Replacing Starter Question..1st Gen..
 

Have an 05 xB. Can I replace my starter from the top, or MUST I crawl under to do part of the installation? I found 1 video on it,
but it was not very clear if the starter could be replaced 100% from under the hood or not.

Looks like a straightforward job but you never know. Any tips or heads up appreciated.

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I'd venture to guess you're never going to get the lower of the two bolts holding the starter in going at it from the top...try this video.

For others with the same question I wanted to let you know that you MUST get under the car to complete the process of removing and replacing the starter. I drove up on my ramps and was easily able to get to the starter and remove it within a matter of a few minutes. Thanks MileHightC

Once again, no problem at all and glad to help out when I can.

Hello, I have 2004 xB. Was wondering how you accessed top bolt from underneath. The repair manual from Toyota says remove starter from underneath vehicle.

I can't see the bolt. I can feel but can't get a wrench in there. Other people say it's easier to remove the air filter box and loosen bolt from top.

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I do it by feel from underneath. Socket wrench with LONG extension as necessary.

First Generation Starter advice..
 

Two bolts attach Starter to block. Looking from the top, the top bolt head is on your right. The bottom bolt head is on your left. Both 14mm heads. Took me quite awhile to figure out this configuration. The Positive cable is connected by a 12mm nut. The top bolt hard to see,
but accessible when you remove air box and battery. Bottom bolt. Remove at least the Passenger side plastic shield underneath the car. this uses 10mm bolts. I just did my daughter's yesterday, wasn't too bad once I figured out that the bolt heads were not on the same side.

Got that info on this forum, so Thank you.

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