Section 297 (Starting System): Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Toyota Sienna. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

INSPECT STARTER ASSY
NOTE: These tests must be performed within 3 to 5 seconds to avoid burning out the coil.
1. Do pull-in test
  1. Disconnect the field coil lead from terminal C.
  2. Connect the battery to the magnetic switch as shown. Check that the clutch pinion gear is extended.
  Fig 1: Disconnecting Field Coil Lead From Terminal C
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  
  If the clutch pinion gear does not move, replace the magnetic switch.
2. Do hold-in test
  1. Disconnect the negative (-) lead from the terminal C with the above condition (a) is being maintained. Check that the pinion gear remains extended.
  If the clutch pinion gear returns inward, replace the magnetic switch.
  
  Fig 2: Disconnecting Negative (-) Lead From Terminal C
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Inspect clutch pinion gear return
  1. Disconnect the negative (-) lead from the switch body. Check that the clutch pinion gear returns.
  If the clutch pinion gear does not return, replace the magnetic switch.
  
  Fig 3: Disconnecting Negative (-) Lead From Switch Body
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
4. Do no-load performance test
  1. Connect the field coil lead wire to terminal C. Make sure that the lead is not grounded.
  2. Clamp the starter in a vise.
  3. Connect the battery and an ammeter to the starter as shown.
    
    Fig 4: Connecting Battery And Ammeter To Starter
    Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
  4. Check that the starter rotates smoothly and steadily with the clutch pinion gear extended. Check that the ammeter reads the specified current.
  Specified current: 90 A or less at 11.5 V

INSPECT STARTER RELAY ASSY

Continuity inspection.

Using an ohmmeter, check for continuity between each terminal.

Specified condition

STARTER RELAY TERMINALS CONTINUITY

Terminal No.	Specified condition
1 - 2	Continuity
3 - 5	No continuity
3 - 5	Continuity (Applying battery voltage terminals 1 and 2)

Fig 5: Checking Continuity Between Starter Relay Terminals