How to Replace the Starter on a Toyota Tundra 4.7L
by David McGuffin
If your Toyota Tundra 4.7L starter is having problems and is only starting intermittently, or not at all, then you will need to replace it. Fortunately, replacing the starter is not a difficult job. Changing the starter yourself will not only help you to save some of your hard earned cash, but also help you to become more familiar with the inner workings of your Toyota Tundra.
Step 1
Raise the hood on your Toyota Tundra and prop it open. Make sure that it is not going to fall on your head while you are working on the engine.
Step 2
Remove the black battery cable from your Toyota Tundra battery. There are two reasons for disconnecting the battery: one is to ensure that you will not be electrocuted while working on your truck's electrical system, the other reason is so that the engine's cooling fan will not engage while you are working on the engine. Wait for at least fifteen minutes so that any potential electric charges can dissipate.
Step 3
Use your socket wrench to unbolt the intake manifold. Do not disconnect any of the fuel rails or injectors. Simply disconnect the plenums of the manifold and move them out of the way. You will need to disconnect the input bracket connecting the big black hose to the air intake.
Step 4
Remove the two bolts holding the starter into place on your Tundra. The starter will be easy to access now that it is exposed and once the manifold is removed. Also disconnect the copper positive electrical connection bolt so that you can remove the starter from the electrical system. Disconnect the electrical connection tab which leads to the starter from the positive battery terminal.
Step 5
Slide the starter out of place and replace it with the new one, lining it up with the flywheel. Reinstall and tighten the bolts to secure the starter. If you have to crank down hard on the bolts, then you may not have the starter aligned correctly with the flywheel, in which case, the truck will not start.
Step 6
Reconnect the electrical connection tab. Reconnect the battery cable and start the truck. If your Toyota Tundra starts up, then you have completed the job successfully. Continue to the finishing details by reconnecting the intake manifold and double-checking to make sure that all bolts and nuts are back in place as they were before you started.
References
Things You'll Need
- Socket wrench with adapters
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Replacement starter
Writer Bio
David McGuffin is a writer from Asheville, N.C. and began writing professionally in 2009. He has Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of North Carolina, Asheville and Montreat College in history and music, and a Bachelor of Science in outdoor education. McGuffin is recognized as an Undergraduate Research Scholar for publishing original research on postmodern music theory and analysis.
