starter motor problem Avensis TD

colm_mcm

recently, the starter motor doesn't start the car first time.

I'll turn the key, hear the motor whirring after it fails to start. I'm assuming the solenoid isn't pushing the drive pinion out.

If this is the case, can it just be cleaned or is replacement the only option. don't wanna go ripping it out yet as it's in a really stupid place and I have to take out the airbox etc to get at it.

Slidey

If it was me I would just get it repaired properly.

As you said yourself it is in an awkward place and you may be able to free it out but how long will that last before it starts playing up again?

hiluxman

take it out and send it to and auto electriction. theres not much ya can do without replacment parts anyway.

colm_mcm

Got a Japanese Denso starter instead of the Bosch that was in it, about 50% bigger!
Sounds completely different and starts the car immediately.
Pain in the hoop of a job to do though.

Fishtits

OP, Avensis diesel starter problems as you describe are common. There are several different starters fitted to them, all variations of the original design.

On some its just the pinion/clutch pack that has failed, on others the annular gear breaks up, all can be repaired.

pajero12

I think the best way to get at these is from the bottom...It may just need a new solenoid or some of of the little bearings could be gone meaning the pinion shaft isnt meeting the fly wheel dead on!If you can get it off put power straight from the battery using a piece of wire.then you'll know whether the pinion gear is coming out far enough.Hope this helps

Fishtits

pajero12 wrote: »

I think the best way to get at these is from the bottom...It may just need a new solenoid or some of of the little bearings could be gone meaning the pinion shaft isnt meeting the fly wheel dead on!If you can get it off put power straight from the battery using a piece of wire.then you'll know whether the pinion gear is coming out far enough.Hope this helps

The pinion will engage. Its nothing to do with the solenoid or bearings. The problem is with the bits behind the pinion. Either the clutch pack/pinion has failed (9 or 10 tooth) or its broken up the plastic annulus in the gearbox end of the starter. Either way its cheaper to repair than replace.

IE the starter motor is buggered.

colm_mcm

According to 3 different people I asked, the Bosch ones are the worst.

All sorted now anyway, thanks for the help.

Fishtits

Colm,

Bosch (Wales) are (were) the only company that supply a starter for this model.

The Auto's were fitted with Marelli or Denso starters.

Leonard Hofstadter

^

The OP has already said that the Denso one works fine in his car though;)!

JimmyCrackCorn

Id get it done by a proper motor electrician. Even a mechanic would hand this off.

colm_mcm

Had it done in 30 mins, biggest part of it was removing the airbox, battery and moving the turbo pipes out of the way. the starter itself is very accessible as it's at the front and you can easily get at it from over the bonnet. the starter is bolted in from the passenger side just under the battery tray.
You need a good selection of tools to make it easy, but it's by no means a complicated job (unless you compare it to most other cars even changing the oil filter on these is complicated!)