The starter motor, often called a starter, self-starter, or cranking motor, has been an essential part of vehicles for over a century. Its main function is to provide the initial power needed to start the engine and get it running on its own. This process involves several key components working together, such as the battery, fuel system, air intake, and ignition system. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what a starter motor is, how it works, and how long it typically lasts.

What Does The Starter Motor Look Like?

OEM toyota starter motor

A starter motor is generally cylindrical in shape and about the size of a loaf of bread. It’s usually mounted near the engine's flywheel, which sits between the engine and the transmission. If you're trying to locate it, you can follow the thick positive (+) battery cable from the battery back to the starter motor.

How Does The Starter Motor Work?

When you turn the ignition key to the "start" position, the battery sends electrical power to the starter motor and the ignition system. The starter motor then engages with the flywheel, turning the crankshaft and pistons, which helps draw in air and fuel into the combustion chambers. At the same time, the ignition system fires the spark plugs. This continues until the engine starts burning the fuel-air mixture and runs independently.

The starter motor consists of two main parts:

  • The starter motor itself, which provides the mechanical force to turn the engine.
  • The starter solenoid, which acts as a switch that activates the starter and connects it to the flywheel.

If you want to learn more about your Toyota’s starter motor or solenoid, including the specific parts you may need, be sure to check out the links provided above.

How Long Does A Starter Motor Last?

Toyota OEM starter motor

Image Credit: YOUCANIC

Starter motors are built to last for many years, allowing you to start your car thousands of times throughout its lifetime. However, like any mechanical component, they will eventually wear out. Common causes of failure include wear on the starter solenoid or internal moving parts. As these parts degrade, it becomes harder for the starter to engage and requires more power to operate.

If you’re experiencing issues with your starter motor and need a replacement, you can find high-quality, genuine OEM Toyota parts at affordable prices right here at Parts.OlatheToyota.com. We specialize in online sales of authentic Toyota parts, keeping our costs low so you can enjoy great savings. Simply search for your specific Toyota model in our extensive parts catalog and place your order today!

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