How to Replace the Starter on a 1994 Toyota 4Runner
by Tara Kimball
When the starter in your 1994 Toyota 4Runner begins to fail, you may notice that your truck hesitates before it starts, or sometimes it takes a couple of tries to get it going. Change the starter as soon as you notice that it is giving you trouble to avoid having a car that will not start at all. Buy a new starter for your truck at an auto parts retailer or Toyota dealer.
Step 1
Raise the truck with a jack and place it on a set of jack stands. Remove the jack once the truck is secure.
Step 2
Disconnect the negative battery cable with a wrench. Secure the cable away from the battery.
Step 3
Work from beneath the truck to locate the starter motor at the rear of the engine compartment near the bottom. Remove the nut securing the battery cable to the switch on the starter. Pull the cable off the switch and set the nut aside in a secure place.
Step 4
Pull the electrical wire from the connection. The connectors simply push together so you can pull it apart.
Step 5
Remove the lower mounting bolt from the starter body with a socket and ratchet. Set the bolt aside. Support the starter body and remove the upper mounting bolt with a socket and ratchet. Set the bolt aside and remove the starter body from the engine compartment.
Step 6
Position the new starter in the engine compartment and install the upper mounting bolt. Tighten the bolt with a socket and ratchet. Support the starter body while you install the lower mounting bolt as well. Tighten the bolt with a socket and ratchet. Torque the bolts to 29 pound-feet with a torque wrench.
Step 7
Press the electrical connection back together until it clicks. Replace the battery cable and secure it with the retaining nut. Tighten the nut with a wrench.
Step 8
Raise the truck slightly with a jack to remove the jack stands. Lower the 4Runner to the ground and remove the jack. Reattach the negative battery cable and tighten the terminal connections with a wrench. Close the hood and test your new starter.
References
- ”1994 Toyota 4Runner Factory Service Manual”; Toyota Motor Company; 1993
- “Haynes Repair Manual, 1979-1995 Toyota Pickups and 4Runner”; John Haynes; 1998
Things You'll Need
- Jack
- Jack stands
- Wrench set
- Socket and ratchet set
Writer Bio
Tara Kimball is a former accounting professional with more than 10 years of experience in corporate finance and small business accounting. She has also worked in desktop support and network management. Her articles have appeared in various online publications.
