Where to Find the Starter on a 2015 Honda CR‑V

The starter on a 2015 Honda CR‑V is mounted on the transmission bellhousing, tucked beneath the intake manifold on the radiator (front) side of the engine bay, slightly toward the driver’s side. In practical terms, you’ll find it where the engine meets the transmission, below the throttle body area; it’s accessible from above with some intake components moved, or from underneath after removing the lower splash shield. This placement is consistent across the 2.4L i-VTEC (K24W) model common in North America, and similar on other market engines because the starter bolts to the gearbox housing.

Location Overview

Honda situates the starter at the juncture of the engine and transmission to engage the flywheel/flexplate. On the 2015 CR‑V (transverse layout with CVT), that interface sits toward the driver’s side of the bay. The unit is partially obscured by the intake manifold and nearby ducting, which is why it can be easier to see from underneath.

How to Identify the Starter

If you’re looking into the bay and want to be sure you’ve found the correct component, these cues help distinguish the starter from nearby sensors and housings.

• Cylindrical, silver/black motor body with a smaller solenoid canister mounted on it.
• Bolted directly to the transmission bellhousing with two main mounting bolts.
• One heavy-gauge battery cable (B+) and a smaller push-on control wire (solenoid trigger).
• Positioned below the intake manifold area, near the throttle body, slightly driver’s-side of center.

Taken together, the motor’s shape, heavy power lead, and bolt-up to the bellhousing confirm you’re looking at the starter and not an auxiliary component.

Access Points and What You’ll See

Depending on your tools and workspace, you can approach the starter from two practical directions. Each has trade-offs for visibility and clearance.

From the Top

Standing at the front bumper and looking down between the radiator and engine, the starter sits under the intake manifold and behind the throttle body assembly, leaning toward the driver’s side. Removing the air intake ducting (and, if needed, the battery and tray) improves sightlines and tool access.

From Underneath

With the vehicle safely raised and the front lower splash shield removed, the starter is visible on the front face of the transmission bellhousing. This view often provides the most direct access to the electrical connectors and mounting bolts, especially on AWD models where top clearance is tighter.

Step-by-Step: Locating It Quickly

Use this brief sequence to zero in on the starter without unnecessary disassembly.

1. Open the hood and identify the intake manifold/throttle body at the front of the engine.
2. Trace downward toward where the engine meets the transmission on the driver’s side.
3. Look for a cylindrical motor with a smaller solenoid attached and a thick battery cable.
4. If obstructed from above, raise the vehicle, remove the front splash shield, and look at the transmission bellhousing’s front face.
5. Confirm by locating the two large mounting bolts and the heavy B+ cable plus smaller control wire.

Following these steps should bring the starter into view from either approach, letting you verify its location before any service work.

Safety and Notes

Because the starter carries direct battery power, basic precautions are essential.

• Disconnect the negative battery terminal before touching starter wiring.
• Support the vehicle securely on jack stands if working underneath.
• Expect tight clearances; plan for extensions and wobble sockets.
• On models with additional underbody covers or AWD hardware, clearance can vary slightly, but the mounting point on the bellhousing does not change.

Taking a few minutes to prepare your workspace and isolate power will make identification and any subsequent service safer and simpler.

Summary

The 2015 Honda CR‑V’s starter is bolted to the transmission bellhousing beneath the intake manifold on the front (radiator) side of the engine, slightly toward the driver’s side. You can locate it from above after moving intake components for visibility, or from below by removing the splash shield for a clearer line of sight to the motor, solenoid, and wiring.

Where is the starter on a 2015 Honda CRV?

The starter on a 2015 Honda CRV is located on the engine block, near the transmission bell housing, and can be accessed from the passenger side wheel well after removing the wheel and splash guard. It’s situated behind the engine oil drain bolt, underneath the intake manifold. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

• Location: The starter is positioned on the side of the engine, near the bottom and towards the front of the car, close to the transmission. 
• Access: To get to it, you’ll need to remove the front passenger wheel and the splash guard (plastic shield) in the wheel well. 
• Visual Guide: You can see the starter through the wheel well, above the exhaust pipe and between the axle and exhaust pipe. 
• Additional Tips: Some videos suggest that removing the intake manifold can also provide better access, but it’s not always necessary. 
• Important: Disconnect the battery before starting any work on the starter. 

Where is the starter located?

The starter’s location varies by vehicle, but it is generally found on the transmission where it meets the engine block, engaging with the flywheel or flexplate. To locate it, you might need to inspect the area under the engine or near the transmission, sometimes requiring removal of air intake components. Following the positive battery cable can also lead you to the starter solenoid, which is part of the starter.
 
This video shows the location of the starter and how to access it: 43sJavo’s GarageYouTube · Oct 1, 2019
General Location

• Between Engine and Transmission: . Opens in new tabThe starter is typically mounted on the engine’s transmission bell housing, connecting to the engine block. 
• Engages Flywheel/Flexplate: . Opens in new tabIt’s positioned to engage the engine’s flywheel (manual transmission) or flexplate (automatic transmission). 

How to Find It

1. 1. Follow the Battery Cable: The starter motor is connected to a large power cable from the battery. 
2. 2. Look Underneath: In many rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicles, the starter is located on the passenger side, often below the exhaust manifold. 
3. 3. Inspect Rear of Engine: It can be found towards the back of the engine, where it connects to the transmission. 
4. 4. Consider Front-Wheel-Drive (FWD): For FWD vehicles, you may need to access it from the driver’s side, above or under the transmission, or in front of the engine, sometimes requiring removal of the intake manifold. 

Tips for Accessing the Starter

• Safety First: Disconnect the car’s negative battery cable before working on the starter. 
• Remove Obstructions: On some vehicles, you may need to remove the airbox, air intake tube, or even the intake manifold to gain access to the starter. 
• Check for Corrosion: Examine the electrical connections for corrosion, as this can affect the starter’s function. 

Where is the starter on a Honda CR-V?

On a Honda CR-V, the starter motor is located underneath the engine’s intake manifold, often accessed from the passenger side wheel area. Due to the tight space, it is sometimes easier to remove the intake manifold or work from below to get to the starter’s mounting bolts and electrical connections.
 
This video shows the location of the starter on a 2002-2006 Honda CR-V: 59sJerryRigEverythingYouTube · May 30, 2014
To find the starter on your Honda CR-V:

1. Access the engine bay: Open the hood to view the engine. 
2. Locate the intake manifold: This is a large part on the top of the engine that collects air. 
3. Look underneath the manifold: The starter motor is located directly under the intake manifold. 
4. Consider removing the intake manifold (for easier access): This involves disconnecting the battery, air filter hose, and manifold sensors. 
5. Or, try from the front wheel well (for a tighter fit): On some models, you may be able to access the starter and its bolts from the passenger side wheel area. 

This video shows how to access the starter from the front wheel area: 59sBack to CountryYouTube · Mar 27, 2025
Key details about starter location:

• Under the intake manifold: This is the most consistent location for the starter across different CR-V models. 
• Tight access: Be prepared for a tight space, as the starter is often difficult to see and reach, especially without removing the intake manifold. 
• Working from below: Depending on the model and your vehicle’s setup (e.g., all-wheel drive), you may be able to access the starter by removing undercarriage splash guards. 

How much does it cost to replace a starter on a 2015 Honda CRV?

The estimated cost to replace the starter on a 2015 Honda CR-V ranges from approximately $547 to $890, with parts typically costing between $425 and $711, and labor around $122 to $179. However, costs can vary significantly by location and by whether a new or remanufactured starter is used, with some online estimates and mechanic quotes falling in the $700 to $900 range.
 
Cost Breakdown

• Parts: The price of the starter motor itself can range from around $270 for an aftermarket part to over $500 for a factory Honda starter, according to Advance Auto Parts and RepairPal. 
• Labor: Labor costs for replacing the starter on a CR-V are generally estimated to be between $122 and $179. 
• Total: Combining parts and labor gives an estimated total cost that can vary from about $550 to over $900, according to Reddit users and RepairPal. 

Factors Influencing Cost

• Location: Prices for both parts and labor can differ greatly based on your geographic area. 
• Part Type: A new, OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Honda starter will generally be more expensive than a remanufactured or aftermarket starter. 
• Shop Type: Costs at a dealership might be higher than at an independent shop, according to Reddit posts. 

What to Expect

• You may hear a grinding noise when the car is turned over, according to Bernardi Parts Honda or the car may not start at all. 
• The process may require removing the front tire and potentially a skid plate and exhaust to access the starter. 
• It’s wise to get a quote from a trusted mechanic, as prices can be highly variable.