starter points, hard to do urself? Options

[CelicaST_CALI]

hey guyz,within the last 4 or 5 months the celi has been having starter problems....When it trys to start it, it clicks,so i pump the clutch and try to start again and it does the same thing for around 5 times,but once i do it,the next 4 times it starts fine,i took it to the mechanic and he said it was the starter points,and he said it would take over 6 hours to fix,and over 300$,the points are cheap im pretty sure,anyone got the part #?Then today my dad said that if i bought the part he would help me to install,anyone have a how-to,is this mechanic full of **** with 6 hours?

This post has been edited by CelicaST_CALI: Nov 23, 2007 - 2:43 PM

[tonytutino]

i don't know about the starter points... maybe he just means the key components of the starter... the starter motor, solenoid, etc.
i just had mine replaced and it was about 700... so :-/

[CelicaST_CALI]

no he said it was only the points,it starts perfectly when i dont have to pump it.and how much is a new starter?

[95CelicaST]

I had the starter replaced with a rebuilt unit in my old Celica. Cost me $99 installed. I don't know where you're all going for your starters.... I would choke the mechanic who stole your $700

[wrathc5525]

when i rebuilt starters i didnt remember any "points" the only thing that i remember from my automotive school that has points is the old distributor ignition systems

[azian_advanced]

i replaced mine with a solara starter and lengthened the harness a bit, cost me only $70 doing my own labor, that is. i never had a problem since even in -40 weather.

[hurley97]

he means just cleaning and replacing where the starter makes contact to start the car. the starter might still be fine, it's just making bad contact. the starter contact kit from the dealer is probably nothing more than some new washers and bolts. you need to take the starter out and clean and change the contacts on the starter and where it contacts in the trans. it is a pain in the butt to get to on an ST, its all the way in the back.

[CelicaST_CALI]

any how-to,or a member who had done it?

[GriffGirl]

Up here in Portland we have a place called Start Mart - they do all kinds of mechanical work, but I guess used to specialize in starters and the likes thereof. Do you have those in Cali? I paid $120 parts/labor for a rebuilt starter that comes with a lifetime parts & labor warrantee. They were awesome - if you have that down there, maybe inquire about starter points at that place, or shop around at least. That sounds kind of shady to me, but I really don't know anything about anything called "starter points".

Try toytoatech too, it's a great resource for technical stuff like that.

[CelicaST_CALI]

ok thanks,no we dont have any place called"start mart"but ill take it to another mechanic and see wat they say.thx for the help

[94CelicaDragon]

hey guyz,within the last 4 or 5 months the celi has been having starter problems....When i try to start it, it clicks,so i pump the clutch and try to start again and it does the same thing for around 5 times,but once i do it,the next 4 times it starts fine,i took it to the mechanic and he said it was the starter points,and he said it would take over 6 hours to fix,and over 400$,the points are cheap im pretty sure,anyone got the part #?Then today my dad said that if i bought the part he would help me to install,anyone have a how-to,is this mechanic full of **** with 6 hours?

If Its clicking, then wouldnt that be a dead battery? I would try a new battery, or use one out of your friends car just to see If It'll start. I bet you thats the problem. Try It and see.

[CelicaST_CALI]

hmmm,thats interesting^^^,ill try that..but after a while it starts,y would it start if its a bad battery?

This post has been edited by CelicaST_CALI: Nov 23, 2007 - 2:47 PM

[Bitter]

the 'points' are the copper pads that are closed when the solenoid kicks the starter gear out. if you get a clang but no turning then the points are worn/pitted and dont make contact. replacing those points will often repair the starter, and the kit costs less than a new starter. however some starter problems are not easily repaired. if your starter spins down with a winding growling noise after starting the car then its probably worn out its bearings (mine did this) and will eventually seize and not rotate, but still kick out and hit the flywheel. bearings are not easy to fix and the whole starter should just be replaced.

[CelicaST_CALI]

no,once the starter sounds perfectly normal once it starts working..

[Bitter]

then its likely its just those points, goto a toyota dealer and ask for a starter rebuild kit for your year/model/engine size.

[94CelicaDragon]

hmmm,thats interesting^^^,ill try that..but after a while it starts,y would it start if its a bad battery?

Not sure, maybe a bad connection. I just thought I'd through that out there before you go and spend hella money on something, when It could be something cheaper you know?

[Celiracer18]

I had the same thing happen to mine this past summer. I just replaced it with a rebuilt from the parts store ($70~) took about 10-15 mins to replace it.

-edit- THe points that are worn in the starter are INSIDE the starter so if you dont think you can rebuild it, it's much easier to get a new or rebuilt and replace.

This post has been edited by Celiracer18: Nov 23, 2007 - 7:46 PM

[CelicaST_CALI]

what did u replace?^^

[Celiracer18]

the starter