Today, we will walk you through the process of replacing a starter in a 2004 Toyota Corolla. This is a step-by-step guide for those who want to tackle this task themselves. The narrator of the video has never replaced a starter before, so this will be an interesting journey for all of us.
The narrator is starting with a remanufactured starter as they believe the pinion gear is not disengaging from the flywheel, causing a grinding sound during cold mornings.
Step 1: Removing the Negative Battery Cable
The first step is to remove the negative battery cable to ensure safety while working on the car.
Accessing the Starter Mounting Bolts
The narrator has loosened the two mounting bolts on the starter. One of the bolts is hard to reach and requires using a mirror for better visibility. Many YouTube videos recommend different methods to access these bolts, but the narrator is attempting to do it without removing additional components.
Removing Electrical Connections
After accessing the starter from under the car, the narrator demonstrates how to remove the electrical connections using the appropriate tools.
Removing the Starter
The narrator proceeds to loosen and remove the mounting bolts, eventually removing the old starter from the car. The recommendation is to inspect the flywheel teeth for any damage before installing the new starter.
Installing the New Starter
With the old starter removed, the narrator successfully installs the new starter and ensures it is properly positioned and secured with the mounting bolts.
Testing the New Starter
After the installation, the narrator starts the car for the first time to test the new starter, and it is a success.
Conclusion
The narrator concludes the video by sharing their experience. Despite getting dirty and having to work without elevating the car, they saved money by replacing the starter themselves instead of hiring a mechanic. They also share a valuable tip about ensuring the starter is flush with the edge of the transmission during installation to avoid stripping the threads on the bolts.
What are the symptoms of a starter problem in a 2004 Toyota Corolla?
The pinion gear is not disengaging from the flywheel, causing a grinding sound for a short period after starting, especially on cold mornings.
What are the steps to replace a starter in a 2004 Toyota Corolla?
1. Remove the negative battery cable. 2. Loosen and remove the mounting bolts on the starter. 3. Disconnect the electrical connections. 4. Remove the old starter. 5. Inspect the flywheel teeth. 6. Install the new starter and reassemble the electrical connections and mounting bolts.
Do I need to elevate the car to replace the starter in a 2004 Toyota Corolla?
The manual and some may recommend elevating the car, but it is possible to replace the starter without doing so, although it may result in getting dirty. Elevation may make the process easier, but it can be done without it.
What should be inspected when replacing a starter in a 2004 Toyota Corolla?
When installing the starter, ensure it is flush with the edge of the transmission it mounts to, and check the flywheel teeth to ensure none are broken, chipped, or rounded.