I'm pretty sure my starter is bad, that is not the issue.

I know where it is located and this is where it gets screwed up.

I have the 2.3l 4 cylinder. The engine is oriented unusually and as a result the starter is at the very front of the car, beneath the air intake and above the oil filter housing (which sticks out of the engine so the filter can be screwed in vertically). It is very hard to get to.

It seems to me that there are 2 ways to get it off and one is by removing the entire oil filter housing, the other by removing the front grille and possibly the bumper... neither seem appealing.

Haynes manual just says "unbolt the starter", the local dealership has never done one on a 4 banger and has no clue...

So before I jump in and start tearing up my car, I would like any advice anyone has to offer, if anyone has had to deal with a starter in this position I would LOVE to hear from you.

Thanks.