Starter Problems 98 Corolla

[Dopey92]

Hi Gang,
Need some help from someone!
During a cold start, when you turn the key, it makes a "click" noise (but does not crank), try again, same thing. After several tries, it starts. Thought it was the battery, so replaced it, but same thing.
Funny thing is, if it starts, and I turn off the engine, it starts right back up, no problem. Even if I turn it off for 5 mins, it starts no problem.
Is it the starter?
Man! Didn't think starters were that expensive!

Thanks for any help!

Dopey

[Dopey92]

Update!
Went to the scrap yard and picked up an old one (a 99 model but same part) for $100 Cdn (includes a lifetime warranty LOL!), installed it, and it works like a charm!
It was tuff getting the old one out though.
First off, the Hyanes manual was not detailed enuf.
The first bolt was easy to get to (from underneath the car), but the other bolt, you actually have to remove the air filter unit to get to it from the top of the car (this was not detailed as a picture or in words in the manual!).
I was thinking "how the heck do you get to the other bolt!!!
After getting the 2 bolts off, the only way for the starter to come off is down, and to do that, you need to remove the oil filter, otherwise, there is no room! (that being said, you might want to get the oil pan out since there will be some oil loss).
Installation was very easy and is reverse of above.
All in all, if I had to do it again knowing all this, it would have taken me no more than 20 mins to R&R.
Anyway, thought I'd share my experience if someone else was replacing a starter on a 98 or 99 Corolla.

later folks!

[osudrewski]

Removing the fan assembly also works very easily to remove the starter from the topside.

[SubieHo]

You probably just had some bad solenoid contacts. Now that you have your old starter off, removal of the solenoid cover plate will reveal a couple of worn contacts. You can replace them for less than $10 and have a backup starter. Also clean the plunger with some scotchbrite and you'll have a serviceable starter for some time. It's a very simple job. Some solenoids have a ball bearing 'neath the plunger so just keep an eye out for it as you remove stuff.

A starter operates under heavy load but not continuously, like your alternator, ps pump, and ac compressor, so only the contacts (and plunger) ever fail. All bearings and other electrical components should last the life of the vehicle.

[HondaHondaHonda]

Just went through this same problem on a 97 Corolla DX. Solid click coming from starter, but not cranking every time the key is turned to start position. Read some of the forum entries here before starting into it and went straight for the relay contacts after checking basic stuff like battery connections. Was able to easily change the relay contacts, working from below without removing the starter from the engine. Only had to remove one vertical brace held by two small bolts to allow a little easier access to the relay cover plate. Opted not to change the plunger, as it was only about 1/3 worn. Just polished it up a bit.


Note: Don't start but not finish disconnecting the battery, take a phone call, talk to the neighbor in the driveway, have a sandwich and then come back and try pulling the the solenoid apart, forgetting that you didn't actually remove either of the battery leads. The best of intentions just don't mean a thing as the sparks start spraying everywhere!