Is your starter going??? Quick and easy repair!!!

[Jason B]

$401 just to replace the contacts? Or is that for a new starter?

I'd find a friend that is good around wrenches and do it with him.

 

[97t4r81]

I pulled a 2wd starter in 10 minutes, I did a 5spd 4wd in like 2 hours. If you're good with a rubix cube then this might not take long. There's more in the way with an auto, dipstick and brakeline movement, maybe more. Clean that plunger up and run that till those contacts go again, then replace.

 

[mtbtim]

So, I'm not a gearhead but can do basic stuff like change oil and tires.

It seems like what Jason is laying out is pretty simple, but I've never takin on a project of this size.

Do y'all recommend that I got to my mechanic or try the steps that Jason layed out.

My mechanic quoted me $401, parts and labor.

I'm hoping that includes the price of a new starter but you already know from reading this thread that a new starter is most likely not necessary. Watch the video I posted. Even if you have to go out and buy some tools that you need to do this, you'll still save money and have those tools for the next time you need to wrench on something. You can buy tools online for very affordable prices. Check out Amazon and buy tools that get good reviews.

In the video description, I provide a link to an Ebay seller for the contacts and plunger. With the right tools, you can literally fix your starter for $11.

I really hope you take the challenge and do this yourself. Extensions and a swivel are your friend with this repair to get the starter bolts loosened and tightened back up. Pick some up online or at a store like Sears or Home Depot and getter dun. Have faith in yourself and just follow what I show you to do in the video. Good Luck!

 

[Jason B]

THis deserves a bump, see the first page of this thread for my write-up. 8 years going strong since I did it.

 

[Jason B]

Ok, well, I did what Adam F said, and just unbolted the starter and did the repair with the starter still in the vehicle! No need to take it out of the vehicle. Not bad at all! The trick is unclipping the mud flap guards in the inner passenger fender, then smooth sailing. Took 2 hours. I got the contacts at my Toyota dealer. They had 3 different styles, and I just bought two of each, and returned the ones I didn't use.

After unbolting the starter bolts (use 2 long extensions 6" or more with 1/2 drive/and the largest ratchet you have with swivel, remove the trans stick, unbolt the brakeline), you can twist the started around to face the passenger side wheel well. This lets you remove the 3 bolts on the solenoid cover:

With cap off. The bottom contact is the one that wears out and the one that everyone is replacing:

I only replaced the bad contact, as the other was barely worn. Comparo of old and new contact. Crazy how much the plunger dug into it over time:

Next, I put some brake cleaner on a rag and wiped out the inside and installed the new contact, on bottom in photo:

After two hours, this is what I was left with:

Remember, you DO NOT have to remove the starter to do this repair.

Ok, after 10 years and 100,000 starts it now needs done again, not a bad run. The click just came back. So, I bet it’s the same contact again that wore down. Wonder if the plunger is still good?

 

[Jason B]

Hoping to do the fix again after Easter. I bet the plunger is still good and it’s just that contact.

 

[Jason B]

10 years later. Doing the $6 contact swap again. Stay tuned.

 

[Jason B]

Pics above from 2nd contact swap after 10 years. This time have a friend help and was able to get the starter out! Did the whole thing in 1 1/2 hours! Kept same original plunger and works like a charm again.

 

[eddielasvegas]

Thanks for the info and pix Jason B.

Very helpful as my starter seems to have an ever-so-slight lag before it catches and I suspect the contacts.



Eddie

 

[PoshSnoop]

10 years later. Doing the $6 contact swap again. Stay tuned.

Nice! I love that we can keep the original Toyota starter instead of trading it in on some shonky junk from a discount auto parts joint. Also love that these trucks keep going long enough to replace the starter brushes multiple times.

 

[Jason B]

Nice! I love that we can keep the original Toyota starter instead of trading it in on some shonky junk from a discount auto parts joint. Also love that these trucks keep going long enough to replace the starter brushes multiple times.

Yea! I’ve heard starters from advance/Autozone, etc last only a few short years. I’m happy to help other with this post and hope more people see it. Again, this time still kept the factory plunger and just swapped contacts $8.

 

[eddielasvegas]

Quick question for those that have done this fix:

Are all pieces needed for this repair in part "90099-10196"?

Just trying to figure if I need to order > 1 of the above part number.

Thanks,

Eddie

 

[Cvilleguy2019]

Thanks for the info.

 

[blarblarjosh]

Were you able to do this with the passenger wheel still on? Most other threads I saw stated to remove the wheel.

 

[Jason B]

Were you able to do this with the passenger wheel still on? Most other threads I saw stated to remove the wheel.

Yes! I did turn the wheel to the right before I started to help give some more room. Not necessary to remove the wheel. This is probably one of the most rewarding repairs. LOL, cause you can't go anywhere until you fix it.

 

[ToyotaBrah]

Thanks for the pics, Jason. I might replace my contacts preemptively before any issue arises.


It's relieving to know that it only takes 1.5 hours to remove the starter. I spent the better half of two days replacing the starter on my S2000. Hell on earth to replace it without breaking the knock sensor that's located right next to it.

 

[Jason B]

Thanks for the pics, Jason. I might replace my contacts preemptively before any issue arises.


It's relieving to know that it only takes 1.5 hours to remove the starter. I spent the better half of two days replacing the starter on my S2000. Hell on earth to replace it without breaking the knock sensor that's located right next to it.

Glad to help out. I have a S2000 too! 2002 Sebring silver/All red interior!

 

[TrexRunnerGirl]

ok, so I didn't go to the very end of this long thread because it seems like what I needed is right here.

Mine will turn on, no clicking but dash lights come on, then I turn it off and back on and it seems to start. May have to do this several times. Battery connections are good and this has been going on for maybe 2 months.

This seems like it could be the solution. Am I on the right track?

If anyone in my area would like to spend some quality time wrenching on a truck, let me know.

 

[DK327]

Rebuilt my starter for a 2nd time this weekend. It had been clicking for over a year! Finally wouldn't catch. My hands are cold arena sore, but it's done. Bought a kit on ebay for $17 that included both contacts and plunger. (97 4wd 3.4 auto)

Victory Lap ND-36SOL Solenoid Repair Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0031HL09E/ref=cm_sw_r_taa_Zh1qybM66MRGQ

Good to go for another 100k!

Thanks, this part did come up when I was searching around on Amazon, just ordered it, should be here Monday! I have 260K on my 3rd gen and the original starter finally crapped out.

 

[DK327]

Here's a video I did for my starter repair:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WV1t5-wcoOI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Thanks Tim, i had watched this video a while back when you had 1st posted it, thinking I might revisit once I have to do this job... Today is the day, I just ordered the parts for Monday arrival. Hoping it's not a huge PITA and thanks for part numbers and detailed video and explanation. Always love your videos, keep up the great work!