How to Remove a Starter From a 1990 Toyota 4Runner Four-Wheel Drive

In the 1985 model year, Toyota introduced a new SUV based on the maker's compact pickup, the 4Runner. In 1990, Toyota completely redesigned its pickup, which meant the 4Runner received a redesign too. This redesign gave the SUV a more rounded appearance and more modern headlights. The 1990 4Runner with four-wheel drive came standard with a 116-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder and had an optional 150-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 available. Both engines used a small electric motor to crank the engine as you turn the ignition key. When the starter fails, you must remove it in order to either replace it with a new one or rebuild it.

Instructions

1

Remove the negative battery cable from the 4Runner's batter, using a combination wrench. Position the battery cable aside to prevent accidental reconnection.

2

Raise the front of the 4Runner, using a floor jack, and slide jack stands under the Toyota's frame rails. Lower the 4Runner onto the jack stands.

3

Crawl beneath the 4Runner and locate the starter on the transmission bell-housing -- where the engine and transmission meet.

4

Press the locking button on the starter wiring harness and pull the harness from the starter. Remove the nut holding the power wire to the starter, using a ratchet and socket. Pull the power wire from the starter.

5

Remove the two starter-retaining bolts, using a ratchet and socket. Pull the starter toward the front of the vehicle to remove it from the transmission bell-housing. Pull the starter downward and out of the vehicle.

6

Insert the starter in the bell-housing and hand-tighten the starter-retaining bolts. Tighten the starter-retaining bolts to 29 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket.

7

Plug the wiring harness into the new starter. Position the starter power wire on the positive post on the starter and hand-tighten the power wire-retaining nut. Tighten the power wire-retaining nut with a ratchet and socket.

8

Raise the 4Runner off the jack stands, using a floor jack. Pull the jack stands from under the SUV and lower the Toyota to the ground.

9

Set the negative battery cable back on the battery and tighten the battery cable with a combination wrench.