Starter Motor

[bks Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close bks]

This may sound a silly question but where is the starer motor on a 98 petrol Prado?

I followed the wiring from the battery to under neath the bottom front of the engine and then lost it.

I could not see anything that looked like a starter motor!!!!!!!! I'm no mechanic so thats probably not surprising.

The reason I'm after the starter motor is occasionally the starter motor just clicks instead of turning over. From what I have found out it is probably the solenoids but I want to check to make sure it is not something simple like a loose wire before I take it to an Auto electrician.

If it does turn out to be a solenoid does anyone know a good auto electrician on Sydeys lower North shore who is good with Prados

[Leethal Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leethal]

Re: Starter Motor

Hi bks,

Assuming you have a V6 engine, the + positive battery cable goes into a plastic shroud at the front of the engine then wraps around front of the engine block, then back along the drivers side to the starter which is at the drivers side rear of the engine.

The starter is mounted to the flywheel housing & engine block so its pinion gear can engage the flywheel ring gear.

Your problem sounds like a solenoid fault but check your battery cable connections both at the battery and starter as well as the - negative cable (ground) connections too. Also ensure your battery is fully charged.

Have fun

Lee

[bks Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close bks]

Re: Starter Motor

thanks Lee

Found it. I had to crawl under the car to see it as the exhaust system seems to have some sort of shield which hides it from sight if looking from above the engine.

The bad news is no loose cables so it looks like Solenoids. ( Although I could not see the negative ground connection ). Battery is fine and it is still a very spasmodic problem which I'm sure is not going to get better it self.

Thanks again for your help

[VL400 Member Find all posts View Profile Close VL400]

Re: Starter Motor

Ground connection is through the engine block, there is a large cable from the battery negative to chassis/engine block.

The fault sounds very much like the solenoid contacts - they eat away due to the large currents. Had mine go 6 months or so ago, replaced them (only cost something like $15 to buy new ones) and its been perfect ever since. Its not an easy job to get the starter out though as the power steering lines get in the way. The actual contact replacement is very simple.

[bks Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close bks]

Re: Starter Motor

So there is no negative from the starter motor itself?

It does look very difficult to get out.

[Leethal Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leethal]

Re: Starter Motor

bks,

As VL400 said the battery negative goes to the engine block.
The Starter earths/grounds through its mounting to the engine block and as such does not have a dedicated - negative cable.

Lee

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Re: Starter Motor

If your 98 is anything like mine was when the starter motor gave up late last year the bolts were completely corroded and had to be gas axed to get the unit out. Had a reconditioned unit fitted as the contacts in the old one were completely burnt out.

[bks Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close bks]

Re: Starter Motor

Since my original post on 30 dec the starter motor has worked perfectly. Perhaps it was just a bad connection and by me playing with the wires it it fixed the problem.

However My luck would be that it will come back, so if it is the solenoids do they die quickly or go for some time occasionally not starting, just fade away.

I suppose what I asking is do I get it fixed now to ensure I'm not stuck some where or just leave it. Because if it only means occasionally having to put up with it not kicking the engine over for a few tries I can live with that for a few months.

Gary