Just Purchased a 99 t4r sr5 "Highlander" 4wd

[99yota4]

Oh that's awesome. Have you gotten any mods done yet? I'm still shopping around for some stuff before the lift. I think I wanna replace the front grille because mine is faded and get a Viper Alarm/remote start on it. Maybe work on some sounds. It's gonna be a while until I can find a good deal on a lift kit.

Thank Mike! Glad to be part of this community where help is in abundance! i love my t4r!

 

[99yota4]

Made a decision! I'm gonna hold off on the suspension lift. It's a big investment that I don't need yet. My suspension is still very very good and smooth. I think I am going to invest in a security/remote start system. Also I am having a weird starting problem. It seems like the first crank is good but when i try to restart it its weak. I had it checked out at AutoZone and they said my battery was near end of life. and the Starter didn't pass the test. Do I have to replace my starter? Or should I replace my battery first and test it again? Thanks for any advice!

 

[Pikeman]

Replace battery first. You do not have to replace the Starter (usually 165-180) instead order the contact kit (about $30) from Dealer. You will have to remove the starter and then takes about 10-15 min. to put the new copper contacts into the Solenoid on the Starter and then put it back into the vehicle.

 

[99yota4]

That's exactly what I've been reading up on. THank you for the advice Pikeman! Have you done a starter re-build? How difficult is it to remove the starter.

 

[Pikeman]

I did mine in a carport at my apartment. It was a pain in the butt mainly because I have beig hands and also have aftermarket Upper Control arms with larger bushings that got in the way. The entire job took just under 2 hours, now that I figured out the way to bring the starter out could do in an hour. You have to pull the starter out the passenger side wheel well. Some helpfull tips, you will have to remove the upper portion of the Tranny dipstick, un-clip the hard brake line so it can be moved slightly when pulling the starter out. Also removing the tire would help give you room to move around in but not necessary.