How to Change the Starter on a 1995 Toyota Avalon

Changing the starter on a 1995 Toyota Avalon is not difficult and can be done by the do-it-yourselfer, with just a few tools. A diagnosis of the electrical system leading to the starter should be accomplished first to make sure the starter is indeed the problem. If the starter on the Avalon does not make a sound, it is likely an electrical problem leading to the starter. If the starter just makes a clicking noise, the chances are good it is the starter. If the starter operates, but the engine does not turn, either the bendix on the starter is bad or teeth are mission on the flexplate.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the negative battery terminal using a wrench. Locate the starter on the drivers side, attached to the lower part of the bellhousing, on the radiator side of the engine.

2

Pull the small wire with a female blade end of the starter solenoid located atop the starter. It is pushed onto a male blade terminal. This wire is the actuator from the ignition switch. Using a wrench, remove the nut holding the large positive cable to the top post on the solenoid.

3

Remove the starter using a socket to remove the two bolts securing it. These bolts pass through the starter and into the bellhousing.

4

Install the new starter into the opening in the bellhousing and align the boltholes. Install the two bolts and torque them to 28 foot-pounds of torque. Install the large positive cable, and tighten the nut with a wrench.

5

Push the small ignition-starter wire on the male post on the solenoid from which it came. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.