98' Starter Issues: Cost to Fix?

[mrbee2828]

My 4Runner's not firing up and from what I have read, it's most likely due to the contacts being beat from the plunger. Apparently this is a very affordable DIY repair. However, I wanted to find out about what this would run at shop. Has anyone had their starter worked on?

I can't get a straight answer and most likely it's going to end up being a complete replacement. I fear a $200-$400 repair coming on. I'm wonder however if this a $100 repair they can do in 2 hours vs. a $40 repair that's going to take me an entire weekend (or longer) to figure out. I'm sure I could do it myself if I can figure out how to get the bolts loose and get the starter out... however that seems to look like he difficult part. Plus it's around 100° this week in VA. Thanks in advance.

 

[4Runner7]

I have a '99 and had to have my starter replaced last fall. It's not that expensive. I believe it was around $250-300 w/ labor at my shop. Usually like to try and figure out stuff on my own too, but TR4 can be difficult sometimes. Like you said, it would take them no time to do it and w/ as hot as it is lately might be worth the $$!

 

[noneckrex]

I feel your pain brother. I have repairs that I have been putting off for weeks. I bought two large fans from walmart to hook up in the garage. Hopefully that will help keep me cool. Good luck with it.

 

[Pikeman]

Ok, here is a possible suggestion. If you feel you are capable of swapping hte contacts out(very simple) then just ask the shop for a quote to R&R(remove and replace) the starter. Then you take the 15 minutes to swap the contacts.

 

[jspagna1]

I just had my starter replaced on my 97 about a month or two ago and it was ablout $236 + labor. It's a ***** to get to the starters on these things. Tight quarters. But I figured I shouldn't complain. It did last 14 years.

 

[mrbee2828]

I ended up doing this myself. I used a few how-tos here and on the web and managed to get it working like a charm. As noted above, the hardest part was getting it out of the truck... and I have a body lift!!!! It took me the better part of he day with the heat and my not know wth was going on. Glad I saved the coin though!