Finally got around to replacing the starter today after putting it off for over 3 years. 😅

Everything in this thread is spot on with some caveats in my case -- ended up taking 10 hours with various breaks in between ( I'm a slow DIY'er 😭 ).

Some notes during my experience:

1. The two starter bolts (14mm / 17mm) are on solid, I had to use PB Blaster and a breaker bar with various extensions to crack them loose.
2. If the dipstick tube is stuck, do not try and hammer the dipstick tube bracket to loosen it, you may bend the bracket like me. I had to bend it back into shape with a vice grip.
3. Remove all the wiring harness connectors and loosen starter wire before trying to remove the two starter bolts.
4. When reconnecting the starter wire, be sure to snake it above the starter (while it is still loose) and under the thermostat housing, the wire tolerances are tight, but if it is in the right spot, the starter wire should still be free to move and still line up with the harness mounting points. I wasted time undoing my starter bolts again because I didn't get the starter wire placed correctly.
5. The connector on the starter gave me the most trouble -- I had to use a pick to lift the right side of the connector while wiggling it loose. When reconnecting to my TYC starter, I had to really force it to click into place. I almost gave up because the Fit wouldn't start... and it ended up being this connector not fully inserted. I kept pushing thinking I was going to break the connector (inside looked to have some rubber seals) and then I heard a very faint click.

Good luck everyone. My fingers still hurt.

 

Good job and thanks for the report.

Those wire connectors are always a hassle. I have trouble with them every time.

 

When I reassemble the snap together connectors each gets aque-tip load of
electrical grease mopped around in side of it, keeps water out and makes them easier to separate..