D4d Starter Replacement

[ScottyBlue]

I need to change the starter on my 2002 D4D (same symptoms/problem as pips on a previous thread?). I presume its just a case of removing 2 or 3 bolts and the electrical connectors, but what I would like to know is : what is access to the starter like, are there splash panels to be removed under the engine, are there any quirks specific to this job/engine I should be aware of?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers, S.

[anchorman]

S

Before you go changing that starter just run the symptoms by me because I am convinced that Pip's problem is nothing to do with the starter.

Cheers

[ScottyBlue]

S

Before you go changing that starter just run the symptoms by me because I am convinced that Pip's problem is nothing to do with the starter.

Cheers

The symptoms are virtually identical to pips, ie, it always starts from cold although sometimes its a bit sluggish. If I stop for a few minutes and then try to start again, (eg, stopping to fill up with diesel) the starter turns very slowly a couple of times and will not start the car. The first thing I suspected was the Battery so I bought a new one but this made no difference whatsoever. I then discovered that if I wait around 15 minutes for the engine to cool down a bit, the starter will turn properly and it will then start. Also, I have a power pack and connecting this up provides sufficient extra boost to turn the starter and start the car, even when warm. On one occasion, I turned the key and the starter did not turn at all, as if it was jammed. I tried rocking the car in gear but without success. Then after waiting 15 or 20 miutes I tried it again and it started first time.

Its one of these difficult to pin-point problems but seemed to be starter-related. However before jumping in and changing the starter, I wanted confirmation from a professional so when the car was in to Mr T for a service last week, I asked them to check it. They said it needed a new starter as they are non-serviceable items and quoted just under £300 for a new one. I declined the offer as I can save around £130 by buying one and fitting it myself. I've removed and serviced starters before (older cars where the starter could be opened and cleaned and brushes could be changed) but need some advice on how easy the RAV4 D4D starter is to access and remove (its a pretty straightforward job on most cars but are there any specific things to know for the RAV?).

I was pretty sure it was a starter problem as it doesn't turn the engine when its hot, so I suspected that some clearance within the starter expands when hot and contracts again when it cools. The dealer also confirmed a starter problem.

Cheers for any help you can provide,

S

[anchorman]

Hi S

Normally to diagnose a problem like this an auto electrician will always start at the Battery. I know this will frustrate you but fitting a new Battery does not take it out of the equation. It needs to be drop tested to make sure it is showing a high discharge voltage of 10-12 volts and can maintain it for at least 20 seconds. assuning that this is Ok then you need a moving coil (volt meter with needle) rather than a digital multi -tester. This is because the latter can be very difficult to read when the voltage is changing, the readout will just be constantly changing numbers.

I suspect that the problem you are describing is a fault with the windings inside the starter. They can be effected by temperature and the position of the commutator at the time of starting cranking. To test it you need (having first being absolutely confident that the Battery is OK) is when the fault manifests itself is to put the voltmeter accross the battery and get somebody to read the meter. It should not drop below 9.6 volts during cranking. If it does the starter is U/S.

It is a normal pre-engaged starter and there is nothing untoward about changing it. It sounds like you have done them before so I won't insult you by going through it. The only difficulty might be that you might have to dig a few things like air filter housing and other bits and bobs to get at it as it is tucked down the back.

I think your problem differs a little from the others (unless I have misunderstood) in that your cranking speed varies while the others simply won't start from a normal cranking speed. From what you have said I think like you that the starter is very suspect.

Good luck