# Starter - replace or repair with kit? **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** starters, toyota, tercel\ **Created:** [September 27, 2010, 4:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/starter-replace-or-repair-with-kit/55652 "2010-09-27T16:25:33Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![MonkeeMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/2acd7d/32.png) [@MonkeeMan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MonkeeMan)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2010, 4:25pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/starter-replace-or-repair-with-kit/55652/1 "2010-09-27T16:25:33Z")
My 1997 Toyota Tercel (automatic), after sitting for 3 days, would not turn over. The lights and dash light were shining so I figure it had to be the starter. With a suggestion from my uncle, I got my friend to give the starter a “love tap” when I cranked it. Sure enough it cranked right up. I know I need to get this thing replaced ASAP, but my burning question is this: Should I replace the whole starter or (this is something I read on the interwebs, so forgive me) should I get a repair kit and try replacing the plunger and contacts myself (is it worth it?)? Thanks guys! ---
**Author:** ![missileman](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/missileman/32/1366_2.png) [@missileman](https://community.cartalk.com/u/missileman)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2010, 4:30pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/starter-replace-or-repair-with-kit/55652/2 "2010-09-27T16:30:51Z")
If this is the original starter…I would replace it. If you don’t have the equipment or the experience to rebuild the starter properly then it would be a waste of both time and money. ---
**Author:** ![Xebadaih](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/d07c76/32.png) [@Xebadaih](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Xebadaih)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2010, 4:33pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/starter-replace-or-repair-with-kit/55652/3 "2010-09-27T16:33:35Z")
Just replace the whole thing. You will get a remanufactured unit, have it bench tested before taking it home to install. ---
**Author:** ![MonkeeMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/2acd7d/32.png) [@MonkeeMan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/MonkeeMan)\ **Post date:** [September 27, 2010, 4:44pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/starter-replace-or-repair-with-kit/55652/4 "2010-09-27T16:44:51Z")
Ok sounds like a plan. I’ll just replace the whole thing; it looks like a bear to get to at any rate, haha. Thanks much guys! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![\_Deleted\_User1111116](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/_/ac91a4/32.png) [@\_Deleted\_User1111116](https://community.cartalk.com/u/_Deleted_User1111116)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2010, 6:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/starter-replace-or-repair-with-kit/55652/5 "2010-11-04T06:17:57Z")
Im not sure about that year and make but normally a starter rebuild will do the trick. the brushes are worn ---
**Author:** ![Rod-Knox](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/a183cd/32.png) [@Rod-Knox](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Rod-Knox)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2010, 11:39am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/starter-replace-or-repair-with-kit/55652/6 "2010-11-04T11:39:49Z")
Often the contacts in the solenoid are all that are needed but finding the correct ones and properly repairing the starter are not a sure thing. If you are in no hurry attach a photo of the contacts and I’ll mail you a set for free. The plunger can be polished and re-installed. But for most DIYers replacing the starter is the best bet. ---
**Author:** ![oldschool](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e19adc/32.png) [@oldschool](https://community.cartalk.com/u/oldschool)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2010, 1:04pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/starter-replace-or-repair-with-kit/55652/7 "2010-11-04T13:04:23Z")
Given the importance of a starter would you feel comfortable with the starter on your vehicle being rebuilt by a unsupervised student, even if it was you? Since you don’t have the option of “bump” starting your car you are at the mercy of your starter. ---
**Author:** ![texases](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/texases/32/862_2.png) [@texases](https://community.cartalk.com/u/texases)\ **Post date:** [November 4, 2010, 1:53pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/starter-replace-or-repair-with-kit/55652/8 "2010-11-04T13:53:43Z")
I’ve done both on my Toyota (Lexus ES300). First time I replaced the solenoid contacts at about 70k, then the starter at 100k. The mistake I made was just replacing the side contacts (as some web sites describe), and not the center round disk, so it lasted about half as long. At that point I figured I might as well put a rebuilt one in. So, if it’s hard to get the starter out, then replace it, if it’s easy, do the contacts, but make sure you get the center round disk/rod assembly too.