1994 Corolla Starter

[dmcgrady]

Where do I find the starter on a 1994 Corolla? I'm afraid it is failing, and I'm wondering whether this is something I can change out myself.

[Tercel GTS]

Being dead honest with you if you haven't found it yet you'ld really enjoy figuring out how to put it back. Find a local rebuilder to take your business to.

[TadS]

Not knowing which motor you have isn't helping, but on the 7A-FE it's strait down, underneath the intake manifold. Going from under the car is the best way to get to it.

[dmcgrady]

Thanks TadS and Tercel - - I haven't looked to find it yet, but will do so tonight after work. I had heard that it was difficult to get to, that its best to go under the car to get at it.

[94_Rolla_Guy]

whatever you do DONT buy a replacement at canadian tire, POS starters on my 3erd warranty replacement in 2.5 years! as for changing it its down under the intake manifold, provided the cars not california spec (with EGR) than its acctually possible to get at it from up top...

- disconect batt
- unbolt starter from trans side
- roll starter in cavity to access the terminals
- manuver it up around the intake manifold

otherwise or from underneth

- disconect batt
- unbolt starter
- get underneth car
- manuver to remove terminals
- remove terminals
- manuver down around drive shafts and exhaust

[dmcgrady]

Thanks for the input. Have you ever heard that you can extend the life of a starter by knocking it - - jolting a bit to free any carbon build-up, etc.?

[Tercel GTS]

Knocking it may free a stuck brush or get a connection on the contacts, but it's telling you it needs repair. Trying to buy extra time may leave you stuck at the worst possible moment.
If you get it off I have a DIY repair thread in the tech ultimate stickies area.

[dmcgrady]

Thanks GTS, I know you're right. It has been an excellent car, with very little trouble up to this point and I've almost got 110,000 miles on it, but I do want to replace it in January/February. I just drive it to work (less than 12 mile round trip), and use our Camry for trips where dependability is key. Do you think I can stretch this thing for another 4 months, or is this a pipe dream?

[Tercel GTS]

If you want to repair it yourself and it is making a click sound only you can buy the contacts from me on that DIY thread. New contacts generally give another 80,000 miles of use if it's not oil soaked. You can also save time by finding a local rebuilder and get the contacts from them. Most will try to sell you the plunger also, but I've only had to replace a handful in all the years I've been doing this work.

[dmcgrady]

Tercel GTS -

Not bad to take apart the housing, etc.? Is there any way you can send me the link to the DIY thread? How much for the brushes?



Thanks

[Tercel GTS]

I'll give you this link, and there's a link there amongst some of the best tech DIY threads.
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t17918.html
You need special equipment to replace the brushes and they rarely wear anyway. The contacts are the #1 wear item.