2000 4cyl. Starter Question

[zanenc]

I have a 2000 4cyl Camry that needs a new starter. I have looked at Advance and AutoZone. They both have reman. starters with Lifetime warranties. Is one brand better than the other? The AutoZone is $30 cheaper.

Anything odd I need to know when replacing the starter?

Thanks

Zane

[Mister_Perkins]

If the starters are more than $100.00 dont buy it. You can get a solenoid kit for $80.00 online.

Starters are very simple..

Disconnect the (+) battery cable
disconnect the 12mm nut on the side of the starter with the large wire connected to it
Disconnect the small starter signal plug
Unbolt the starter (14MM x 2 bolts)
Pull it out

Reinstall in reverse order.

If you have Cruise Control its easier to remove the battery completely, and taking the plastic battery tray out and remove the three 10mm bolts holding the cruise control assembly in place. Put that off the side.

Also remove the intake assembly (10mm bolt or phillips at the throttle body) and unlatch the clips from the airbox and remove the whole assembly

[Mike Gerber]

My preference for replacing starters is to find a local auto electrical rebuilder in your area and have them rebuild your original starter. IMHO they generally do a better job than the bulk rebuilders that supply the auto parts stores and usually for the same price or a bit less. Just be sure they replace the contacts inside the solenoid. Try the yellow pages or look on line for one in your area.

Mike

[carsrus]

Honestly I bought the cheapest one I could find when I put on in. So far so good and its been about 3 years I think.

I would have rebuilt mine if I would have known. Is your jsut clicking when you try and start it sometimes? Its an easy fix with the DIY on here.

[zanenc]

The starter was replaced about a year ago and is now giving the same problem. Most times it starts with no problems but sometimes I turn the key and just get one click. Almost like the start is stuck. I am no longer working near the mechanic who put the current one in so I want to try it myself.

Thanks for the help.

[Mike Gerber]

"Most times it starts with no problems but sometimes I turn the key and just get one click."

That 1 click and no start sounds like the symptom of worn out starter solenoid contacts. The next time it doesn't start, tap the starter's solenoid with a tool and then try to start it. Better yet, have someone hold the key in the crank position while you tap the solenoid, If it now cranks the engine over you have varified the worn starter solenoid contacts problem. Then do a search on this forum for "starter contacts" and read up on it's causes and it's cure. It has been covered many times.

Mike

[fenixus]

check your battery connections for loose terminals/wires. When I had similar intermittent problem it turned out to be a loose bolt on positive battery terminal holding down the starter wire. tightened and fixed.

might be a good idea to clean battery contacts as well with a brush wire while there.

[LynchburgCSI]

Originally Posted by zanenc

I have a 2000 4cyl Camry that needs a new starter. I have looked at Advance and AutoZone. They both have reman. starters with Lifetime warranties. Is one brand better than the other? The AutoZone is $30 cheaper.

Anything odd I need to know when replacing the starter?

Thanks

Zane

Autozone and Advance auto both price match each other, FYI. But in all honesty, i'd rather do an OEM rebuild than buy a NEW aftermarket starter.

Originally Posted by fenixus

check your battery connections for loose terminals/wires. When I had similar intermittent problem it turned out to be a loose bolt on positive battery terminal holding down the starter wire. tightened and fixed.

might be a good idea to clean battery contacts as well with a brush wire while there.

Do this.