How to Replace Starter in a 1998 Tacoma

Last Updated: April 8, 2021

Save some money by doing your auto repairs yourself. These instructions are specifically for replacing the starter in a 1998 2.7L 4 cylinder Toyota Tacoma, and the 1999 2.4L 4 cylinder Tacoma.

Steps

1
Read through entire process, and consult repair manual if possible, to gain an understanding of all of the steps required. Look carefully at the layout of the starter, engine, brake lines, etc, to determine what will be involved with replacing your starter.
2
Disconnect negative terminal on battery.

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3
Remove the flexible rubber liner from the back of the wheel well on the side of the engine where the starter is located. This will give you better access to the starter.
4
Remove the plastic cap from the battery cable on the starter. Then, unscrew the nut that holds the cable onto the starter, and remove the cable.
5
Remove the other battery connector from the starter.
6
Unscrew the two bolts that hold the starter onto the engine.
7
Pull the starter forward to disconnect, then wiggle it out through the hole in the wheel well. Set the old starter aside, you can usually return it to the parts store where you bought the new one.
8
Wiggle the new starter into the engine compartment in a similar fashion.
9
Insert the starter into the engine, make sure that the gears engage the flywheel, and are not just resting on top.
10
Finger-tighten bolts to make sure they are threaded correctly, then tighten. The repair manual suggests using a torque wrench to tighten them to 29 feet (8.8 m). lbs., be careful to not over-tighten and break the bolt.
11
Attach the battery cable and battery connector (wires removed in steps 4 and 5). Then replace the plastic cap.
12
Replace the flexible rubber in the wheel well.
13
Reconnect the negative battery terminal and try starting your truck.

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Community Q&A

Question

How do I get the plastic clip off of the starter?

Community Answer

Take a sturdy pair of pliers and pull it until it comes off. If the cable attached doesn't pull right off, you will have to really give it some elbow grease and yank it hard.
Question

What side of truck is the starter on?

Community Answer

Depends on the truck, it could be under the gas tank or it could be behind the left headlight.