This procedure covers removal and replacement of the starter motor on a 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 with 2.5L I4 gasoline engine and front-wheel drive.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Starter motor × 1 — Use OEM specification (28100-0V020 or equivalent)
• Starter mounting bolt gasket (if equipped) × 1 — Inspect and replace if damaged

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle is on level ground with parking brake engaged and transmission in Park
2. Allow engine to cool completely if recently driven
3. Open hood and secure with prop rod
4. Place fender covers to protect painted surfaces
5. Locate starter motor on lower front-left side of engine block near transmission bell housing

Procedure

1. 1

   Disconnect battery negative terminal
   Using a 10mm wrench or socket, loosen the negative battery terminal nut. Remove the negative cable from the battery post and secure it away from the battery to prevent accidental contact. Wait a minimum of 90 seconds before proceeding.
2. 2

   Remove engine under cover (if equipped)
   From beneath the vehicle, remove the plastic engine under cover fasteners using appropriate tools. Some fasteners may be push-clips while others are 10mm bolts. Set cover aside to provide access to starter from below.
   ℹ️Not all trim levels have a full under cover - skip this step if not present
3. 3

   Remove starter heat shield
   Locate the metal heat shield covering the starter motor. Remove the heat shield mounting bolts using a 10mm socket with extension. The shield may be tight due to heat cycles - gently work it free and remove from engine bay.
   Torque spec

   Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect starter solenoid wire connector
   Locate the small push-on electrical connector on the starter solenoid (S-terminal). Press the release tab and pull the connector straight off the solenoid terminal. Do not pull on the wire itself.
   ⚠Connector may be stiff - use controlled force to avoid breaking the terminal
5. 5

   Remove starter B+ cable
   Using a 12mm socket, remove the nut securing the large battery positive cable to the starter solenoid B+ terminal. Carefully pull the cable terminal straight off the solenoid stud. Position cable away from starter to provide clearance for removal.
   ⚠This cable is always hot - do not allow it to contact ground or engine block
   Torque spec

   Starter Solenoid Nut12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove upper starter mounting bolt
   Using a 14mm socket with extension and universal joint, remove the upper starter mounting bolt. Access is typically from above through the engine bay. This bolt threads into the transmission bell housing. Keep bolt for reinstallation.
   ℹ️Upper bolt access may require removing air intake components or battery tray for better reach depending on configuration
   Torque spec

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

   Remove lower starter mounting bolt
   From beneath the vehicle, use a 14mm socket with long extension to access and remove the lower starter mounting bolt. This is the longer bolt and may require a 12-inch or longer extension to reach. Support the starter with one hand as you remove the final bolt.
   ⚠Starter weighs approximately 8-10 lbs - be prepared to support it as final bolt is removed
   Torque spec

   Starter Mounting Bolts50 Nm (37 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove starter from engine
   With both mounting bolts removed, carefully work the starter forward and down out of the bell housing. You may need to rotate it slightly to clear the engine block and surrounding components. Lower it down and out from beneath the vehicle. Inspect the mounting area for any shims or gaskets that need to be transferred to new starter.
   ℹ️Note the position and orientation of any shims present between starter and bell housing
9. 9

   Prepare new starter for installation
   Inspect the new starter to ensure it matches the old unit. Transfer any shims or mounting hardware to the new starter. Clean the mounting surface on the bell housing with a wire brush to ensure good electrical ground. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to electrical terminals on new starter.
   ℹ️Verify the drive gear engages smoothly and solenoid plunger moves freely before installation
10. 10

    Install new starter motor
    Position the new starter into the bell housing from below, aligning the mounting holes. The starter nose should fully seat into the bell housing pilot hole. Install both mounting bolts finger-tight first to ensure proper alignment, then torque to specification. Install the longer bolt in the lower position.
    ⚠Do not force starter into position - it should slide in smoothly when properly aligned
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect B+ cable and solenoid connector
    Position the battery positive cable terminal onto the B+ stud on the starter solenoid. Install the retaining nut and torque to specification. Push the small solenoid wire connector onto the S-terminal until it clicks into place. Tug gently to verify secure connection.
    ⚠Ensure B+ cable terminal is fully seated on stud before tightening to prevent poor connection and voltage drop
    Torque spec

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

    Reinstall heat shield and under cover
    Position the heat shield over the starter motor and install the mounting bolts, torquing to specification. If removed, reinstall the engine under cover and secure all fasteners.
    Torque spec

    Heat Shield Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reconnect battery and test
    Reconnect the negative battery cable to the battery terminal and torque the retaining nut to specification. Ensure cable is fully seated on battery post before tightening. Clear any diagnostic trouble codes that may have set during repair.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specified values in the proper sequence
2. Ensure all electrical connections are clean, tight, and properly routed
3. Verify heat shield is properly positioned and secured to protect starter from exhaust heat
4. Confirm engine under cover is reinstalled to prevent road debris from damaging starter

Verification

• Turn ignition to ON position (without starting) and verify no warning lights related to starting system appear
• Attempt to start engine - it should crank smoothly and start normally within 2-3 seconds
• Listen for unusual noises during cranking such as grinding, whining, or clicking that could indicate misalignment
• After successful start, verify no electrical burning smell from starter area
• Allow engine to reach normal operating temperature, shut off, and verify hot restart functions normally
• Check for any fluid leaks around starter area that may have been disturbed during repair

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