Removing and installing starter for 6-cylinder 3.2 l or 3.6 l FSI engine with automatic gearbox — VW

🧭 Before you start

Disconnect the battery in the prescribed sequence and remove the noise insulation and solenoid heat shield mat. Remove the positive and terminal 50 wires while counterholding the studs, then take out the lower starter bolt on the engine side. Clear the wire holder, exhaust bracket and coolant pipe bolt, remove the upper bolt on the gearbox side and lift out the starter. Refit in reverse, tightening all connections to the specified torque.

Fits: VW Touareg I (7L, 2002–2010)

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• Follow the battery disconnection sequence exactly, or the battery isolator can trigger and damage electrics.
• Counterhold the solenoid terminal studs with an open-jaw spanner when loosening or tightening the cables.
• Refit the protective cap and heat shield mat so the solenoid terminals stay covered.
• Remember the coolant pipe bolt on the sump; the starter will not come free without it.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

📋 Procedure

1. ⚠ When batteries are disconnected, the procedure described in the workshop manual must be strictly followed . If the sequence is not maintained, the battery isolator may be triggered and the electrical equipment of the vehicle may be damaged. — Disconnect battery .
2. Remove noise insulation General body repairs, exterior50Assembly overview - noise insulation.
3. Open press studs (arrows) and remove heat shield mat for solenoid switch.
4. Lever protective cap off securing nuts (arrows).
5. Remove securing nut of positive wire (arrow) from starter solenoid switch.

6. Remove securing nut of terminal 50 wire (arrow) from starter solenoid switch.
7. ⚠ The threaded connections on the solenoid switch could become twisted.The solenoid switch may be damaged.When tightening or loosening connections for positive cable and terminal 50 cable, counterhold threaded connection on solenoid switch using open jaw spanner. — Remove lower securing bolt M12x60 for starter (arrow) on engine side.
8. Remove securing bolt (2) for wire holder and place wire to one side.
9. Remove securing nuts (1).
10. From the engine side, remove securing bolt (1) for exhaust system bracket (2) and remove bracket.
11. Remove securing bolt for coolant pipe (arrow) on engine sump.
12. Remove upper securing bolt for starter (arrow) on gearbox side.
13. Remove starter.
14. Tighten threaded connections to specified torque .

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