How to Repair a Toyota Previa Starter

The starter in your Toyota Previa is a key part of the engine's electrical system and is commonly the culprit when your vehicle does not start or hesitates when starting. You can remove the starter motor and have it tested at most auto parts stores to determine if it needs to be replaced. You can replace the starter yourself using a few simple tools. A new starter can be purchased from an auto parts store or Toyota dealer.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

things you'll need:

• Wrench set
• Jack
• Jack stands
• Socket and ratchet set
• Socket extension
• Torque wrench

1. • 1

     Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery terminal using a wrench. Place the battery cable in a safe location where it cannot come into contact with the battery terminal while you are working.

   • 2

     Raise the front of the vehicle off the ground using a jack. Secure your Previa on a set of jack stands and remove the jack.

   • 3

     Disconnect the wiring connector on the starter and remove the plastic cover over the nut behind the connector. Use a socket, ratchet and extension to remove the nut from the starter wire. Remove the bolt securing the stiffener plate to the starter stay.

   • 4

     Support the starter motor so that it cannot fall and remove the three bolts securing the starter to the motor. Remove the nut positioned on the top of the starter motor. Remove the starter from the vehicle by pulling it straight downward out of the engine compartment.

   • 5

     Position the new starter in the same orientation as the one you just removed. Secure it with the upper nut as well as the three mounting bolts. Torque the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. Replace the bolt securing the stiffener plate and torque it to 43 inch-pounds.

   • 6

     Install the starter connector. The wiring harness should simply snap into place. Reattach the starter wire with the nut and torque the retaining nut to 78 inch-pounds.

   • 7

     Raise the vehicle slightly to remove the jack stands from beneath it. Return the minivan to the ground. Reconnect the negative battery cable to the terminal using your wrench. Start the engine to test the new starter.