Where is the starter on a 2009 Honda Civic?

The starter on most 2009 Honda Civic gasoline (non-hybrid) models is bolted to the transmission bell housing where the engine meets the transmission. On the common 1.8L models (DX/LX/EX), it sits at the front of the engine bay below the intake manifold, slightly toward the driver’s side; on the Si (2.0L), it’s on the front side of the transmission near the radiator. The 2009 Civic Hybrid does not have a conventional 12-volt starter motor—its engine is started by the IMA electric motor.

How the engine layout affects where you’ll find it

The 8th‑generation Civic (2006–2011) uses a transverse engine. In left-hand-drive markets (e.g., North America), the engine is on the passenger side and the transmission is on the driver’s side; the starter mounts at the engine–transmission junction. If you’re working on a right-hand-drive car, left/right references may feel “mirrored,” but the starter remains at the bell housing, facing the front of the car.

Location by model/engine

1.8L gasoline (R18A) — DX/LX/EX trims

On the 1.8L, the starter is mounted to the transmission bell housing under the intake manifold, between the engine and the radiator, slightly toward the driver’s side. Look down from above behind the radiator fans: you’ll see a compact cylindrical motor with a thick battery cable and a small push-on signal wire. From below, it’s just above and to the side of the oil filter area, bolted with two mounting bolts into the bell housing.

2.0L gasoline (K20Z3) — Si trim

On the Si, the starter is also at the bell housing but sits toward the front of the car near the radiator side of the transmission. It’s visible from above beneath the intake tubing/throttle body area and from below with the front splash shield removed. You’ll spot the same cylindrical housing with a heavy-gauge cable and a smaller control connector.

Civic Hybrid (HCH-II)

The 2009 Civic Hybrid does not use a conventional starter motor. The engine is cranked by the IMA (Integrated Motor Assist) electric motor sandwiched between the engine and transmission. If you’re troubleshooting “no-crank” on a Hybrid, you’ll be checking the 12V battery, fuses/relays, and IMA system components rather than looking for a standalone starter.

How to positively identify the starter

Because several components sit close together at the front of the engine bay, it helps to know what to look for and how to approach it safely and efficiently.

• Shape and size: A compact cylindrical motor (roughly the size of a small soda can with a nose cone) bolted where the engine meets the transmission.
• Wiring: One thick battery cable secured by a nut on a stud (B+), plus one smaller push-on or clipped signal wire (solenoid “S” terminal).
• Mounting: Typically two visible mounting bolts going into the transmission bell housing.
• Proximity: On 1.8L, it sits beneath the intake manifold plenum; on the Si, toward the radiator side of the transmission case.

If you find a similar-looking unit elsewhere on the engine, verify the two-wire layout (one thick, one thin) and its position at the bell housing to avoid confusing it with other accessories.

Access tips and what to remove

Access varies slightly by engine and your tools. These common approaches reduce frustration and make the starter easier to see and reach.

• Disconnect the negative battery terminal first to prevent short circuits when working around the main battery cable on the starter.
• Top-side access (1.8L): Remove the air intake duct/box and, if needed, the battery and tray for more room to reach under the intake manifold.
• Bottom-side access (both engines): Safely raise the front, remove the lower splash shield, and reach up along the bell housing near the oil filter (1.8L) or radiator side of the transmission (Si).
• Lighting and mirrors: A small inspection mirror and a bright work light make spotting the mounting bolts and connectors much easier.

With the intake ducting or splash shield out of the way, the starter’s housing, wiring, and mounting points are usually straightforward to see and service.

Common mix-ups to avoid

Several components can be mistaken for the starter due to proximity and shape. Knowing the differences helps you zero in on the correct part quickly.

• Alternator: Belt-driven and mounted on the engine with a visible pulley—unlike the starter, which has no external belt or pulley.
• A/C compressor: Larger, at the lower front of the engine with multiple refrigerant lines attached.
• Hybrid IMA components (Hybrid only): Electric motor and power electronics are integrated; there’s no separate starter motor to find.

If it has a pulley or refrigerant lines, it’s not the starter. The true starter always ties directly into the bell housing with heavy battery wiring.

Safety note

Always disconnect the negative battery cable before touching the starter’s wiring. If you’re raising the car, support it with jack stands on solid points. Avoid shorting the starter’s main terminal to ground with tools.

Summary

On a 2009 Honda Civic with the 1.8L or 2.0L gasoline engine, the starter sits at the transmission bell housing: under the intake manifold near the driver’s side on the 1.8L, and on the radiator-facing side of the transmission on the Si. The 2009 Civic Hybrid has no conventional starter, relying on the IMA motor instead.

Where is the starter on an 09 Honda Civic?

It’s uh blocking it right now there’s two 10 mm bolts going into the intake. And a 12 mm on the engine block let’s remove all of.

Where is the car starter located?

The car starter is typically located at the junction where the engine meets the transmission, engaging the flywheel or flex plate. For a front-wheel drive (FWD) vehicle, it’s often on the driver’s side, while a rear-wheel drive (RWD) vehicle will usually have it on the passenger’s side. To access it, you’ll generally need to look underneath the car.
 
This video shows the location of the starter on the engine and transmission: 19sJim VanbladelYouTube · Feb 5, 2021
Common Locations

• Between the Engine and Transmission: . Opens in new tabThe starter motor is bolted to the transmission or engine block and meshes with the engine’s flywheel (for manual transmissions) or flex plate (for automatic transmissions). 
• Driver’s Side vs. Passenger’s Side: . Opens in new tabIn FWD cars, it’s often on the driver’s side, below the left cylinder bank. For RWD vehicles, it is usually located on the passenger’s side, beneath the exhaust manifold. 

How to Find It

1. 1. Go Under the Car: . Opens in new tabYou will most likely need to get under your vehicle to find the starter, as it’s often located on the underside of the engine. 
2. 2. Look for the Flywheel Housing: . Opens in new tabLocate the area where the engine and transmission connect, known as the bell housing or flywheel housing. 
3. 3. Identify the Starter: . Opens in new tabThe starter is an electric motor bolted to this housing, with a large cable connected to its solenoid. 

This video shows how to find the starter by looking under the car: 1mTERREPOWER (formerly BBB Industries)YouTube · Sep 16, 2011
Important Considerations

• Safety First: Always disconnect the battery’s negative terminal before attempting to work on the starter to avoid electrical damage or injury. 
• Vehicle Specifics: The exact location can vary, so consult your car’s owner’s manual or a vehicle-specific repair guide for more precise details. 

Where is the starter located on a Honda Civic?

View come in now I’m on the passenger. Side back here you’ve got a manifold. Cover if you look a little bit beyond that towards the bottom of the car there is the exhaust.

How much is a starter for a 2009 Honda Civic?

The average cost for a Honda Civic Starter Replacement is between $499 and $916. Labor costs are estimated between $159 and $234 while parts are priced between $340 and $682.