Need HELP, ASAP!! Truck won't start!!!!

[NorCalDoug]

I had my starter replaced a few months back at the dealership (it was still under warrany at the time). The list price of a reman Toyota starter was $257.23. They charged a little under 1 hour for labor.

Sounds like the starter replacement is what you need to do.

 

[kino1161]

When I went home at lunch today the truck started right up after about 2 tries. I talked to Dan, he told me it is most likely the drive and that replacing the starter is best.

 

[kino1161]

Is the starter itself hard to replace? Do I just follow those directions from sleeoffroad and when I take out the old starter, I put in the new one?

 

[Rich]

One of the two mounting bolts is a bit awkard to remove. The entire job pretty much consists of removing positive cable from battery, removing cable from starter, removing two bolts, removing starter, and then reinstalling everything you removed.

 

[Rookie2]

Basically two bolts that hold the starter on, and two electrical connections. Only relatively hard part is access. Squirt the two bolts with PB Blaster ahead of time to help with loosening up. The back bolt on the starter takes the right combination of flexible head ratchet and extensions, but no biggie.

I suggest getting an FSM if you're going to do any real wrenching on your rig. It's worth the $$.


Rookie2

 

[Beowulf]

kino,

(Elaborating on Rich's instructions... but Rookie beat me to it)

There are 2 cables attached to the starter. One plugs in, the other (+12v from batt) attaches with a nut to a bolt on the starter. A long extension (~2') will help with the rear starter bolt. A flex head ratchet will also help. Some go in through the wheel well. I've removed mine several times by crawling under the truck with all 4 wheels on the ground, unbolting, and snaking it out between the engine and the frame. Takes less than 15 minutes now that I've done it a few times.

Carefully heed the advice to remove the battery cable at the battery unless you want fireworks under the truck.

-B-

 

[kino1161]

Guys, I truly appreciate all the help/info. I am going to purchase a starter and install myself. Thanks, again. You all are a BIG help!

 

[kino1161]

One more question guys. If I get up under my truck (on my back), where will the starter be? Keep in mind, I do know it is on the driver's side somewhere by the wheel (I think).

 

[tucker74]

One more question guys. If I get up under my truck (on my back), where will the starter be? Keep in mind, I do know it is on the driver's side somewhere by the wheel (I think).

When you take the mud flap off and remove the piece in the wheel well (Per Christo's writeup) you will see the starter right behind the frame rail. So laying on your back with your head beside the tire (towards front) it will be strait up - right at the back of where the tire would be.

Good luck!

Tucker

 

[kino1161]

Also, can anyone tell me what starter I will have on a 1996? They say there are 2 or 3 of them depending on what I have. I don't know if I have a 1. whatever or a 2. I know I don't have the cold climate package because I don't see a electrical cord hanging from my engine.

OH!! Thanks, Tucker!

 

[scottm]

I've heard here they were all cold climate, and there's only minor internal differences. If you don't have one it'll be identical anyway. I think my brother scammed some heavier-duty starter from Toyota, haven't heard anything about that.

 

[RavenTai]

there was a 1.4 2.0 and 2.2 kilo watt, the 2.2 was not available in 96 and the 2.2 is generally hard to find, you want the 2.0

 

[kino1161]

I love this board! Thanks, Raven and Scott!

 

[Beowulf]

Kino,

You won't know until you get the p/n from the one on the truck. There isn't an electrical cord hanging from the engine unless yours is fitted with a dealer-installed block heater and that has nothing to do with the starter that's on your truck.

I believe the p/n is on a tag on the starter.
-B-

 

[RavenTai]

Does it matter witch starter is currently installed? Aren’t all the starters interchangeable?

 

[cruiserdan]

Yes, but not contacts and plungers. Those are specific to the KW rating of the starter.

 

[kino1161]

Thanks, guys, but I am replacing the starter.

 

[kino1161]

Well, guys! I did it last night! I mean..... I put my new starter in last night! That was the first major work (if you call it that) that I have done on any vehicle I have ever owned.. EVER! I always pay someone to do it for me! I owe it all to the guys who replied to my posts. THANKS, to everyone that had replied to my post! This board is great!

 

[RavenTai]

That was the first major work (if you call it that) that I have done on any vehicle I have ever owned.. EVER! I always pay someone to do it for me!

hopefully that is a trend that will continue, your cruiser fund goes a lot further when you do not pay for labor and when you get proficient at it the work is higher quality, you will go the extra mile wile a mechanic working on “someone else’s truck” will do the minimum required, some do less than the minimum

 

[Brentbba]

Kino - congrats! Join the crowd of folks that had never done anything but change oil in the past until meeting this group. Can't tell you how much advise this group has given me has translated into $$$. Invaluable!