Starter Grind - Toyota 4Runner Forum

Chilow · 02-02-2021, 11:20 AM

Is there a how-to-guide on inspecting/replacing the starter on the 5th gen? Recently, I noticed an intermittent grinding noise when I start the car. Usually only happens during a cold start after sitting outside overnight.

Some forum members have suggested looking into the starter/flywheel, but I wasn't able to find any pictures or instructions specific to the 5th gen. Most of my search results came back for the 3rd gen.

Jeremy556 · 02-02-2021, 12:01 PM

It's on the drivers side at the front of the transmission. You can see it through the wheel well. Easiest to access through the wheel well and from underneath, its held on with 2 or 3 bolts. It's the same as a 4th gen (which there are youtube videos), but a little less room to work with behind the exhaust.

Chilow · 02-02-2021, 12:29 PM

Thank you! Would I be visually able to inspect it to confirm it's a starter issue? Since I'm troubleshooting a grinding noise, I was thinking I should look at the gears on the starter. Is this visible? I'll take a look at some YouTube videos for the 4th gen for now.

spartacus · 02-02-2021, 01:16 PM

[QUOTE=Chilow;3599249]Is there a how-to-guide on inspecting/replacing the starter on the 5th gen? Recently, I noticed an intermittent grinding noise when I start the car. Usually only happens during a cold start after sitting outside overnight.

Some forum members have suggested looking into the starter/flywheel, but I wasn't able to find any pictures or instructions specific to the 5th gen. Most of my search results came back for the 3rd gen.[/QUOTE

pic, courtesy of @Ducmonsta

spartacus · 02-02-2021, 01:43 PM

Here is pic from the fsm.

Chilow · 02-02-2021, 02:21 PM

Hmm...I'm guessing I should just replace it altogether. Now that I think about it, I noticed the grinding noise one day after I drove through a puddle caused by a rain storm. The puddle was on the passenger side though. Could that cause it?

fkheath · 02-02-2021, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chilow

Is there a how-to-guide on inspecting/replacing the starter on the 5th gen? Recently, I noticed an intermittent grinding noise when I start the car. Usually only happens during a cold start after sitting outside overnight.

Some forum members have suggested looking into the starter/flywheel, but I wasn't able to find any pictures or instructions specific to the 5th gen. Most of my search results came back for the 3rd gen.

Are you sure it is starter grind? A lot of people are having a short valve chatter on startup on cold mornings. Read through this thread:
Clank Sound Start Up

Chilow · 02-02-2021, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fkheath

Are you sure it is starter grind? A lot of people are having a short valve chatter on startup on cold mornings. Read through this thread:
Clank Sound Start Up

That was my initial thread

but someone mentioned it could be starter grind, which made me create this thread. I do think it's starter grind and not the valve chatter based on the noise.

mteolus · 02-02-2021, 04:44 PM

I had a problem with my starter after driving through a deep river and then it freezing over night. I had my mechanic clean the contacts a couple of times and it finally is working ok. I think the freezing temps caused the water to stay on the contacts too long and rust. But no grinding noise, it just wouldn't start.

Like you I was thinking about replacing it but like you said very little information. I believe it is a PITA to get it out, so if you have the money have someone do it.

Chilow · 02-02-2021, 04:47 PM

I don't have any starting issues, at least not at this time. It starts up how it always has. Just now with a grinding noise sometimes.

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