Soulbro101
New member
Awesome!!
(Another) Starter Contacts Removal Thread!
- Thread starter CoMarc
- Start date
Thank again for this thread. As I was reading it I had googled "4runner starter contacts" and picked the first one I saw. $25 and I ended up with just the larger contact 2 days later. If I would have done a little more research I could have had both contacts and the plunger for $25. 
Regardless, I only needed the one larger contact I received. 2 hours of bloody dirty busted knuckles later and I was in business, everything worked perfectly. The bolts were hard to get off, I had to use extensions and a universal and an impact driver for the exhaust support bolt. Luckily, once everything was loose, the starter slid out easily and went back in easy. I held the starter in place with my left hand and turned the top starter bolt with my right hand until it started to catch. Then I did the bottom starter bolt. My only suggestion is stuff a clean rag in the tranny stick hole so you don't get dirt in there while working.
-dave
Regardless, I only needed the one larger contact I received. 2 hours of bloody dirty busted knuckles later and I was in business, everything worked perfectly. The bolts were hard to get off, I had to use extensions and a universal and an impact driver for the exhaust support bolt. Luckily, once everything was loose, the starter slid out easily and went back in easy. I held the starter in place with my left hand and turned the top starter bolt with my right hand until it started to catch. Then I did the bottom starter bolt. My only suggestion is stuff a clean rag in the tranny stick hole so you don't get dirt in there while working. -dave
mtbtim
Elite Member
Went to the stealership thinking I had the right part number. Brought home this...
And pulled out this...
Any help?
If you have a 1.8kw starter, these are the numbers for the parts I got from the dealership. The contact kits aren't just the contacts. They come with all the associated hardware - bolts, o-rings, etc. I think the whole shibang cost me around $75 so it's not the most affordable option.
Plunger: #28235-54380
Small Contact Kit: #28226-72010
Large Contact Kit: #28226-54340
TXRick
New member
If you look at the package, that's what I got. 54340 for $15. That doesn't fit.
What do the contacts for the 1.4 look like?
mtbtim
Elite Member
I'm guessing you have the original Denso starter that came with the rig. If so, get the Denso and Toyota part numbers off the side and confirm which starter you have. The dealership who sold you the parts should be able to tell you which one you got. But, from my experience, if you have an automatic transmission, you have the 1.8kw starter. If you have a manual transmission, you could have either a 1.4kw or a 1.8kw. Manual versions come with the 1.4kw unless they got the cold weather package and then they have the 1.8kw starter.
TXRick
New member
The guy at the dealership is worthless...
The starter has been removed before. The bolts were in backwards. I'm thinking it was replaced with the wrong one (1.4) unfortunately it's either not labled or the label is gone.
I researched some more and ordered the 1.4 kit on Amazon. The contact looks the same in the picture. Should get it today.
Does anyone know if the standard generic plungers you get on eBay for a Denso starter application are all the same and compatible with each other?
Only reason why I ask is in addition to replacing the contacts, I don't want to spend $80 getting the OEM plunger (28235-54380) from the dealerships here in Canada. I might as well just spend slightly more and just get my whole starter rebuilt!
Only reason why I ask is in addition to replacing the contacts, I don't want to spend $80 getting the OEM plunger (28235-54380) from the dealerships here in Canada. I might as well just spend slightly more and just get my whole starter rebuilt!
mtbtim
Elite Member
This Ebay kit will work to replace your contacts and plunger:
TOYOTA Starter Repair KIT SOLENOID CONTACTS & PLUNGER Rebuild Parts Set | eBay
And, don't forget to use the video I posted on this thread as a tutorial to help you do the repair. Happy Wrenching!
Just got around to doing this. IMO, OEM parts are not necessary for this job and some generic kits may even be better. I used the Dorman kit which has an assortment of contact types and you can use the bigger contacts with more surface area which should last longer than stock.
One Sick Puppy
New member
Good post. Comparison photos would be nice, but I'll take your word for it.
Didn't take pics, but the $20 Dorman kit has 4 styles of contacts. 2 which match the OE design and 2 oversized ones that are also fine to use. They also give you various accessories like the O-ring, insulators, etc.
There is also a Victory Lap or various eBay kits that also include the plunger but no accessories. If I had to do it again I would probably use one of those instead.
jgue467
Senior Member
Did this today to a friends 2wd 2000 runner.
Did not need step 6, removing exhaust bracket.
Used the dorman kit, just need the one 'right-hand' contact.
Much easier to just remove the starter and work on it on bench than to work on it while it dangles in air. Very easy to remove/reinstall with rear skidpan removed.
Other than that, easy peasy. :cowboy:
Did not need step 6, removing exhaust bracket.
Used the dorman kit, just need the one 'right-hand' contact.
Much easier to just remove the starter and work on it on bench than to work on it while it dangles in air. Very easy to remove/reinstall with rear skidpan removed.
Other than that, easy peasy. :cowboy:
What a SOB this job is. I was just going to rebuild my contacts but I realized that my 97 runner did not have the original denso starter. So I am replacing it with a Napa starter with a lifetime warranty, I will take it. This sucked though, I even got lucky because my exhaust bracket was gone and the top starter bolt was not very tight. It still sucked but the old starter is out and the new one will be here tomorrow. I hope I can get the mother back in there. Not really a hard manually intensive job but rather a tedious job that will wear on your nerves.
Last edited:
19963.4lsr5
New member
My Build and Repair thread shows the exact position to put it in through the wheel well.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I will be working on my starter this week. I saw a few threads were people were able to get it out from the bottom without taking the wheels off. Is this possible? I have a 99 4wd 3.4.
Unfortunately it died in my condo parking lot and I cannot really work on it there so Id prefer to just get under it and get it done that way is possible.
Unfortunately it died in my condo parking lot and I cannot really work on it there so Id prefer to just get under it and get it done that way is possible.
Any tips or tricks for doing it this way?
Would prefer to get it from underneath, but I figured it definitely would not be easy.
Thanks,
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