Just bought a AE92!Starter died!Help! - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

em2civic · 03-09-2005, 02:28 AM

Hi! I just bought a 89 Corolla GTS!I am new to this site and so pls easy on me

It was a funny story, I went to test drive the car and it was fine, after I paid and get my pink slip I went to start the car. Guess what, it wouldn't start, not even crank. The battery was fine.
So we push start it and it started right the way. I guess I need a new starter. So here are my questions:

1) what's the cheapest place to buy a starter, online or parts store?

2) Is it hard to change the starter, I know I need to remove the header and fan. What else is needed?

3) I read from the forum that AE 92 starter get hot often and freeze the starter. What should I do to prevent that after I get a new starter??

Flashmn · 03-09-2005, 05:50 AM

starters in general dont go out very easily on toyotas, might be the solenoid for the start. Does it click?

em2civic · 03-09-2005, 05:53 AM

no it doesn't click at all.
Where is the solenoid and how can I check if it's working?

Flashmn · 03-09-2005, 06:28 AM

Well sounds like the solenoid isnt getting power, the solenoid is on the starter, its the one that clicks the starter in place when you crank. check that the cables are ok, and then take a piece of wood and smack the solenoid with it (not really really hard, just hard). See if you can get the solenoid to engage.

em2civic · 03-09-2005, 07:28 PM

Damn! My car started again this morning, but won't start again now......

emiliorescigno · 03-09-2005, 10:24 PM

Doesn't sound totally outrageous, the starter has been something of a reoccuring problem in my 1991 Sedan. From what my parents have told me it's on its 3rd one right now, you might just have to bite the bullet and get a new one

MississaugaGTS · 03-10-2005, 06:18 AM

I agree with Flashmn. It is probably the solenoid that is sticking. I had the same problem. If you just tap the solenoid (or the side of the starter if you can't reach it) it will probably free up and you will be able to start it again.

Permanent fix???.....You can take the starter apart and rebuild it with a rebuild kit, but, with having to remove the header I'd rather just buy a remanufactured one and be done with it!

This problem is a pain, but I'd rather have this than having the solenoid contacts stick and have the starter permanently cranking...happened on my AE86 once.

MississaugaGTS