Where the Starter Is on a 2017 Honda Accord

The location depends on the powertrain: on 2017 Accords with the 2.4L inline‑4, the starter is mounted low at the front of the engine where it meets the transmission (near the radiator side); on V6 models (3.5L), the starter sits hidden in the “V” valley beneath the intake manifold; Hybrid models do not use a conventional starter at all, as the engine is started by a motor‑generator. Below is a detailed guide to help you identify which you have and how to find it safely.

Know Your 2017 Accord’s Powertrain

Honda sold the 2017 Accord with three distinct setups: a 2.4L four‑cylinder (with either a CVT or manual), a 3.5L V6 (automatic), and the Accord Hybrid (i‑MMD system). The starter’s location—and whether a traditional starter even exists—varies by engine. Confirm your engine via the VIN sticker under the hood, emissions label, or by noting “V6” badging and the distinctive intake plenum shape on V6 models.

2.4L Inline‑4 (Non‑Hybrid) — Starter Location

On four‑cylinder models, the starter is bolted to the transmission bellhousing on the front (radiator) side of the engine, just below the intake manifold and throttle body area. You can usually see the starter’s cylindrical body and solenoid when looking down between the radiator fans and the engine, slightly toward the driver’s side. Access is often easier from underneath after removing the lower splash shield.

The steps below outline how to visually locate the starter on the 2.4L engine.

• Open the hood and stand at the front bumper, looking down between the radiator and engine.
• Find the air intake duct and throttle body; the starter sits lower, on the bellhousing where the engine meets the transmission.
• Look for a small cylindrical motor with a smaller canister (the solenoid) attached and two electrical connections (a thick battery cable and a smaller signal wire).
• If visibility is poor from above, raise the vehicle safely, remove the front lower engine cover, and look up at the front side of the transmission housing.
• Trace the heavy-gauge positive cable from the battery toward the transmission area; it terminates at the starter’s main terminal.

Once you’ve identified the bellhousing junction and wiring, the starter’s position becomes clear: it straddles the engine/transmission interface on the radiator side, slightly offset to the driver’s side.

3.5L V6 (J35) — Starter Location

On V6 models, the starter is not visible from the sides of the engine. It is mounted in the engine’s central “V” valley, directly beneath the upper intake manifold/plenum at the top center of the engine. Reaching it typically requires removing the intake manifold and related components, making this a more involved job than on the four‑cylinder.

Use these cues to confirm the valley-mounted starter on the V6.

• Identify the prominent plastic intake plenum on top of the engine (often labeled with “Earth Dreams V6”). The starter sits directly underneath it, centered between the cylinder banks.
• Follow the thick positive cable routed toward the rear-top of the engine; it dives into the valley to the starter.
• Expect minimal or no direct view of the starter without removing intake components.
• Plan for intake manifold removal (with new gaskets) to service or replace the starter.

Because of its valley location, the V6 starter is intentionally hidden for packaging and noise reasons; professional-level disassembly is required for access.

Accord Hybrid (i‑MMD) — No Conventional Starter

The 2017 Accord Hybrid does not use a traditional 12‑volt starter motor. Instead, the high‑voltage motor‑generator starts the gasoline engine. The 12‑volt battery powers control systems and relays but does not crank the engine. There is no standalone starter to locate or replace in the conventional sense.

If your Hybrid won’t “start,” check these items before assuming a starter fault.

• 12‑volt battery condition: a weak 12V battery can prevent system boot‑up even though the car has a high‑voltage pack.
• High‑voltage system status: warning lights or isolation faults will inhibit engine start.
• Brake‑pedal application and gear selector in Park: required for READY mode.
• Relevant fuses and relays in the under‑hood and interior panels.

In Hybrids, start issues are typically electrical/control-system related; consult a technician trained on high‑voltage systems for diagnosis.

Safety and Service Tips

Before any work, disconnect the negative terminal of the 12‑volt battery. For Hybrid models, never touch orange high‑voltage cables or components; specialized procedures and safety gear are required. Use jack stands on a level surface if working underneath, and consult the factory service manual for model‑specific procedures and torque specifications.

The following notes outline access considerations by engine to help you plan the job or inspection.

1. 2.4L Inline‑4: Often accessible from below after removing the lower splash shield; from above, removing the intake duct or battery tray can improve reach. Label and protect wiring to the starter solenoid before removal.
2. 3.5L V6: Requires removal of the upper intake manifold and associated vacuum, fuel, and electrical connections; replace intake gaskets and follow proper torque sequence on reassembly.
3. Hybrid: No starter to remove; diagnostics focus on 12V battery health, system relays, and high‑voltage controls. Follow Honda’s i‑MMD service precautions.

These guidelines reduce guesswork and help you gauge whether the task suits DIY skill levels or warrants professional service.

Visual Reference Points

“Front” refers to the radiator side of the engine bay; “rear” is the firewall side. On the four‑cylinder, look low on the front side at the engine‑transmission junction. On the V6, the starter sits centrally at the top of the engine but buried under the intake. The Hybrid’s propulsion layout eliminates the standalone starter entirely.

Summary

For a 2017 Honda Accord, the starter’s location depends on the model: four‑cylinder cars have it low at the front on the transmission bellhousing; V6 models hide it under the intake manifold in the engine’s valley; Hybrid models don’t use a conventional starter. Identify your engine first, then use the reference points above for safe, accurate locating and service planning.

Where is the starter motor in a Honda Accord?

If you need to replace the starter, you will find it to be moderately easy to take it out and reinstall. It is held in place by three bolts and mounted on the top by the firewall. Do not start working on the starter until the vehicle is cool to the touch because you will be near the engine and exhaust.

How do I know if my Honda Accord starter is bad?

A failing starter motor in a Honda Accord can manifest in a few ways, most notably with the engine failing to crank or start, sometimes accompanied by clicking, grinding, or whirring noises. You might also experience an engine that cranks slowly, or an engine that doesn’t start after being jumped. 
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the symptoms:
1. Engine Won’t Crank or Start: This is the most obvious sign. When you turn the key or push the start button, nothing happens. The engine doesn’t turn over at all. 
2. Clicking, Grinding, or Whirring Noises: If you hear clicking, grinding, or whirring sounds when you try to start the car, it could indicate a problem with the starter motor or its components. 
3. Slow Cranking: If the engine cranks very slowly when you try to start it, it could mean the starter motor is failing internally. 
4. Intermittent Starting Issues: Sometimes the car might start, and other times it won’t. This can be a sign of a starter that’s starting to fail intermittently. 
5. Starter Solenoid Issues: The starter solenoid is a part of the starter system that engages the starter motor. If it’s faulty, you might hear a single click when you try to start the car, but the engine won’t turn over. 
6. Engine Won’t Start After Jump Start: If the car starts with a jump start but not on its own, it could indicate a weak or failing battery, or a starter issue. 
7. Smoke or Burning Smell: In rare cases, a failing starter can overheat and emit smoke or a burning smell. This is a serious issue and should be addressed immediately. 
Troubleshooting Tips:

• Check the battery: Before assuming it’s the starter, make sure your battery is fully charged and the terminals are clean and tight. 
• Listen for clicking: If you hear a single click, it could be a starter solenoid issue. If you hear rapid clicking, it could be a weak battery. 
• Look for slow cranking: If the engine cranks slowly, it could be a starter motor problem. 
• Consider professional help: If you’re not comfortable diagnosing or repairing the starter yourself, it’s best to take your Honda Accord to a qualified mechanic. 

Where is the starter in a Honda Accord 2017?

So let’s get started. Let’s disconnect the battery use a 10 mm wrench or socket and loosen up the mounting nut on the negative terminal.

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 · Sep 30, 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.