Starter Motor

[Tay]

Hi,

Looks like my starter motor has packed up after 69k miles in my 03 1.8.

Is this about right or early?

[Konrad C]

Toyota are known for the ignition switch to fail, not the starter motor.

It is just below the steering lock barrel. Just remove the covers and lower facia panel for access.

The sympton is that you turn the key but nothing happens. It becomes intermittent at first but gets worse. The dash warning lights stay the same brightness, but if it is a battery/starter retailed problem, there is a clicking noise, lights go dim and/or slow turn over.

The switch cost about £50 from Toyota and if you are confident, you can change it youreself in 20 minutes.

My 13 year old starter is ok, but I changed my switch 2 years back.

Have you had the starter checked? There is a way of turning the ignition on with the key and jumping 2 terminals to start the car, which I have not done myself, but it can be done.

Just covering all bases.

[Druid Boy]

My 06 2.2D4D starter motor went at about the same mileage. It was a disappointment and seems to be a low mileage but its not unheard of.

[Tay]

Thanks for the feedback chaps..

It is the starter though, the AA have been out and checked it for me and it was also displaying the slow turn over you mentioned for a day or so before it totally died. It does also click when i turn the key, like its trying to do something.

I have to say this car of mine has been so unlucky, in two years of owning it, I dont think its gone longer than about 4-5 months without something fairly major breaking!

ah well..