🔧 Starter Motor - Replacement

The starter on your Land Cruiser sits under the intake manifold, so this job is more involved than a typical starter swap. You’ll need to remove the intake assembly to reach it, then replace the starter, reconnect everything, and clear out any loose tools or covers before starting the engine.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 4-6 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting. The starter cable is always hot when the battery is connected.
• Let the engine cool fully before working near the intake and exhaust areas.
• Take care not to drop bolts, nuts, or tools into the intake ports.
• Use jack stands only if you raise the vehicle; do not rely on a jack alone.
• Keep the key/fob away from the vehicle so the starter cannot be activated accidentally.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• Ratchet
• 3-inch extension
• 6-inch extension
• 10mm wrench
• Torque wrench
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Trim clip tool
• Magnetic pickup tool
• Shop light
• Safety glasses
• Gloves
• Fender cover

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Starter motor - Qty: 1
• Intake manifold gasket set - Qty: 1
• Throttle body gasket - Qty: 1
• Throttle body coolant hose clamps or seals - Qty: 1 set
• Air cleaner duct clamps - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool completely.
• Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery terminal with a 10mm wrench.
• Label connectors and hoses as you remove them.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect battery and remove air intake

• Use a 10mm wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Remove the air intake duct and air cleaner inlet hardware with a flat-blade screwdriver and 10mm socket.
• Lift out any intake ducting blocking access to the top of the engine.

Step 2: Remove engine covers and intake plumbing

• Use a 10mm socket to remove the engine cover, if equipped.
• Disconnect intake tubes, vacuum lines, and electrical connectors attached to the throttle body and intake manifold.
• Take photos before unplugging anything.

Step 3: Remove throttle body

• Use a 10mm socket to remove the throttle body bolts.
• Move the throttle body aside carefully without stressing the coolant hoses.
• Replace the throttle body gasket during reassembly.

Step 4: Remove the intake manifold

• Use a 10mm socket with extensions to remove the intake manifold bolts and nuts.
• Lift the manifold evenly and disconnect any remaining hoses or plugs underneath.
• Remove the intake manifold and set it on a clean surface.
• Torque on reassembly: intake manifold fasteners to 18 Nm (13 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Remove the starter motor

• Locate the starter at the top valley area of the engine.
• Use a 12mm socket and 14mm socket to remove the starter electrical terminal nut and mounting bolts.
• Disconnect the main battery cable and solenoid connector.
• Lift the starter out of the engine valley.
• Torque on reassembly: starter mounting bolts to 37 Nm (27 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Install the new starter motor

• Place the new starter in position by hand.
• Start the mounting bolts by hand first, then tighten with a torque wrench.
• Reconnect the electrical terminal and solenoid connector.
• Torque the starter terminal nut: 9 Nm (80 in-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall intake manifold and throttle body

• Install new intake manifold gaskets and set the manifold back in place.
• Use a 10mm socket to reinstall the manifold fasteners.
• Reinstall the throttle body with a new gasket.
• Torque the throttle body bolts: 10 Nm (89 in-lbs).

Step 8: Reassemble intake system and reconnect battery

• Reconnect all vacuum hoses, electrical plugs, and intake ducts.
• Reinstall the engine cover and air intake components with a 10mm socket.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm wrench.

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✅ After Repair

• Turn the key to ON and listen for normal starter relay operation.
• Start the engine and confirm it cranks smoothly.
• Check for vacuum leaks, loose hoses, or warning lights.
• Let the engine idle for a few minutes and recheck all intake connections.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $950-$1,650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $220-$520 (parts only)

You Save: $730-$1,130 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 4-6 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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