Starting System Toyota Camry Solara I

DESCRIPTION & OPERATION

Note. This article also applies to Lexus LX470. For Lexus LX470, refer to Land Cruiser, unless otherwise indicated.

All models use Nippondenso 4-brush, solenoid-actuated, reduction gear type starters, equipped with overrunning clutches. The brush holder assembly retains 4 brushes and springs in the starter housing.

Reduction gear type starters contain an integral solenoid attached to drive housing, a reduction idler gear and bearing installed into starter housing, and a clutch drive assembly. The clutch drive assembly is mounted to starter housing and is driven by the reduction idler gear from armature shaft. The brush holder assembly retains 4 brushes and 4 springs in the end cover of field frame housing.

All models use a starter relay to energize starter. Manual transmission vehicles use a clutch start switch and automatic transmission vehicles use a park/neutral switch to energize starter relay. On models with theft deterrent system, theft deterrent system ECU provides ground for starter relay.

Tacoma, Tundra and 4Runner models with 4WD and M/T use an optional clutch start cancel switch. When this switch is turned on, it will allow engine to be started without depressing clutch pedal when transmission is in Neutral. This allows vehicle to be driven out of difficult situations by cranking the engine with the clutch engaged.

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Note. See TROUBLE SHOOTING article in GENERAL INFORMATION.

NO-START

1. If a no-start condition exists and battery is known to be good, connect test light or voltmeter between starter solenoid terminal No. 50 and ground. (Scheme 8)or (Scheme 9).
2. Turn ignition switch to START position. If test light or voltmeter does not indicate voltage, check main fusible links and large ampere main fuses in engine compartment relay box. If fusible links and fuses are okay, see «IGNITION SWITCH CONTINUITY TEST»(/toyota/camry-solara/i-1998-2003/remont/starter/#starting-system) and/or «STARTER RELAY TEST»(/toyota/camry-solara/i-1998-2003/remont/starter/#starting-system) under ON-VEHICLE TESTING.

ON-VEHICLE TESTING

Note. Before testing, ensure battery is fully charged, battery cables and terminal ends are tight and clean, and engine grounds are secure.

CLUTCH START SWITCH TEST

Switch is located above clutch pedal on bracket. Disconnect wiring harness connector from switch. Connect ohmmeter between clutch start switch terminals. Depress clutch pedal. If continuity does not exist, adjust or replace clutch start switch. If continuity exists, switch is functioning properly.

Tacoma & 4Runner

1. Remove clutch start cancel switch. Switch is located on left side of instrument panel. Connect negative lead of ohmmeter to terminal No. 1. (Scheme 1) Check for continuity between clutch start cancel switch terminals No. 1 and 2, and terminals No. 1 and 3. If continuity does not exist, go to next step. If continuity exists, replace clutch start cancel switch.
2. Check for continuity between clutch start cancel switch terminals No. 2 and 3. If continuity exists, replace clutch start cancel switch. If continuity does not exist, check operation of switch by applying battery voltage to switch. Using jumper wires, connect positive battery lead to terminal No. 3 and negative battery lead to terminal No. 1 of clutch start cancel switch.
3. Connect ohmmeter positive lead to terminal No. 2 and negative lead to terminal No. 1 of clutch start cancel switch. Continuity should not exist. Depress clutch start cancel switch. Continuity should exist and indicator light on clutch start cancel switch should be on. If switch does not test as specified, replace switch.

Tundra

1. Locate switch on left side of instrument panel. Remove left lower instrument panel. Disconnect wiring harness connector from switch pigtail connector. Remove switch base from instrument panel. Remove switch from base.
2. Check for continuity between clutch start cancel switch connector terminals No. 1 and 3. (Scheme 2) If continuity exists, replace clutch start cancel switch. If continuity does not exist, go to next step.
3. Using jumper wires, connect positive battery terminal to clutch start cancel switch connector terminal No. 7 and ground terminal No. 5. No continuity should exist between terminals No. 1 and 3. Press switch and ensure switch light illuminates. With switch pressed, continuity should exist between terminals No. 1 and 3.
4. Remove jumper wire from clutch start cancel switch connector terminal No. 5. Ensure continuity does not exist between clutch start cancel switch connector terminals No. 1 and 3. If continuity is not as specified, replace clutch start cancel switch.

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Celica

1. Deactivate air bag system. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove driver's lower instrument panel cover. Remove upper and lower steering column covers if needed. Locate ignition switch wiring harness 6-pin connector. (Scheme 3)
2. With ignition switch in LOCK position, there should be no continuity between any terminals. With ignition switch in ACC position, there should be continuity between terminals No. 1 and 3. With ignition switch in ON position, there should be continuity between terminals No. 1, 2 and 3, and between terminals No. 5 and 7. With ignition switch in START position, there should be continuity between terminals No. 1 and 2, and between terminals No. 4, 5 and 6. If continuity is not as specified, replace switch.

All Others

1. Deactivate air bag system. See AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS article. Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove driver's lower instrument panel cover. Remove upper and lower steering column covers if needed. Locate ignition switch wiring harness 8-pin connector. (Scheme 4)
2. With ignition switch in LOCK position, there should be no continuity between any terminals. With ignition switch in ACC position, there should be continuity between terminals No. 2 and 3. With ignition switch in ON position, there should be continuity between terminals No. 2, 3 and 4, and between terminals No. 6 and 7.
3. With ignition switch in START position, there should be continuity between terminals No. 1, 2 and 4, and between terminals No. 6, 7 and 8. If continuity is not as specified, replace switch.

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

PARK/NEUTRAL SWITCH

Note. If vehicle will not start with shift lever in Park/Neutral position, verify correct park/neutral switch adjustment. If park/neutral switch is correctly adjusted, verify switch continuity.

Adjusting Park/Neutral Switch

Locate park/neutral switch at transmission or transaxle. Loosen park/neutral position switch bolt(s) and verify shift selector is in "N" position. Align switch shaft groove with neutral basic line on switch. Hold switch in position and tighten bolt(s) to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Park/Neutral Switch Continuity Check

Disconnect electrical connector from park/neutral switch at transmission or transaxle. Using ohmmeter, check for continuity at specified terminals with gearshift lever in proper positions. (Scheme 5) See PARK/NEUTRAL SWITCH SPECIFICATIONS table. If continuity is not as specified, replace switch.

PARK/NEUTRAL SWITCH SPECIFICATIONS

Scheme 5

Land Cruiser

1. Locate and remove starter relay. Starter relay is marked "ST". See «STARTER RELAY LOCATION»(/toyota/camry-solara/i-1998-2003/remont/starter/#starting-system) table. Using ohmmeter, verify continuity exists between relay terminals No. 3 and 4. See STEP 1. (Scheme 6) Continuity should not exist between terminals No. 1 and 2. If continuity is not as specified, replace relay.
2. Check relay operation by applying battery voltage to terminals No. 3 and 4. See STEP 2. (Scheme 6) Continuity should now exist between terminals No. 1 and 2. If relay does not test as indicated, replace relay.

1. Locate and remove starter relay. Starter relay is marked "ST". See «STARTER RELAY LOCATION»(/toyota/camry-solara/i-1998-2003/remont/starter/#starting-system) table. Using ohmmeter, verify continuity between relay terminals No. 1 and 2. (Scheme 7) Continuity should not exist between terminals No. 3 and 5. If continuity is not as specified, replace relay.
2. Check relay operation by applying battery voltage through terminals No. 1 and 2. (Scheme 7) Continuity should now exist between terminals No. 3 and 5. If relay does not test as indicated, replace relay.

STARTER RELAY LOCATION

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

NO-LOAD TEST

1. Remove starter. Connect ammeter in series between starter motor terminal No. 30 (battery terminal) and a fully charged 12-volt battery. Connect battery negative lead to starter case ground. (Scheme 8)or (Scheme 9). Connect voltmeter to battery to observe voltage draw readings.
2. Connect remote starter or jumper wire to terminals No. 30 and 50 to engage starter. Starter drive pinion gear should extend quickly and spin smoothly. Verify starter amperage draw and battery voltage draw are within specifications. See «NO-LOAD TEST SPECIFICATIONS»(/toyota/camry-solara/i-1998-2003/remont/starter/#starting-system) table. Replace starter if not within specification.

Scheme 8

Scheme 9

NO-LOAD TEST SPECIFICATIONS

SOLENOID TESTS

1. Pull-In Coil Test Disconnect field coil lead from terminal "C". Connect jumper wires from negative battery terminal to terminal "C" and to starter housing. When wire is connected from positive battery terminal to terminal No. 50, clutch pinion gear should extend fully. (Scheme 10)or (Scheme 13). If clutch pinion gear does not move, replace solenoid. If clutch pinion gear does move, go to next test.
2. Hold-In Coil Test With battery connected as in previous test and clutch pinion gear still extended, disconnect jumper wire from starter terminal "C". (Scheme 11)or (Scheme 14). Clutch pinion gear should remain extended. If clutch pinion gear does not remain extended, replace solenoid. If clutch pinion gear does remain extended, go to next test.
3. Drive Pinion Return Test Disconnect jumper wire from negative battery terminal to starter housing. (Scheme 12)or (Scheme 15). Pinion gear should now retract. If it does not retract, replace solenoid.

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

Scheme 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

Scheme 15

ARMATURE COIL

1. Using ohmmeter, check for continuity between armature coil core and insulation between commutator segments. If continuity is present, replace armature. Check armature for short circuits using a growler. Replace armature as necessary.
2. Check for continuity between segments of commutator. If continuity is not present between any segment, replace armature.

BRUSHES & SPRINGS

1. Check brush length. If length is less than specification, replace brushes. See «STARTER SPECIFICATIONS»(/toyota/camry-solara/i-1998-2003/remont/starter/#starting-system) . If brushes are okay, go to next step.
2. Check brush holders, springs, spring clip and insulation between positive and negative holders. Verify no continuity exists between positive and negative brush holders. Repair or replace components as needed.

CLUTCH ASSEMBLY & GEARS

1. Inspect teeth on pinion gear, idler gear and clutch assembly for wear or damage. If damaged, replace gear or clutch assembly and inspect flywheel ring gear for wear or damage.
2. Inspect clutch pinion gear by rotating pinion gear. Depending on engine, pinion gear will rotate freely in one direction and lock when rotated in opposite direction. On Avalon, Camry, Camry Solara, Celica, RAV4 and Sienna, clutch pinion gear will lock when rotated in a clockwise direction. On all other models, pinion gear will lock in a counterclockwise direction. Replace clutch assembly as necessary.

COMMUTATOR

1. If commutator surface is dirty or burnt, it can be cleaned with No. 400 grit sandpaper or on a lathe. If commutator runout (out-of-round) is more than .002" (.05 mm), turn commutator on a lathe. If commutator diameter is less than minimum, replace armature. See «STARTER SPECIFICATIONS»(/toyota/camry-solara/i-1998-2003/remont/starter/#starting-system) .
2. Ensure undercut depth between commutator segments are clean, free of debris, and that edges are smooth. Minimum undercut depth is .008" (.20 mm). If undercut depth is less than minimum, use a hacksaw blade to correct to a depth of .008-.024" (.20-.60 mm).

FIELD FRAME (FIELD COIL)

Verify continuity between lead wire and field coil brush lead. If continuity is not present, replace field coil. Verify there is no continuity between field coil end and field frame. If continuity exists, replace or repair field frame.

Removal & Installation (Avalon, Camry, Camry Solara & Sienna)

1. Disconnect negative battery cable and then positive cable. Remove battery and tray. If equipped with cruise control, remove cruise control actuator cover, cruise control actuator and actuator bracket from body mount.
2. On all models, remove starter terminal/wire cover and remove starter wires. Remove starter. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten starter bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/toyota/camry-solara/i-1998-2003/remont/starter/#starting-system__torque-specifications) .

Removal & Installation (Celica)

1. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect air intake temperature sensor connector from air cleaner assembly. If equipped with cruise control, remove cruise control actuator cable from clamps.
2. On California models, remove air hose for idle-up from air cleaner hose. On all models, disconnect 4 clamps, and disconnect air cleaner cap from air cleaner case. Loosen hose clamp, and disconnect air cleaner hose from throttle body.
3. Remove air cleaner cap and air cleaner hose assembly. Remove air filter. Disconnect 2 engine wires from clamps on air cleaner case. Remove 3 bolts and air cleaner case. Remove battery. If equipped with cruise control, disconnect cruise control actuator connector.
4. Remove 3 bolts, and disconnect actuator from body bracket. On all models, disconnect starter connector. Remove nut, and disconnect starter cable. Remove 2 bolts, and disconnect oxygen sensor connector and engine wire brackets from starter. Remove starter. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten starter bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/toyota/camry-solara/i-1998-2003/remont/starter/#starting-system__torque-specifications) .

Removal & Installation (Corolla)

1. Disconnect negative battery cable and then positive cable. Remove battery and tray. Remove engine coolant reservoir. Remove engine splash shield from underneath right side of compartment.
2. Remove starter terminal/wire cover and remove starter wires. Remove starter bolts and starter. Note starter mounting bolt locations (bolts are different lengths). To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten starter bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/toyota/camry-solara/i-1998-2003/remont/starter/#starting-system__torque-specifications) .

Removal & Installation (Land Cruiser & Tundra V8)

1. Starter is located underneath intake manifold. (Scheme 16) Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove cover from top of engine. Remove air cleaner intake hose. Disconnect accelerator cable. Remove intake manifold. See «CYLINDER HEAD & MANIFOLDS»(ref-3005-S40584705172000041700000) in 4.7L article in ENGINES.
2. Remove starter wires and remove starter. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten starter bolts to specification. See «TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS»(/toyota/camry-solara/i-1998-2003/remont/starter/#starting-system__torque-specifications).

Scheme 16

Removal & Installation (RAV4)

Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove engine coolant reservoir. Disconnect relay connectors, PCV hose, intake air temperature sensor connector, air cleaner intake hose, remaining hoses and lines for air cleaner removal. Remove air cleaner assembly. Disconnect starter connector. Remove starter wires and remove starter. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten starter bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

Removal & Installation (Tacoma, Tundra V6 & 4Runner)

Removal and installation is basically an unbolt and bolt-on procedure. Tighten starter bolts to specification. See TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS .

OVERHAUL

Note. (Scheme 17)for overhaul procedure.

Scheme 17

4-CYLINDER

STARTER SPECIFICATIONS (4-CYLINDER)

V6

STARTER SPECIFICATIONS (V6)

V8

STARTER SPECIFICATIONS (V8)

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS

See also:
• IGNITION SWITCH CONTINUITY TEST
• TORQUE SPECIFICATIONS