2011 4Runner Starter...

[mlbgoat]

Does anyone know why its so hard to find a starter for 2010-2015 4Runners? I need to replace the one on my wife's 2011...none of the auto parts stores around me carry it (AutoZone, Advance...). I havent tried the stealership yet but I will if have no other choice.

Thanks in advance for the help...
Matt

 

[1engineer]

Because they rarely break.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Smart ass reply aside, what exactly is wrong with your starter?

Well I will admit that was surprisingly difficult to find a starter for a 2010-2012 4Runner online...

List: Starter - 2011 Toyota 4Runner | O'Reilly Auto Parts

https://www.densoproducts.com/Automotive-Starters-c244.aspx

The Denso Part Number seems to be DEN280-0391

While the Toyota Part Number is: 28100-31131

http://www.villagetoyotaparts.com/p...KW-12V-14KW-COLD-SPEC/2034461/2810031131.html

https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/gen...5379~_@As5QMCwc2Ag!&vid=15379&cid=&uid=286610

 

[1engineer]

Smart ass reply aside, what exactly is wrong with your starter?

Well I will admit that was surprisingly difficult to find a starter for a 2010-2012 4Runner online...

List: Starter - 2011 Toyota 4Runner | O'Reilly Auto Parts

https://www.densoproducts.com/Automotive-Starters-c244.aspx

The Denso Part Number seems to be DEN280-0391

While the Toyota Part Number is: 28100-31131

STARTER ASSY for 2011 TOYOTA 4Runner. #2810031131

https://partsouq.com/en/catalog/gen...5379~_@As5QMCwc2Ag!&vid=15379&cid=&uid=286610

Sorry next time I will be PC and talk about supply side economics and how low demand leads to low supply.

 

[SilverBack4Jack]

Let me know how well this self change out goes. I have replaced plenty of starters on previous vehicles I owned. I hope Toyota made it easier on the 4Runner than the Tundra's. I had to have my 07 Tundra towed to the dealership when it's starter went out. Apparently Toyota decided to put the starter on the 5.7L behind the exhaust manifold and behind a heat shield on the passenger side of the motor. $1300 later my truck was retuned to me fixed and running. BTW on the 4.7L Tundra the starter is under the intake manifold inside the motor. Good luck let us know how it goes.

 

[Toyota4runnerguy]

have you tried your local junk yard?

 

[mlbgoat]

I havent tried a junk yard or any other avenues yet...just the local auto parts stores. Not sure if I want to trust a used starter anyways. I agree that the demand is probably low, as the 5th gen 4Runners are the most reliable vehicles ever built, but normal wear and tear parts in general are hard to find in my area (Virginia Beach) for some reason. Even something as simple as Fram extra guard oil filters are not sold or in stock locally here...anyways I will keep everyone info-ed on the install once I get my hands on one... Im hoping the hardest part of the starter change out is taking off the skid plates...

 

[mogmanbrad]

Replace the solenoid contacts and be done. Under $20 ?? at the dealer.

 

[Jeremy556]

I havent tried a junk yard or any other avenues yet...just the local auto parts stores. Not sure if I want to trust a used starter anyways. I agree that the demand is probably low, as the 5th gen 4Runners are the most reliable vehicles ever built, but normal wear and tear parts in general are hard to find in my area (Virginia Beach) for some reason. Even something as simple as Fram extra guard oil filters are not sold or in stock locally here...anyways I will keep everyone info-ed on the install once I get my hands on one... Im hoping the hardest part of the starter change out is taking off the skid plates...

I would much rather have an OEM starter out of an engine with 100K+ miles, than a new one from a parts store.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I would much rather have an OEM starter out of an engine with 100K+ miles, than a new one from a parts store.

That's why I gave him the Denso SKU and Toyota Part Numbers, I really wouldn't trust much else to be honest with you.'

Replace the solenoid contacts and be done. Under $20 ?? at the dealer.

Assuming the issue is the contacts and not the solenoid coil, armature, brushes, commutator bar, and/or any other component in the starter that can wear and/or fail sporadically. (though usually it is the contacts, but that's pretty damn early for a starter to go out on a Toyota...)

 

[buchaja]

Replace the solenoid contacts and be done. Under $20 ?? at the dealer.

This is exactly what I did when my starter went out on my '85 SR5 pickup with less than 30k miles on it.

though usually it is the contacts, but that's pretty damn early for a starter to go out on a Toyota...)

I saw it's an '11, did he say how many miles?

 

[stir_fry_boy]

As far as location goes, my understanding is that the starter is on the drivers side and isn't too bad to get out.

I agree with BlackWorks, very early for a starter to go out on a 4Runner, even if you have high miles doesn't mean your starter is close to wearing out. Nearly 200k on mine in my 02' never done anything to it. Did have a 1MZ V6 Camry that it went out at 186k.

Car-part.com is a great resource. I have gotten great deals on nearly new parts for a fraction of the cost like a $500 charcoal canister for $50 with 35k miles warrantied for free for 1 year.

 

[stir_fry_boy]

I havent tried a junk yard or any other avenues yet...just the local auto parts stores. Not sure if I want to trust a used starter anyways. I agree that the demand is probably low, as the 5th gen 4Runners are the most reliable vehicles ever built, but normal wear and tear parts in general are hard to find in my area (Virginia Beach) for some reason. Even something as simple as Fram extra guard oil filters are not sold or in stock locally here...anyways I will keep everyone info-ed on the install once I get my hands on one... Im hoping the hardest part of the starter change out is taking off the skid plates...

I guarantee it will be harder than changing skid plates.

What are the symptoms you are experiencing?

 

[STX4Runner]

but normal wear and tear parts in general are hard to find in my area (Virginia Beach) for some reason. Even something as simple as Fram extra guard oil filters are not sold or in stock locally here...

So what do parts stores there sell, only those stick on fake engine vents? :crazy:

 

[FordyceCreek]

So what do parts stores there sell, only those stick on fake engine vents? :crazy:

Yep, that's about it around here :Cry:

 

[Uni1brow]

Reviving this thread

I just took mines out,
I used a 1/2 inch ratchet to take both main bolts off, top one is a pain to loosen, the top one I had to put leverage with a pipe because of the room constrain. Once they are loose I was able to unscrew by hand. Now take off plug , ground wire, power wire. I took the shield off also. Now the fun part removing it, I moved the brake lines, still couldn't take it out. Finally I had to remove the upper control and slide it up to be able to remove the starter, if there's another way please say but I was successful doing it this way.