Instructions for Replacing the Starter on a Cub Cadet 16 HP Briggs & Stratton Motor

Ensure the Cub Cadet mower is parked and the key turned to the off position.

Open the hood to access the engine.

Find the black, square battery box in front of the engine block. A red terminal wire extends out of one side of the battery and a black terminal wire extends out of the other side. These wires are secured to the battery with bolts. Use a socket wrench to turn each bolt counterclockwise in order to disconnect the wires from the battery.

Follow the red terminal wire to the other end, where it connects to the rectangular starter solenoid. Use your socket wrench to turn the bolt that secures it counterclockwise to disconnect the wire from the solenoid.

Follow the black terminal wire to the other end, where it connects to the solenoid.
Use your socket wrench to loosen the bolt that secures the black wire to the solenoid and disconnect the wire.

Locate the wire harness on the top of the solenoid. This harness is made up of a number of small, thin wires that are held in place by a retainer clip. Slide a flat-head screwdriver under this retaining clip and pry upward in order to disengage it, then remove the wire harness.

Unscrew the bolts on the top of the solenoid that hold it in place. Use the socket wrench to turn these bolts counterclockwise to loosen and remove them, then pull the solenoid out.

Slide the replacement solenoid into place.

Follow your disassembly steps in reverse in order to reinsert the solenoid's bolts, wire harness and terminal wires.

Reconnect the black and red terminal wires to your battery using your socket wrench.