How to Replace the Starter on a Toyota Matrix & Pontiac Vibe by

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[@GettinJunkDone]

Hey everyone, thanks for watching and I hope this video helped! You might be interested in some of my other auto repair videos. You can find them by using the playlist link below. kzbin.info/aero/PLHRSPnh4bEkx-mdi5iz9fX6w5DNxUnEV5

[@cletisseals7994]

Hi, I'm average when it comes to auto repairs but you made this very simple. Thanks again.

[@danielluber209]

I greatly appreciate the video on the Matrix Starter replacement. My wife came outside to check on my progress and was shocked how quickly I finished the job. I'm sorry Joe, but I had to take the credit. I need all the "honey medals" I can get friend.

[@aktwin229]

Great video! My starter went out on Thursday and as a single girl on a budget, this saved me lots of money.

[@GettinJunkDone]

Glad it helped!

[@jcgrv]

Thank you, Joe. The best video on the subject, hands down. Good, timely and concise advice. My Corolla is alive again! The only difference was that the wire to the radiator fan was attached to the housing by two plastic clips that I managed to remove and I left the 2nd bolt in place so I wouldn't have to fish for the hole. Saved over $40 on the part vs. a local store plus, of course, the labor. Thanks again.

[@GettinJunkDone]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@carletonrutherford1799]

0:57 Dude, you show yourself taking the fan out. I watched a few videos about replacing starters in Matrixes....Matrisi? And none of them mention taking the fan out. I decided to take the extra few minutes to take the fan out, like you did. It was so easy. 2 bolts, 3 clips holding the power harness, and 1 hose for the overflow. I took it out, and it made the job SO EASY! I had easy access to all the bolts and wiring harness. Then the starter came right out the top of the motor. No climbing underneath. Then replacing it was so easy too.Taking the fan out was 100% the right way to go! All in all, and this being the first starter I have ever replaced, usually I would have just taken it to a shop, it took me about 1 hour from start to finish. Great video!

[@GettinJunkDone]

I'm gonna go with Matrisi. Good on you for throwing yourself at this project. That is how I got started. I really just figured why not! good work and keep it up. Thanks for the great comment, compliment, and watching!

[@singleboy94]

Thabks a lot for this. I was honestly scared to do this myself but it turned out to be a lot simpler than i thought...first time ever fixing my car on my own

[@GettinJunkDone]

Good work! I'm glad it helped!

[@GALTwarrior]

Congratulations on self-reliance! If you continue to learn, you can save yourself a ton of money!

[@pawprintedstudio3092]

Thank you thank you! Went to start my 05 matrix the other day and it wouldn’t turn over. Process of elimination meant the starter needed to be changed. This video was a HUGE lifesaver! Car starts back up! Hopefully it will by morning too! So cold out!

[@kevindrysdale14]

I have a 2003 Matrix XR 2WD. One day out of the blue it wouldn't start. All the dash lights came on like normal when turning the key, but the second I tried to turn it over, there was dead silence and the dash went dark - I think except for the lighted needles on the gauges, no clicking, nothing. Took a hammer and tapped on the starter solenoid, tried it again and it started right up. Drove it home and tried again after turning off and same thing. Went to O'Reilly's and snagged a starter for it. Watched Joe's video here and it is exactly as he shows. Took me less than 45 minutes. The hardest part was getting the tie downs for the fan cable unclipped. One suggestion would be to put something on the backside of the radiator to protect it from ratchets or wrenches. I had an old floor mat I used, cause I knew if I didn't, knowing my luck a wrench would slip and poke a hole in the radiator. Excellent video Joe - thanks much!

[@xavierripka-kemelek2341]

Saved my ass Joe, took a couple hours but only because I couldn't find any ratchets and had to use hand wrenches all the way down. Luckily I had the perfect video to guide me

[@GettinJunkDone]

Glad it worked out for you!!

[@dennisknight6726]

Just changed my daughter's starter thanks to this video. You made it easy peasy! Maybe even better if you listed the size of the sockets used?

[@c-note]

Replaced a 2006 Toyota Matrix starter all because of this video. Thanks for posting!

[@rayklast6442]

Thanks, helped me find the second bolt and replace my starter, first time I have ever made a car repair like this. Just the video I needed.

[@rayklast6442]

I should add, my matrix is 2003 only 2 wheel drive and looked exactly the same

[@GettinJunkDone]

That's what it's all about! Good job!

[@tombryan108]

Thanks man. The only simplified instruction online.. Thanks a million

[@GettinJunkDone]

Hey Tom, thanks for the comment. I'll be discussing your comment on my live stream tonight, 7 pm EST, Episode 22. Hopefully you can make it!

[@ignaciolopez2583]

The same thing happens to my Matrix, I look for a video and the first one I open is yours and right now I'm going to autozone for the starter to replace it, thanks, great video and the explanation and recommendations are very clear, once again many thanks

[@GettinJunkDone]

Thanks for watching!

[@kylebourcier6940]

Beauty vid, thanks man, doing this job for a friend and this video was clear quick and concise on how to get the job done, cheers!

[@GettinJunkDone]

Thanks for watching!

[@jazzcrusader]

Thank you very much. Replaced starter and got it done within an hour. Car starts normally now :) You rocks!

[@keegansponholz9260]

Thanks a lot for this video. Save me a bunch of money not having to tow my car to a shop.

[@GettinJunkDone]

That's the whole point! Good job.

[@keegansponholz9260]

@@GettinJunkDone thanks again, a few weeks on and the car is still running great. I'll definitely be back here the next time I have auto troubles. If we ever meet I believe I owe you a drink.

[@10john01]

Thank you!!! The hardest part was finding the catch releases for the two electrical snaps ( I apologize if I that is not what they are called ). Beyond that, after watching your video, replacing the starter was a breeze.

[@nitrops001]

Wish you would have told how to do it I can't get them to release

[@GettinJunkDone]

Each electrical release is a little different. Some are push to release, some are pull, some have a weird tab thing, among others. You'll figure it out.

[@nitrops001]

Yeah I got them they were rubber pryed them out.

[@GettinJunkDone]

Good work.

[@cannedcatfood377]

Thanks from Vancouver Canada

[@garybaugh4382]

Great job, Joe. I recently replaced the starter on my '04 Matrix and did essentially the same as you, except I removed the intake manifold instead of the fan and shroud assembly. The intake gasket easily removes and reseals without having to scrape, etc. The manifold was snaked over to one side after the fasteners were removed and I had essentially the same access as you did (even better on that hidden upper bolt). That being said, your way is safer and easier for most wrench-wranglers. Your 30-minute repair was about 15-minutes quicker than my 73-year-old hands were able to accomplish the manifold-method.

[@soshalan]

Gary Baugh what sizes of sockets does it require to remove the starter? Thank you

[@ralphtopliffe372]

Gary Baugh, since your post was one year ago, it appears we are the same age and I also replaced the starter on my daughters 04 Matrix just last week. I found it easier to remove the fan assembly as indicated in the video but found that I could not get to the upper bolt so removed the battery from the vehicle. With the extra room my head would fit down where the battery had been and could get a view of the upper bolt, then it was easy. Took me about 2 1/2 hours to complete the work.

[@williefufu2985]

I appreciate this Video, good clear Camera Angle. Now I know what to do. I Love my Vibe. Thanks from San Antonio, Texas.

[@kevindrysdale14]

Willie - I have the Matrix, but I've met people who have the Vibe and absolutely love it. Matrix or Vibe, I love them both. Extremely versatile and functional vehicle and fun to drive (I have the stick, which makes it even more fun). I was driving back roads last weekend and never went over 65-70 MPH. I had gone about 70 miles and noticed the gas gauge hadn't even hit the Full mark yet. I pulled into a Kwik Trip to fill it up cause I was curious what my gas mileage was - I had gone 81.1 miles at that point and still hadn't hit the Full mark. It took 1.435 gallons to fill it. So 81.1 miles using 1.435 gallons. Now whether I could have maintained that mileage for the entire tank, who knows. Anyway, I digress.

[@williefufu2985]

These Cars are so cool.

[@jorheybhai]

Thanks alot I changed my starter I remove my battery away and get the easy excess my fan bolts were rusty

[@brucelippincott7498]

Watched a few videos. Liked yours the Best 👍

[@GettinJunkDone]

Thanks Bruce!

[@JoshStevenson]

Thank for the video. Quality and concise. 2nd video I found and better of the 2

[@GALTwarrior]

It helps to spend 5 min to remove the bracket that is hiding the upper bolt. Nice vid!

[@26trinitoy]

thanks for the video brother… Going to replace One and a 2004 matrix… ... I was wondering why the Haynes manual might say that, maybe it’s easier that way if it’s up on a lift? ... ... don’t know that’s what I thought, anyways thanks again and I hope I don’t run into too much rust 😬

[@GettinJunkDone]

It's not a bad job, and I hope you've gotten it figured out by now.

[@slimdimsim]

Thank you so much! Just replaced my starter for a 2005 Matrix! 👊🏼

[@Struwwel2]

Got my starter replaced with your help sir! I'd recommend a couple small changes to the video through. 1) There are two clips that hold the fan's power cable to its housing. Show a closeup of those those clips. They're kind of weird. If it was possible to get a proper grip on them they could be squeezed in to release the cable, but they can't really. You have to pry them out. People should know that. 2) Show a closeup of the clip that holds the second wire to the starter. Specifically, the tab you have to press in to release it.

[@whitechris720]

Thanks you made it simple

[@scarface16134]

+Cat G yes as long as it is AWD 1u engine it is the exact same

[@zaphodhead1]

Thanks for the help, brother! Job made easy.

[@brianmef71]

I was charged over $300 to do this by a mechanic and it's that easy?

[@CURVES4321]

damn>>>>>> i wish i live close to you ..........you make the shit seem so easy....you would be my new best friend forever.....you are the best.....i saved over $200.00 doing it my self. thanks

[@GettinJunkDone]

Lol, no problem FRIEND! It's not hard, it's only nuts and bolts in the end. Glad it helped!

[@napalm84]

About to work on my junk! Thanks

[@Nopeace303]

Did this job on my Matrix 4WD SR. Please note, on my model, there is a small support bracket attached to the throttle body. It must come off first. Two bolts, no big deal. The example car in this video does not have that bracket.

[@GettinJunkDone]

Great info!

[@santozfigaro8892]

Gracias amigo excelente video

[@lifelongfit5997]

Great Video. 👍

[@mattmgarza]

I haven't done anything quite this complex before...just brake pads, rotors, oil changes, etc. Would you need like a wobble extension or a universal joint or??? Thank you. Great video.

[@GettinJunkDone]

Small tools like that are invaluable and would be smart to have on hand any how. If I were you, I would grab a few and have them ready just in case.

[@mattmgarza]

I'm thinking about buying a starter just to keep in the garage in case we need it. It's like 85 bucks to buy what appears to be a very good one online, versus 104 at O'Reilly and Auto Zone. What do you think? (My wife has an 06 Vibe, and I have an 03 Matrix, so that basically doubles the likelihood we could benefit from having a spare.)

[@GettinJunkDone]

Matt Garza if you have the cash, it could be a smart move. Having a parts store nearby would be eliminate the need to stock pile parts.

[@aperrotraeselocmitix7w753]

Thanks! It helped me much!

[@GettinJunkDone]

Thanks for watching!

[@tuffteddy1446]

Thanks for this great video. Subscribed!

[@GettinJunkDone]

Awesome! Thanks for the sub.

[@vonwagner1257]

Thanks Joe 👍🏼

[@carlosmoran1278]

My car cranks but takes a few attempts to start I just replaced the battery could it be the starter going out?

[@brianmef71]

If it cranks why would you think the problem is the starter or the battery? I know your post is 3 months old but I will bet the problem was with your fuel pump or fuel filter.

[@charliegilg5756]

This was a big help!

[@francisbissonnette1871]

took me 30mins to change. really simple

[@claraalozie5773]

Good.

[@GettinJunkDone]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@STREETFIGHTER50]

Thank you for making things simple! Sub’d :)

[@El_Chompo]

Thank you so much. My car wouldnt start and I have class and work to go to monday and its sunday. Well thanks to your vid i literally had the fucker out in 5 minutes thank you so much. Turns out the copper line between the two starter components had corroded all the way through. I cant wait to move out of this salty hell. Btw thank you also for the removing rad fan trick. It is definitely much safer and easier and my car is lowered so jacking it up is a pita.

[@pampierce]

I wondered what size tools you are using? Some other video mentioned 12mm and 14 mm. Is that accurate?

[@GettinJunkDone]

Unfortunately, I have no way of remembering or verifying as I no longer own this vehicle. I would be prepared with a variety of sizes of metric wrenches.

[@joeljossie4181]

In case anyone else is wondering both bolts holding in the starter are 14mm and the fans have both 10s and 12s

[@James2xv]

Got a 2k6 matrix that wont start when I've driven it for a while and it heats up. I usually have to wait around 30 mins for it to cool down before it will start up. Cranks the whole time. Think it may be a starter issue?

[@2ears1mouth12]

James2xv had the same happened to me for the last couple of days , after I drove home from work , waited for the 06 matrix to cool down , then it would start again , don’t want this happening again 😩 ... did you ever figure out what was causing this intermittent problem ? I was thinking the starter ..? called to price a new starter from oriely’s auto parts , at $120-$160 bucks !!! Thinking maybe I could save a bit by possibly cleaning the battery connection and maybe that’s all it could be , and all that she needed ..? Did you ever solve the issue ..? Please help , it would be very appreciated , thx in advavace😕😫😢

[@dalesemple3133]

I got the 2 bolts off, but the starter won't come off, any thought?

[@luuferigno]

Great stuff! Thanks!

[@howdyitsdavid]

I have a 2005 FWD whose starter just died this morning. Should the process pretty much be the same? Thanks!!

[@GettinJunkDone]

It's got to be very similar!

[@howdyitsdavid]

Yeah it worked! I swapped it today. What was interesting is my power cable to the fan was clipped in, and the bolts for the starter were easier to access than in the video. Thanks so much for this!

[@ellenholbrook1812]

What should I expect a mechanic to charge me for the parts and labor to change the starter?

[@dial2tom1]

Hey man thanks for the video, l will be using your video as a guide to replace my gf starter in the morning....👌👍✌

[@GettinJunkDone]

Thanks for watching!

[@manlymanyo2511]

Thank you

[@toluenexbosun2602]

Great Job

[@vanessaleonardo715]

Where is the starter relay

[@LiLoTech]

Thank you!

[@hoooboy]

Awesome

[@Andre-tc1wj]

What symptoms led you to replace the starter. I have a 2003 when I turn the key I get nothing but lights on the dash

[@GettinJunkDone]

The car wouldn't start and the battery checked out ok. After looking at all the connections involved, I figured the starter was toast.

[@Andre-tc1wj]

Did you get a clicking noise from the starter. I don't hear any clicking noise. I did check voltage at the starter big wire was OK. when you turn the key to access do you get a prime on the fuel pump? Any suggestions?

[@domab2604]

Same here it's the starter

[@domab2604]

It's the starter solenoid but for most 03 you have to replace the whole starter

[@robertfan332]

Video seems clear cut. I couldn't get it done though. My car died on me a shopping lot. Tow truck driver showed me a trick to just bang on the starter with a hammer and rod. I've used that trick all week. Went to junkyard got a starter. Installed it like the video shows and heard a stutter and click and pop. Put the old starter back in and nothing. Even the hammer trick doesn't work anymore.

[@amandafuquay8587]

This is my first diy. I have my parts and was ready to go but can't figure out how to disconnect the fan wiring to pull it out... 🤦🏼‍♀️ Any tips?

[@7Westwood]

Hi, Just Push Hard on the clip and then push it forward and then back... It should come right off, They are tight sometimes

[@lifelongfit5997]

Thk U

[@jlg5798]

is the 2003 toyota matrix similar fix like the 08?

[@GettinJunkDone]

In theory, yes. Exactly the same, probably not. Gotta get in there!

[@domab2604]

The second bolt is a bit harder to get too which sucks but it's pretty much the same

[@kooppoopmax5812]

This video would’ve been perfect if you just’ve showed what type of screws you pulled out