What are the first two actions when replacing the starter motor and solenoid?

When beginning the process of replacing the starter motor and solenoid, one of the first critical safety steps is to disconnect the negative battery cable. This action is necessary to prevent any accidental electrical shorts or sparks that could occur during the replacement, especially when working with electrical components. Following this, tagging and disconnecting the starter leads is important to ensure that you can properly rewire everything once the new parts are installed.

While disconnecting the positive battery cable might seem like a viable option, it is standard procedure in automotive work to start with the negative cable. This reduces the risk of short circuits if any tools accidentally contact the vehicle's frame or other grounded elements. Removing the battery or testing the starter output is typically not necessary at this stage and may complicate the process or introduce unnecessary steps before ensuring safety.