2007 Starter Replacement

[4RunnFunn]

I may have to replace the starter on my wife's 2007 Limited 4Runner (V6). I won't be able to get it on a lift for 2 weeks to get a good look at it. I've read numerous threads here, but none on a starter replacement on this version 4R. Anybody have a diagram/service manual/pictures of what's necessary to get this job done. I will provide my email address via PM if you'd like to email this info to me.

Thanks in advance...

 

[brucemoose2]

I may have to replace the starter on my wife's 2007 Limited 4Runner (V6). I won't be able to get it on a lift for 2 weeks to get a good look at it. I've read numerous threads here, but none on a starter replacement on this version 4R. Anybody have a diagram/service manual/pictures of what's necessary to get this job done. I will provide my email address via PM if you'd like to email this info to me.

Thanks in advance...

Check stickies for link to service manuals.

 

[lightfreak]

Here ya go.

 

[AuSeeker]

I may have to replace the starter on my wife's 2007 Limited 4Runner (V6). I won't be able to get it on a lift for 2 weeks to get a good look at it. I've read numerous threads here, but none on a starter replacement on this version 4R. Anybody have a diagram/service manual/pictures of what's necessary to get this job done. I will provide my email address via PM if you'd like to email this info to me.

Thanks in advance...

Count yourself lucky it's not a V8 where you have to remove the intake because that's where the starter is, under the intake on top of the engine, so if you start cussing at any point remind yourself it could be a lot worst!!

It shouldn't that bad of a job since the V6 starter is in the more traditonal location on the side of the engine.

Let know how it goes!!

 

[4RunnFunn]

Here ya go.

The replacement document references section 15-2...

2. REMOVE EXHAUST FRONT PIPE ASSY NO.2 (See page 15-2 )

Can you add this document...thanks for the help.

 

[TowMeOut]

You don't have to remove the exhaust. I don't remember if it's in the manual but it helps immensely to unbolt the front driveshaft from the diff and move it out of the way.

Not removing the exhaust means you have to find an alternate way to get the darned thing out. I was beating my head against a wall until I found one thread that set me straight. The "secret" was to remove the "splash guard" in the driver side fender. You also need to unbolt the bracket holding the knot of brake lines on the frame rail in the same area. Once you take those two small parts loose you can wiggle the starter through by gently moving a few of the brake lines.

FYI....I didn't try it when I did mine but one guy claimed you could clean the plunger and contacts without removing the starter. I didn't find that info until after I'd reinstalled. That sounds like a colossal pain in the butt.

 

[vastano]

You don't have to remove the exhaust. I don't remember if it's in the manual but it helps immensely to unbolt the front driveshaft from the diff and move it out of the way.

Not removing the exhaust means you have to find an alternate way to get the darned thing out. I was beating my head against a wall until I found one thread that set me straight. The "secret" was to remove the "splash guard" in the driver side fender. You also need to unbolt the bracket holding the knot of brake lines on the frame rail in the same area. Once you take those two small parts loose you can wiggle the starter through by gently moving a few of the brake lines.

FYI....I didn't try it when I did mine but one guy claimed you could clean the plunger and contacts without removing the starter. I didn't find that info until after I'd reinstalled. That sounds like a colossal pain in the butt.

Diggin my way through these starter threads since I believe I need to rebuild, would you mind posting the 2 threads you mentioned? Namely the one where you dont have to remove the starter.

 

[TowMeOut]

This one is helpful for the rebuild: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/209957-replace-starter-contacts-plunger.html

I remember reading one but for the life of me I can't seem to find it now. It was buried in one of the plethora of starter related threads. Getting the cover off the solenoid to access the contacts and plunger wasn't too bad. I don't quite remember how it's oriented but I'd bet it will be a huge pain. Getting the plunger out and just giving the thing a few blasts of electrical contact cleaner and maybe removing the corrosion with some emery cloth might be doable but that's just a guess.

If you go into google you can search just the 4th gen forum like this:
starter replacement V6 site:4th Gen T4Rs - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

Just put in your keywords before "site:www.toyota......" and your results will show up.

 

[4RunnFunn]

Here's the skinny on my 2007 4Runner starting issue. It wouldn't start from time to time. It was sporadic. I was thinking battery, starter, fuse, relay, dirty terminals, etc.

This is what it sounded like...

2007 Toyota 4Runner - Starter Issue

It would just click 1 time.

The battery is only 6 months old.
I have 2 4Runners (2004 and 2007). I swapped out the starter relay, no change.
I cleaned the battery terminals, but they were pretty clean already.
I pulled the cable that runs from the battery to the starter off the starter to clean it, but it was pretty clean.

It still wouldn't start.

I left it alone and tried a couple of days later and it started. It worked for a week or two. It wouldn't start last night and I left it. I was going to swap the batteries between the 2 4Runners this morning to rule that out. I got to the 4Runner this morning and it wouldn't start. I decided to try the beat on the starter with a hammer to see if something breaks free inside it. I slid a 4' long 1" x 2" piece of wood down from the engine compartment and hit it with a large hammer about 5 times. It started right up on the first try. This leads me to be 95% sure it's the starter.

Here's my part number:

So now I need to replace the starter. I do most of my auto parts business with RockAuto. They have a couple of NEW replacement starters. Anybody familiar with these manufacturers:

TYC
Pure Energy
Power Select
Remy

Thanks!

 

[4RunnFunn]

I installed the Remy yesterday. My neighbor has a 2 post lift that made getting at the starter much easier.

My steps:

From the engine compartment:
Disconnect the battery.

From the driver's side front wheel area:
Remove the front left wheel.
Remove the fender splash shield in the wheel well (held on with 5 clips).
Remove two bolts that hold the brake line.
Move the brake line to the left out of the way.
Disconnect the cable running from the battery to the starter at the starter (1 nut).
Disconnect the electrical connector. There's a push button on the bottom of the connector which allows it to be removed.

From underneath:
Remove the extension from the skid plate (2 bolts).
Disconnect the drive shaft (4 bolts and nuts).
Move the drive shaft to the right out of the way.
Remove the starter (2 bolts). The 2 holes in the starter mounting bracket are threaded. The bolts go through the bell housing and into the starter.

Back to the wheel well:
Rotate the starter so the gear is facing you. Rotate until it fits over the frame well and steering column.
Insert the new starter using the same technique.
Repeat steps in the opposite order, but install instead of remove.

 

[hinmo24t]

TYC has decent reviews on their rockauto replacement projector headlights - amongst a slew of straight garbage or expensive OEM...if you want to take anything away from that.

 

[4RunnFunn]

I researched them all online. It was good and bad for them all. The Remy came with a limited lifetime warranty...for whatever that's worth.

 

[camdenbuck]

I installed the Remy yesterday. My neighbor has a 2 post lift that made getting at the starter much easier.

My steps:

From the engine compartment:
Disconnect the battery.

From the driver's side front wheel area:
Remove the front left wheel.
Remove the fender splash shield in the wheel well (held on with 5 clips).
Remove two bolts that hold the brake line.
Move the brake line to the left out of the way.
Disconnect the cable running from the battery to the starter at the starter (1 nut).
Disconnect the electrical connector. There's a push button on the bottom of the connector which allows it to be removed.

From underneath:
Remove the extension from the skid plate (2 bolts).
Disconnect the drive shaft (4 bolts and nuts).
Move the drive shaft to the right out of the way.
Remove the starter (2 bolts). The 2 holes in the starter mounting bracket are threaded. The bolts go through the bell housing and into the starter.

Back to the wheel well:
Rotate the starter so the gear is facing you. Rotate until it fits over the frame well and steering column.
Insert the new starter using the same technique.
Repeat steps in the opposite order, but install instead of remove.

I have been trying to figure out the connector push button because I don't want to break the connector. Anyone know where the button is on the connector and the best way and tool to push it?

 

[Bluesky 07]

I have been trying to figure out the connector push button because I don't want to break the connector. Anyone know where the button is on the connector and the best way and tool to push it?

Question is from 4 years ago but in case anyone else comes looking for the answer, get under the truck and shine a light up toward the starter. You'll see the tab to push and will be able to reach it with a screwdriver. Mine was on jackstands and I could also get my left arm up around the exhaust to pull the plug once the tab was pushed.