How to Replace the Starter on a 1992 Toyota Camry
by John Rose
The starter in a 1992 Toyota Camry is easy to replace compared to those of many other vehicles. There is no need to jack up the vehicle or to crawl underneath it to get to the bolts. Still, if your car is one of the many that have the cruise control module installed then removing the starter is a little more involved than those without it. But even with the cruise control module you can complete this project in just a couple of hours.
Step 1
Disconnect the negative terminal from the battery by loosening the nut with a wrench. If your car has the cruise control module in it, you have to disconnect both terminals and pull the battery out of the car.
Step 2
Remove the cruise control actuator cover if you have one. This is a rectangular black cover next to the battery. Unplug the wiring harness to the cruise module and then remove the three bolts holding it in place using a wrench. Remove bracket under the actuator using a wrench.
Step 3
Pull the rubber boot away from the nut connecting the main wire to the starter and loosen the nut with a wrench. Remove the wire and then unplug the wiring harness from the starter.
Step 4
Remove the starter mounting bolts using a socket and ratchet while holding on to the starter. Remove the starter from the engine.
Step 5
Put the new starter in place and bolt it to the engine using the socket and ratchet. Reconnect the main wire to the starter and tighten the nut with a wrench. Pull the rubber boot over the nut and then plug the wiring harness into the starter.
Step 6
If your car has the cruise control module, reinstall the bracket for the actuator and tighten with a wrench. Install the cruise actuator and tighten those three bolts with a wrench. Put the actuator cover back on.
Step 7
If you had to remove the battery, reinstall it and connect the terminals starting with the positive terminal. Tighten the terminal nuts with a wrench. Start the car to test the installation.
Tips
- If your starter solenoid is original to the car, you may want to consider changing that as well since you have already taken everything apart.
Things You'll Need
- Metric socket set
- Metric wrench set
Warnings
- Always remove the negative battery terminal as instructed in step one or you will put yourself at risk for electric shock.
Writer Bio
John Rose has been writing professionally since 1981. Now contributing to various online publications, he specializes in auto repair, home maintenance and similar topics. Rose studied English at Frostburg State University.
