Starter Motor Replacement 4e-fe Engine

[Average Joe]

Hi, I have decided to change the starter/solenoid assembly on the 1999 Corolla 1.3SE. Sometimes the solenoid can be heard but the starter doesn't kick in. Up to now we just turn the key back and try again and it starts, but this can only get worse until it lets us down.

So my new (recon) starter assy. is here and I can ask someone to fit it, for money, or maybe one of you can give me some tips on how to do it. It looks like I should prepare to send some time on my back. All I have is the Haynes manual for company and this doesn't provide enough detail.

I am not sure if I have to separate the solenoid from the starter in order to remove or gain access to the mounting bolts. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

[Boro Sera]

The starter/solenoid assembly should only be held in by 2 bolts ( and the electrical connectors of course ).

If it's like the 5E engines ( and I think it is ) then yes, you'll be getting familiar with lying on the floor probably !

Not a bad job though, the bolts are fairly easy to get to

[T600]

Out of interest, how much was the recon unit, and where did you get it.

We've got a similar problem on the g/f's Corolla, and I was planning on having the starter contacts replaced, as I'm told that a new starter and solenoid are about £300 from Mr T.

[Boro Sera]

Out of interest, how much was the recon unit, and where did you get it.

We've got a similar problem on the g/f's Corolla, and I was planning on having the starter contacts replaced, as I'm told that a new starter and solenoid are about £300 from Mr T.

Any half decent motor factors will be able to get you a refurbished, fully guaranteed starter for your car for a fraction of the price of a new one. These ( like brake calipers ) are usually on an exchange basis. You buy the refurb one, then fit it and take your old one back for a partial refund. The old one is then sent off for refurbishment. It's a greener way of keeping your car on the road - and it maintains a good supply of future spares !

[Average Joe]

Out of interest, how much was the recon unit, and where did you get it.

We've got a similar problem on the g/f's Corolla, and I was planning on having the starter contacts replaced, as I'm told that a new starter and solenoid are about £300 from Mr T.

Yes, I approached the Toyota dealer and they said 276 pounds +VAT. Internet search found http://www.carparts-direct.co.uk and they charge 112 pounds + VAT on an exchange basis. Call Martin Mosley on his direct phone,0871 918 2712, it arrived next day and shipping was 3.95. Of course it ain't fitted yet...so we'll see how it goes, but Martin tells me it has a 2 year warranty. BTW, Toyota have a price (but no availability) for a recon unit so it may be that other models can be supplied on this basis. Its a new activity here, in nearly 8 years we've only changed consumables and emptied the ashtray, top notch British built Toyota.

[T600]

Thanks for the info Joe.

Same with ours. Didn't have a single fault in 11 years, but this month it's had broken bolts on the Cat and now this. It doesn't owe us anything though, and g/f prefers it to any of the courtesy cars she gets, so we're happy to spend a few quid putting right a couple of little problems with it.

Good luck with getting the new motor fitted.

Tony