How do you change 1999 Lexus rx300 starter?

Answer 1

I did it last night and here are my steps.

1. Disconnect the positive and negative cables from the battery. Disconnect the 2 bolts that connect the battery hold down bracket to the vehicle. All of that was done with a 10 mm socket. Remove the battery it and the plastic tray that it sits on from the vehicle.

2. Loosen the large clamp that secures the engine air intake to the big black plastic box that houses the air filter with a 10 mm socket or a large Phillips screwdriver.

3. Unplug the large electrical connector from the top of the air filter box by pressing the tab on the plastic connector and pulling. Unplug the small electrical connector from that same box top in the same manner. This 2nd plug plus a small black air hose the size of your finger are just below and to the left of the master cylinder when you are looking at the engine from the front. Squeeze the hose clamp with plyers and remove that small hose also.

4. Remove the top of the air filter box and the air filter.

5. Remove 3 10 mm bolts from the bottom of the now empty air filter box and pull the box out of the vehicle to gain access to the starter.

6. Depress the tab on the small wire connection that is attached to the starter and pull the wire out in the direction of where the battery had been. This tab was hard to find and press and I ended up getting a mirror to be able to see the tab and what needed to be depressed. I pressed from the bottom up and then pulled the connector out to my right.

7. Remove the 2 starter bolts that hold it to the engine block with a 14mm socket.

8. The starter was snug but you should be able to pull it out (to your right) and flip it up so that the starter gear is pointing towards you to have access to the large cable that is hooked to the starter for power.

9. Use 2 small screwdrivers to slip under the snaps on the plastic connector cover. Open it and slide it back down the cable.

10. Using a 12mm socket, remove the power cable from the starter.

11. Reverse this process to put the new starter in.

12. Enjoy the praise that your wife gives you for a job well done!