Starter Contacts -- what to order, how much to pay...?

[cmjust0]

To preface, we're talking about a '97 T-100 SR5 3.4L Auto w/ about 145Kmi on the clock.

Suffice it to say that I'm pretty sure I need new starter contacts. Classic symptoms, etc.. I called the dealer looking for a "starter contact kit" like several of the posts I've read suggested, but no luck. He had some part numbers that matched the few dozen part numbers in the big cut/paste post which ends most threads about starter problems, but neither of us had much more information than part numbers.. No idea what fit what, what was required, etc... He said contacts were upward of $20/ea, which seemed excessive to me...

So, I called a little specialty mechanic shop -- all they work on are Toyotas. The guy knew exactly what I was looking for and said they had the kits in stock and ready to go.. Great! Only problem, they want ***$75*** for the kit alone, or $235 installed. Their kit comes with a new plunger, but I dunno if that's necessary or not. They say it is, but then again, they probably like to sell new plungers..

Either way, something seems weird here.. I read post after post where people were getting their starter contact problems resolved for $20-$25 worth of parts, and I'm looking at $75??? I mean, I can get a new starter for like $109...

So, what I need to know is:

A) What part numbers do I need to have the dealer order to replace starter contacts for a '97 3.4L T100 4x4 Auto, and

B) What should I expect to pay for it/them?

Thanks to anyone who can help..

[BamZipPow]

Yer looking fer something like...this or this!

How to remove the starter from the 3.4L V6 engine...

Toyota part numbers are 28226-72010 or 28226-72080 (normal sized contacts) or 28226-70040 (larger contacts)...$10 to $15 per side!

[BamZipPow]

Looks like it's not gonna be too easy to take out the starter. I would recommend that you read the 2nd link to git familiar to what's gonna be needed...toolwise.

[cmjust0]

So, do I need to order two of part number 28226-72010, or one 28226-72010 and one 28226-72080, or two 28226-70040, or...?

I keep reading about "starter side" and "battery side" contacts (which makes sense), but I can't determine whether they're the same or different part numbers.

Also, do I really *need* to get a new plunger, or the new plunger one of those things that *should* be done for good measure, but isn't absolutely necessary to get the starter issue fixed? I'll get it if it needs gettin', but if not.. Well, I'll probably skip it and save the $40.

Speaking of price, the dealer wants almost $25/ea for the contacts.. Due to the price of copper going up I guess (ahemyeahrightahem). Anybody got any leads on a reputable source for cheaper starter contacts? I know $50 won't kill me, but $20 is always preferable to $50 when it's coming out of this tightwad's wallet.

[BamZipPow]

Did you check out the first link to 4Crawler?

Further down the thread you will find the cost fer each contact is $4.95 each...plus shipping.


If in doubt and you haven't pulled the starter apart, I'd just git the normal sized ones...

The only way you could tell if you need a new plunger is to pull yer starter apart and see. In most cases, you can just clean up the old one. But if abused, neglected, or some freak happenings, the plunger or spring or shaft could be bad. Then you would have to go from there.

Most of the time the only replacement part in most starters requiring replacement is the contacts....

I would get 2 sets (4 contacts) and go from there.

[cmjust0]

Yeah, I saw that 4crawler had them for sale cheap, but I was a little put off by the chintzy graph-paper background on the homepage. I know that's probably not a fair assessment, but...take that for what it's worth, I guess.

Maybe someone here has some experience doing business with 4crawler?

So, anyway, looks to me like the "normal sized ones" are part #28226-72010.. If I understand correctly, two of that part # makes a "set," which is what I need to replace my contacts. Right?

I hate to keep beating a dead horse, but I just want to be absolutely sure I'm getting what I need.

[BamZipPow]

Originally Posted by cmjust0

So, anyway, looks to me like the "normal sized ones" are part #28226-72010.. If I understand correctly, two of that part # makes a "set," which is what I need to replace my contacts. Right?

I hate to keep beating a dead horse, but I just want to be absolutely sure I'm getting what I need.

Yup...each contact is $4.95 each. If you want to replace both contacts, you'll need to buy 2 contacts fer a "set"...

[cmjust0]

Cool, thanks.. And, sorry for being such a PITA.

I Just wanted to be sure I'm getting what I need beforehand, because I'm probably going to farm the labor out to a shadetree guy I know. He's already invested in good tools and a nice big 3-bay shop, whereas I'd end up scooting around in wet, frozen gravel with channel-lock pliers, a butterknife, and fair-to-middlin' mechanical savvy.

Should be worth the $100 or so..

[BamZipPow]

Here's a thought...

You could go buy a used starter from local recycler and pull that apart to check the condition of the contacts in there. Keeps you out of the mud/cold and all you would really need is a 8mm wrench/socket to open it up with. You'd be amazed at how easy it is to work on...as long as yer not the one trying to pull/install it in the cold/wet...

If they are good, have yer mechanic install that instead. If not, then order the contacts and install them yerself...and then git yer mechanic to install it. At least you'll git some good experience with the starter...

Would probably be a quicker and better (cheaper) deal in the long run. But hey...it's yer money/time...

[BamZipPow]

Checking through www.car-part.com there are a few starters fer about $20 and up. Not sure where abouts you are so yer mileage may vary...