensor is removed, the starter should release easily. Repeat these steps in reverse order to install and that's it, it's a fairly painless job and can easily be done in under an hour by someone who can change the oil themselves. It's worth noting that this starter sounds different than the factory one and seems to crank faster. It looks a lot like a Honda/Toyota starter to me, which isn't surprising given where it's coming from, and I feel like it's a real upgrade from a factory starter.