Starter on my 2000

When I was gifted my 2000 4 Runner, the starter didn’t seem to work well, it would not do anything for the first few tries. It hadn’t been started in several years. I followed everyone’s advice and had the battery and the fluids drained/replaced. It started after a few tries and had my mechanic look at look at it. He said I needed a new starter. However while it was running I took it to get it smogged it failed, but then passed after about a 20 minute drive❤️ and now it starts reliably every time ‍♀️‍♀️ my guestion is should I still have the mechanic replace the starter? I’m old, and drive alone, I don’t want to get stuck somewhere.

 

TOYOTA starters almost never go bad. Usually a random start issue is due to the starter not getting enough current (bad battery cables).

There is a solenoid plunger kit to repair a really really worn starter that is far cheaper than a whole unit. The starter your mechanic will put in will be a cheap Chinese one and not worth it in my opinion.

 

IF your battery was replaced and you were getting a click and a no start when you turned the key, the click is the starter solenoid engaging the flywheel but the start motor not turning. This is usually the starter contacts and/or the plunger inside the motor being worn or corroded. Most DIY's just remove the starter and replace those components. Alternatively, you can buy a reman starter from Toyota and have your mechanic install it. My 98 4runner only had 120,000 miles when the starter began working intermittently. Replaced it with the Toyota started and no further issues. It could last for a long time like this and then refuse to start. It depends on how many starts you have over the years and the age of the vehicle.

 

Yes, I’m sure this is the original starter. The friend that gave it to me passed away, and had immaculate records on it. I definitely am hesitant to have a “new” cheap one put in since it appears to have resolved the issue on its own‍♀️. I guess I’m just worried, because I travel back and forth about 500 miles to my son’s house and I don’t want to get stuck somewhere. So it sounds like maybe just have the mechanic possibly replace the battery cables, to error on the side of safety?

 

There is no dollar amount you can place on peace of mind. I’d personally pick up a starter at the dealership and let ur mechanic install it. While doing that, I’d replace the battery cables as well.