How to change starter on 99 Corolla?

Answer 1

NOTE: Two different engines are available for 1999 Corolla, so this is instruction for the 12V/1.4KW starter, which is on the front of the engine. It will take 2 to 3 hours to replace the starter, provided you have the right tools. I suggest you have an assistant and these instructions by your side. You will have to unscrew 9 bolts, 1 nut, disconnect two switches, and loosen a clamp. TOOLS: Car jack; Wrenches and ratchets sizes 10mm, 13mm, 14mm; Phillips screwdriver Step 1: Disconnect the battery. Unscrew the protective plastic cover under the engine. Step 2: Remove the air-filter assembly including the air-intake elbow.There are 4 bolts and one plastic fastener to be removed in total with air-filter assembly. Unclip the air-filter box, remove the actual air-filter, and you will see three (3) bolts you need to unscrew. On the outside of the box towards the windshield, you will see the fourth bolt holding several wires to the air-filter box. Disconnect it. Towards the front of the engine, you will see a small black, plastic ring holding a battery wire. This ring can pop open, so play with it and open it so that you can move the assembly. Final step is to remove the air-intake elbow from the engine. Use the Phillips screwdriver to loosen the fastener holding the air-intake hose to the engine. Slip the hose off its terminal and move the whole air-filter assembly off to the side. The second starter bolt becomes accessible only after the air-filter assembly has been moved off to the side. Step 3: Disconnect the two starter switches Since you are now lying below the car, looking up, you will notice two switches on the starter [There is a third switch on the oil filter, which you may want to disconnect while working to prevent a potential tare]. Disconnect the small wire switch first; by pulling on it, (it slides out). The larger wire switch does NOT slide out. First, clip-off the plastic cover by pulling on it with your index finger nail. As it clicks open, nut will appear, holding the main wire to the starter. Unscrew the nut, and disconnect the wire (ALWAYS DISCONNECT BATTERY BEFORE TOUCHING THIS NUT). Step 4: Unscrew the 2 bolts and remove the starter The first starter bolt is accessible from the bottom, so right after disconnecting the switches, apply a 14mm wrench, and unscrew the bolt. The second bolt is accessible from the top of the engine, only after the air-filter assembly is off to the side. Locate the bolt by touch or by using a mirror and unscrew it. DO NOT REMOVE THIS BOLT COMPLETELY, as it is very hard to access! Remove starter motor from the BOTTOM of the car. Be patient and gentle, as there is very little room to operate. I did it last week, so it can be done! Step 4: Reinstall the removed parts (Opposite of removal)