This procedure covers removal and replacement of the starter motor on a 2018-2024 Toyota Camry with the 2.5L I4 engine, including battery disconnect, electrical connections, and mounting bolt access.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Starter motor × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Allow engine to cool completely if recently operated
4. Raise front of vehicle and secure on jack stands
5. Remove engine under cover if equipped (plastic shield beneath engine)

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery
   Open hood and locate the 12V battery in the engine compartment. Using a 10mm wrench, loosen and remove the negative (-) battery terminal first, then the positive (+) terminal. Move cables away from battery posts to prevent accidental contact.
2. 2

   Access starter from below
   Position yourself under the front of the vehicle with adequate lighting. Locate the starter motor on the lower front section of the engine, near the transmission bell housing. The starter will be mounted with two bolts and have electrical connections on the back side.
3. 3

   Disconnect starter solenoid wire
   Locate the small push-on connector on the starter solenoid (S terminal). Pull this connector straight off the solenoid terminal. It may require slight wiggling but should not need excessive force.
4. 4

   Remove B+ cable from solenoid
   Using a 12mm socket, remove the nut securing the positive battery cable (B+ terminal) to the starter solenoid. Carefully pull the cable terminal off the solenoid stud. Support the cable to prevent it from falling or contacting ground.
   ⚠Ensure this cable does not contact any metal surfaces during removal process
   Torque spec

   Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove upper starter mounting bolt
   Locate the upper starter mounting bolt which threads into the transmission bell housing. Using a 14mm socket with extension, remove this bolt completely. This bolt may be longer than the lower bolt. An extension of 6-12 inches may be needed for access.
   Torque spec

   Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove lower starter mounting bolt
   Locate and remove the lower starter mounting bolt using a 14mm socket. This bolt is typically more accessible than the upper bolt. Once removed, support the starter with one hand.
   Torque spec

   Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove starter motor
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully maneuver the starter motor away from the bell housing. The starter may need to be rotated or angled slightly to clear any surrounding components. Lower the starter down and out from underneath the vehicle. Do not allow it to hang by any wiring.
8. 8

   Inspect mounting surfaces and connections
   Clean the starter mounting surface on the bell housing with a wire brush, removing any corrosion or debris. Inspect the electrical terminals on the wiring harness for corrosion or damage. Clean terminals if necessary.
9. 9

   Install new starter motor
   Position the new starter into place, aligning the mounting holes with the bell housing. You may need to rotate the starter to align the nose properly with the bell housing opening. Support the starter in position while installing bolts.
10. 10

    Install starter mounting bolts
    Thread in both the upper and lower starter mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Use a 14mm socket and torque wrench to tighten both bolts to specification. Tighten the lower bolt first, then the upper bolt.
    Torque spec

    Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect B+ cable
    Place the positive battery cable terminal onto the solenoid stud (B+ terminal). Install the retaining nut and tighten to specification using a 12mm socket and torque wrench. Ensure the cable is routed properly and not pinched or stressed.
    Torque spec

    Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect solenoid wire
    Push the small wire connector firmly onto the solenoid S terminal until it clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is fully seated.
13. 13

    Reinstall under cover and lower vehicle
    If removed, reinstall the engine under cover. Carefully lower the vehicle from jack stands back to ground level. Remove jack stands and wheel chocks.
14. 14

    Reconnect battery
    Reconnect the positive (+) battery terminal first, then the negative (-) terminal. Tighten both battery terminal bolts to specification using a 10mm socket and torque wrench.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all electrical connections are tight and properly routed
2. Verify no tools or parts were left in the engine compartment or under the vehicle
3. Double-check that battery terminals are secure and have no excessive corrosion

Verification

• Turn ignition key to START position and verify engine cranks normally without unusual noises
• Listen for proper starter engagement (no grinding or clicking sounds)
• Verify starter disengages immediately when key is released from START position
• Check that no warning lights related to charging system appear on dashboard
• Test start the engine 2-3 times to confirm consistent operation

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