Starter pinion not engaging 2014 Yaris Mk3 D4D

[brutus-1965]

2014 Yaris Mk3 D4D

I am very mechanically competent.

Excellent Battery.

For the first time tonight the starter didnt engage.

From the drivers seat it sounds like the starter is spinning but the solenoid plunger has not thrown out the pinion to engage the flywheel.

As I pushed the clutch peddle down and up a couple of times the plunger did eventually throw and engage the flywheel so it started.

Question is - where is the starter on the 1.4 D (any YouTube video) and has anyone experienced this before.

TIA

[southsider46]

The starter can't be spinning unless the pinion has been thrown out. 

When the starter solenoid throws the pinion out, the starter circuit is complete and then it will start to turn.

video

[brutus-1965]

Thanks.

Definately sounds like the starter is spinning when the key is turned. Maybe I need to get a helper to turn the key while I have a poke and listen. Is the starter accessed from the engine bay or underneath ?

[Red_Corolla]

On a vehicle with transverse engine and manual gearbox, it's usually either on top of the gearbox or round the back. If removing the airbox doesn't reveal it then try getting underneath and looking up from below the steering rack. Do NOT forget to disconnect the Battery negative before introducing the spanners.