Symptoms
The solenoid clicks but the starter doesn't turn, usually on a cold start, then it fires after two or three tries.
The fix, step by step
- Disconnect the battery.
- The starter sits under the intake manifold, so remove the V-bank cover, the intake tube and airbox lid, the accelerator cable and the throttle body, then every hose and the ground strap on the manifold, and lift the manifold off.
- Photograph everything first.
- Pull the starter, open the solenoid cover and fit new contacts and a plunger.
- Moving the wiring-harness bracket out of the way makes the manifold easier to refit.
- Some owners, like the author of IH8MUD's '90K and starter replacement job' thread, do it during the timing-belt service.
Tools & part numbers
- 10, 12 and 14 mm wrenches and sockets
- camera for reference photos
- starter contact and plunger kit
- new intake gaskets.
Where to buy the parts
Starter and solenoid parts catalog, 2002 Land Cruiser 4.7 V8RockAuto ↗
Valve cover gasket kit, 1998–7/2002 100/LX470 2UZ (VCC2UZKITE) — if the covers come off with the manifoldCruiserTeq ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Toyota Land Cruiser 100 Series parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.