The starter motor is often positioned to one side of the engine along the bottom section, as is the case with most cars. The starter is located between the two cylinder banks on the Toyota 4Runner with the 2UZ-FE engine, though. On this type, the intake manifold must be taken out in order to replace the unit. Keep in mind that all 4Runners, with the exception of the 2UZ-FE type, must follow this method.
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Step 4
Find the starter motor under and to the right of the engine compartment, on the passenger side. Using a wrench or ratchet and socket, unplug the battery cable from the starter solenoid, the little cylinder on top of the starter motor. Press the tiny plastic tab at the electrical connector and pull the connector from the fitting to unhook the thin wire from the solenoid.
Step 5
Using a wrench or ratchet and socket, remove the mounting bolts or nuts holding the starting motor to the transmission bell housing. Lift the starter out of the engine compartment as you pull the motor toward the front of the car.
Step 6
Make sure the flywheel’s teeth and the starter motor’s pinion gear fully mesh before installing the new starter motor; otherwise, the starter motor will rub against the flywheel and harm the component. First, manually install the mounting nuts or bolts. Set the bolts or nuts to a 29 foot-pound torque (39 Nm).
Connect the battery cable and electrical connector to the starter solenoid. Lower the car and install the engine splash protection. Start the engine after attaching the black, negative battery cable to ensure the new starter motor is operating properly.
- Jack stands and floor jacks tool set Set of ratchets and sockets
- The engine and exhaust system both achieve extremely high temperatures. To avoid skin burns and other potential injuries if you have to work close to an engine or exhaust system, ensure sure they are cold enough to the touch before beginning.
Can I replace my starter on my own?
The majority of people believe that if their automobile won’t start, the battery is to blame. They attempt to boost it, but it still won’t turn on. Obviously, it’s a beginner or something little more severe. The alternator receives a charge from the battery of the car through the starter. The alternator’s charge makes it possible for the car to start. The car is dead if the starter is worn out since it won’t accept or send a charge. A repaired starter is just as effective as a new one and is less expensive than buying a new one, which is pretty pricey [source: Allen]. Save money by replacing the starter yourself if it is the true source of the issue. How to change an automobile starter is as follows:
- In order to disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery, turn off the ignition.
- From the starter, unplug the positive cablethe substantial cable that connects to the battery.
- Using a ratchet, unplug each of the bolts holding the starter to the block.
- Any additional mounting brackets keeping the starter in place should be removed.
- The starter’s bolts must all be removed. Bolts that are difficult to remove or extremely tight should not be forced. Instead, use oil or lubricant to aid in removing the bolt.
- Take the starter out of the vehicle.
- The new starter should be mounted on the block and fastened with bolts. Reconnect the battery cable to the starter before tightening the bolts.
Something sounds off.
When you turn the key or press the start button, there may be a clicking sound, which is one of the signs of a defective starter. However, a starting can stop working altogether or make noises that signal its approaching demise, such as buzzing and grinding. Oh, listen!
You’ve got lights but no action.
You may have a problem with the starter if you try to start the engine and the dashboard illuminates but nothing happens to the engine.
Your engine won’t crank.
Even after attempting a jumpstart, does your engine still not start? At this point, you should dial a towing service and drive your vehicle to the closest Firestone Complete Auto Care. Nothing else than a qualified technician will start your engine if a jumpstart doesn’t work.
Smoke is coming from your car.
The starter is a component of your car’s electrical system and is vulnerable to short circuits and blown fuses. Your car’s starter may overheat if you’ve been trying to start it for a long time, which increases the likelihood of electrical problems and the accompanying smoke. Call for assistance if you see or smell smoke instead of twisting the key more.
Oil has soaked the starter.
If your vehicle has rear-wheel drive, the starter is often located on the passenger side of the engine, directly below the exhaust manifold. If it is a front-wheel-drive vehicle, look above the transmission on the driver’s side or under the exhaust manifold. On some automobiles, they may also be found just beneath the intake manifold. If you open the hood to discover that your starter is covered in engine oil, your broken starter may be a sign of an oil leak, which is another issue. Keep an eye out for oil leaks to prevent starter problems of this sort because, regrettably, what begins as a few droplets of oil can steadily and often unnoticeably evolve into a costly problem.
How long does a mechanic need to change a starter?
Depending on where the starter is located in your engine, replacing one will take anywhere from two to four hours.
Some engines have starters that are easier to access than others. To get that starter, a mechanic might need to scrounge around and remove certain components. If so, a 4 hour time limit would likely be more appropriate than a 2 hour one.
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What should you do initially when taking out a starter?
Replacement of a Starter
- Security first. Cut the battery off.
- Take the Wiring out. From the starter solenoid, disconnect the wire and positive battery cable.
- Remove the Bolts and Starter. Get rid of the starter retention bolts.
- Compare and confirm.
- Shift the Heat Shield.
- Substitute a new starter.
- Securely and firmly.
- Install the wiring.
For a 1998 Toyota 4Runner, how much does a starter cost?
For your 1998 Toyota 4Runner, we now offer 22 Starter items to select from, with prices ranging from $99.99 to $234.99.