Starter replacement..looking for consensus of opinion

[Sandro]

First of all I am a professional airplane mechanic for what that's worth.

My 2002 V-6 Camry's starter started dragging a few days ago and finally gave up the ghost. I checked batt & voltage right at 12.85v/terminals shiney~clean/lights don't dim when engage ignition.

I whacked on the starter a few times with hammer as best I could and got some "sense of pending movement" but still no-joy and cranking.

I have decided that the starter (130,000 miles) or some component within is either (1) corroded (2) worn-out or (3) shorted.

Does this sound like a sensible conclusion?

Next does anyone have advice on order of disassembley around starter unit to get it out? Luckily it's on top of the motor to right. Just looking for a short cut if anyone knows of one.

Thanks

[JohnGD]

Do you get the battery voltage at the starter when you crank?

If so the likely cause is the solenoid/plunger contact on the starter -- the smaller cylinder. In the older version you can just replace a $20 contact kit. In this version I believe you need to replace that smaller cylinder. Same idea.

Replacing contacts in an older starter:
http://www.team-integra.net/forum/di...TopicID=123037

I'd take it into Autozone and have them test it for free. You can ask them what their Limited Lifetime Warranty means for their ~$150 rebuilt starter.

Originally Posted by Sandro

My 2002 V-6 Camry's starter started dragging a few days ago and finally gave up the ghost. I checked batt & voltage right at 12.85v/terminals shiney~clean/lights don't dim when engage ignition.

I whacked on the starter a few times with hammer as best I could and got some "sense of pending movement" but still no-joy and cranking.

I have decided that the starter (130,000 miles) or some component within is either (1) corroded (2) worn-out or (3) shorted.

Does this sound like a sensible conclusion?

Next does anyone have advice on order of disassembley around starter unit to get it out? Luckily it's on top of the motor to right. Just looking for a short cut if anyone knows of one.

Thanks

[JohnGD]

Free Testing

Some places charge you for testing your car, but at AutoZone, it's free.

Don't buy a part you don't need. AutoZone will test your car's parts for free. We can test your car's battery, alternator, starter and voltage regulator while they're still on your car. We can also give your car a complete starting and charging systems test. You can also take your alternator, starter or battery into our store and we'll test it. In most stores, we can also test voltage regulators, control modules, coils, throttle position sensors (TPSs) and other engine management components.

[Sandro]

Thanks John.

Tomorrow I'll pull it off and head over to AZ, which is actually the closest to me anyway here in Auburn.

Good to have an extra car in the driveway right now :-)

Saturday is kickoff! War Eagle everyone!