Toyota 5L-E engine factory workshop and repair manual
Toyota 5L-E engine factory workshop and repair manual
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Covers
5L BELT INSTALL
5L COMPONANTS
5L CRANK ANGLE SENSOR
5L DRIVE BELT COMPONANTS
5L ECD SYSTEM DIAGRAM
5L ENGINE COMPONANTS
5L ENGINE REMOVAL
5L ENGINE UNIT COMPONANTS
5L FRONT OIL SEAL INSTALL
5L FRONT OIL SEAL REMOVAL
5L FRONT SEAL COMPONANTS
5L HEAD COMPONANTS
5L HEAD INSTALL
5L HEAD REMOVAL
5L INJECTIOR NOZZLE COMPONANTS
5L INJECTOR PUMP COMPONANTS
5L REAR OIL SEAL COMPONANTS
5L SERVICE SPECS
5L TORQUE SPECS
5L VENTURI COMPONANTS
5L-E ENGINE SUP. RM817E
CAM INSTALL
CAM REMOVAL
ECD SYSTEM
ENGINE TIMING BELT COMPONANTS
ENGINE UNIT DIASSEMBLY
ENGINE UNIT REASSEMBLY
PRESSURE SENSOR
RAR OIL SEAL INSTALL
REAR OIL SEAL REMOVAL
TIMING BELT INSTALL
TIMING BELT REMOVAL
VALVE CLEARANCE ADJUSTMENT
Searchable document with bookmarks.
About the 5L-E engine
The 5L-E is a 3.0 L (2,986 cc) EFI version of the 5L engine. It is the latest member of the L family. It has a bore of 99.5 mm and stroke of 96.0 mm, with a compression ratio of 22.2:1. Output (as fitted to the Hilux is 97 PS (71 kW) at 4,000 rpm with 192 N·m (142 ft·lb) of torque at 2,400 rpm.Power output varies according to fitment. The engine number is found on the top face of the block at the front of the engine.
Applications:
Toyota Hilux
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado (J90-series)
Toyota Hiace (fifth generation, H200-series)
Toyota 5L-E engine factory workshop and repair manual
Safety first
- Work on a cool engine, parked, in a well-ventilated area.
- Remove jewelry and wear eye protection.
- When working on main power or fusible links, disconnect the NEGATIVE battery terminal first. Reconnect last.
- Never replace a fuse with a higher-amp unit or with metal — that causes fire/major damage.
- If you suspect a short, don’t repeatedly replace fuses without diagnosing — can overheat wiring.
Overview — what you’re likely doing
- “Fusing” usually means locating and replacing a blown fuse or replacing/repairing a fusible link (main power protection) on Toyota 5L‑E equipped vehicles. Fuses protect circuits (EFI, starter, glow, lights); fusible links protect main feed wiring. Follow steps below for both.
Step-by-step — replacing a blade fuse
1) Locate fuse box:
- Engine-bay fuse/relay box (near battery) and interior fuse box. Check cover legend or manual to identify the specific fuse (EFI, IGN, GLOW, MAIN, etc.).
2) Verify symptom and fuse:
- If circuit dead (no power), visually inspect fuse for broken element or discoloration.
3) Confirm with meter:
- With ignition ON, set multimeter to DC volts. Probe fuse terminals: one side should be battery voltage; the other should be voltage only when circuit powered. For continuity check, remove fuse and measure across it — near 0Ω = good, open = blown.
4) Remove fuse:
- Use fuse puller or insulated long‑nose pliers. Don’t pull by body wiring.
5) Replace:
- Insert same type and exact amp rating replacement. Seat firmly. Apply a small dab of dielectric grease on contacts if corroded.
6) Re-check:
- Reconnect battery if it was disconnected, then test circuit function. If fuse blows again immediately, there is a short or overload — stop and diagnose wiring/components before replacing again.
Step-by-step — testing & diagnosing repeated fuse blows
1) With fuse removed, inspect harness, connectors, and device (e.g., fuel pump, glow plugs). Smell for burnt insulation.
2) Use multimeter in continuity mode from fuse feed to device ground to find shorts. Isolate sections by unplugging connectors until short clears.
3) Repair damaged wiring (replace section or use proper butt-splice crimps, solder + heat-shrink) rather than increasing fuse size.
Step-by-step — replacing/repairing a fusible link (main feed)
1) Identify fusible link:
- Near battery positive terminal, often a short, thicker insulated wire or a small inline fuse block. Check color-coding/labeling.
2) Safety:
- Disconnect NEGATIVE battery cable. Confirm no voltage present.
3) Remove old fusible link:
- Cut out the fusible link between its connectors. Inspect connected terminals and harness.
4) Install replacement:
- Best option: replace with OEM fusible link harness or factory-style replacement wire of same gauge and fusible-link rating. If OEM not available, use the correct gauge/temperature-rated fusible link specified for the vehicle (do not upsize).
- Make connections with proper ring terminals/crimps. Use high-quality insulated crimper; solder the joint if desired, then cover with heat-shrink. Torque any bolted terminal to spec.
5) Reconnect battery and test:
- Reconnect negative terminal and check main systems. Monitor for overheating or repeated open F/L.
How to use the multimeter (quick)
- Voltage check: set to 20V DC, probe negative (-) to battery negative or chassis ground, positive (+) to fuse side. Expect ~12–14V on feed side.
- Continuity: power off, remove fuse, set to continuity/ohm. Place probes on each end of fuse — beep or ~0Ω = good.
- Current draw diagnosis: use clamp meter around feed wire or use ammeter inline (advanced). Don’t try high-current checks without proper equipment.
Common pitfalls to avoid
- Using a higher-amp fuse to “fix” a blown fuse — risk of fire/wiring damage.
- Installing wrong fuse type (blade vs. glass) or wrong physical size.
- Not disconnecting the battery when cutting/replacing main fusible links.
- Poor crimps or uninsulated solder joints — causes heat and failure. Use proper crimpers, heat‑shrink, or OEM connectors.
- Replacing fuse repeatedly without tracing cause — shorted component will ruin harness.
- Assuming blown fuse = bad component — wiring damage is common on older vehicles.
- Working on hot engine or near battery acid without protection.
Replacement parts commonly required
- Correct blade fuses (AMG/ATO type), often 10A, 15A, 20A etc. — confirm on fuse box legend.
- OEM fusible link assembly or correctly rated fusible link wiring.
- Fuse holder/fuse box if contacts corroded or plastic cracked.
- Terminal rings, butt crimps, heat‑shrink tubing if repairing wiring.
Final check
- After repair, verify all affected circuits, check for parasitic drain if battery discharges, and inspect repaired areas after a short road/test run for heat or loose connections.
Straight to the point — replace fuse with same amp, use proper tools, disconnect battery for fusible link work, diagnose root cause if fuse blows again. rteeqp73
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What a starter does — short version and analogy
- The starter motor is an electric motor plus a heavy-duty relay/shift mechanism that temporarily meshes a small pinion gear with the engine’s flywheel and spins it fast enough for the engine to start. Think of it as an electric drill (the motor) whose chuck (pinion) is pushed into the flywheel teeth by a solenoid that acts like your finger and a heavy-duty light switch combined. Once the engine fires, the pinion disengages.
Why repair is often needed
- Repeated cranking, heat, oil contamination, corrosion and electrical wear break down starter components over time. Typical failures: worn carbon brushes, grooved/dirty commutator, weak brush springs, worn bushings/bearings (causing misalignment), a stuck/weak Bendix (pinion) drive, failed solenoid contacts or coil, and armature shorts. Symptoms: slow cranking, no cranking, intermittent operation, grinding when starting, or starter spins with no engagement.
Overview of every major starter component (what it is, what it does, what can go wrong)
1. Housing / End-caps
- Metal shell that holds everything. Protects internals and mounts the starter.
- Problems: cracked housing, stripped mounting threads, oil contamination.
2. Field Coils or Permanent Magnets (stator)
- Provide the magnetic field for the armature to turn.
- Problems: burnt coils (open), shorted turns causing weak torque.
3. Armature (rotor)
- The rotating part with a laminated core and a commutator on one end.
- Problems: shorts to core (windings contacting lamination), worn commutator bars, bent shaft.
4. Commutator
- Copper segments the brushes contact; transfers current to armature.
- Problems: pitting, burning, deep grooves, excessive wear (causes sparking, poor torque).
5. Brushes and Brush Springs
- Carbon blocks that press onto the commutator to deliver current.
- Problems: worn down (too short), broken springs, poor contact → intermittent/no operation.
6. Drive (Bendix) / Pinion Gear
- Small helical or overrunning gear that slides to engage the flywheel and allows spin-out after start.
- Problems: worn teeth, sticky sliding sleeve, failed one-way clutch (overrun), broken spring.
7. Solenoid (starter switch / shift solenoid)
- Heavy-duty electromechanical switch that closes battery-to-starter power and pushes the pinion to engage.
- Problems: welded contacts, weak coil, sticking plunger, burnt or corroded terminals.
8. Bushings / Bearings
- Support the armature shaft front and rear.
- Problems: worn bushings cause shaft wobble, brush/commutator misalignment, noise and poor contact.
9. Small wiring terminals and insulation
- Provide connections that must handle high current.
- Problems: corrosion, loose connections, broken solder joints.
Tools and supplies you’ll need
- Basic hand tools: ratchet, sockets (metric), wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers.
- Multimeter (DC voltage and resistance).
- Wire brush, electrical contact cleaner, rags.
- Emery cloth (600–800 grit) or a commutator stone, small file.
- Small punches, soft-faced hammer, circlip pliers.
- Vice with soft jaws or wooden blocks (do not crush starter).
- Replacement parts: brush set, brush springs, bushings/bearings, drive gear/Bendix kit, solenoid (or rebuild kit), or a rebuild kit specific to the starter.
- Safety: eye protection, gloves, battery jumper cables for bench testing, insulating mat.
Safety first (must-do before any work)
- Disconnect the negative battery terminal before doing anything. This prevents sparks and accidental cranking.
- Work in a well-ventilated area; keep metal tools away from battery terminals.
- Use gloves and eye protection when cleaning and when running bench tests.
Removal from the vehicle — step-by-step (typical for Toyota 5L-E)
1. Park car on level ground, set parking brake, block wheels.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable.
3. Locate starter: usually mounted to the rear / lower side of the engine at the bellhousing. On the 5L-E it’s accessible from under the vehicle or from wheelwell/engine bay depending on model.
4. Disconnect wiring from the starter:
- Remove the large battery cable nut on the starter’s big terminal (B).
- Remove the small solenoid control wire (S or ignition switch feed).
- Label or take a photo so you can reinstall correctly.
5. Remove mounting bolts (usually 2 bolts). Support the starter as you remove the last bolt — it’s heavy.
6. Remove starter and bring it to bench for inspection.
Preliminary vehicle-side checks (before pulling starter)
- Check battery voltage (should be ~12.4–12.8V at rest). Weak battery causes “starter” symptoms.
- Check battery positive cable, ground connections, and starter relay/fuses.
- Confirm the starter is the issue: when someone cranks, do you hear clicking (solenoid) or nothing? Clicking often means low voltage or solenoid contact issue. A single click often indicates weak power to starter; rapid clicking indicates low battery or poor connections.
Bench diagnosis and basic tests
1. Visual inspection
- Look for oil contamination, burned smell, broken wires, or melted plastic.
2. Spin test (armature free spin)
- Hold the starter in a vice (soft jaws) and apply 12 V to motor terminals (not the solenoid small terminal) briefly. Motor should spin smoothly without grinding. If it’s rough, bearings/bushings or armature issues.
- CAUTION: Secure starter; it will try to spin/torque.
3. Solenoid test
- Apply 12 V to solenoid control terminal (S) while applying main battery positive to the main terminal; solenoid should click and engage pinion. If solenoid clicks but motor doesn’t turn, solenoid contacts may be burnt/welded.
4. Continuity/resistance checks with multimeter
- Brush circuit: low resistance from B+ to armature brushes expected (a few milliohms through large terminals). If open, connection broken.
- Solenoid coil: measure resistance across small terminals or coil—should show continuity (spec varies; if infinite/open, replace solenoid).
- Armature shorts to field frames: check for continuity from armature windings to housing — should be open/infinite. A shorted armature needs replacement.
Starter disassembly — general sequence (typical, but specific starters vary)
- Work on a clean bench with parts organized in order removed.
1. Remove small screws/bolts holding solenoid and housing to starter. Keep fasteners separate.
2. Remove solenoid assembly — note how the plunger and shift lever are oriented.
3. Remove end cap (brush plate) — usually held by screws. Carefully withdraw brushes and springs. Measure brush length; replace if worn (general rule: replace if less than half original or at manufacturer spec).
4. Remove retaining clip or nut for the pinion/drive assembly and slide off the nose cone (if equipped).
5. Remove armature by sliding it out of housing (after removing field coil caps or retaining screws as required).
6. Remove field coils or magnets (some starters have permanent magnet stator).
7. Inspect bushings (front and rear). If sloppy movement or excessive end play, plan to replace.
Component inspections and how to determine wear
- Brushes: Replace if short, chipped, or springs weak. Brush springs should provide firm pressure; if loose, replace springs.
- Commutator: Clean with non-abrasive cleaner then light polish with emery cloth across the bars (not along). If bars are grooved or tapered, the commutator may require turning on a lathe or replacement.
- Analogy: commutator is like the stepping stones for the brushes; if the stones are chipped or uneven the path is bumpy and contact is poor.
- Armature: Check for burnt smell, dark spots on windings, and shorts. A growler test (if available) can detect shorted coils. Excessive wobble = bent shaft.
- Bushings/bearings: Press-fit bushings should be snug with minimal play. Excess radial play indicates replacement.
- Bendix/pinion drive: Teeth should be sharp and not hooked or smashed. The sliding action must be smooth. The overrunning clutch should allow free-wheel action in one direction and lock in the other.
- Solenoid: Plunger should move smoothly and spring back. Contacts inside should be clean—if pitted/welded, replace or file smooth (if minor).
- Wiring and studs: Clean corroded terminals, ensure threads and nuts are in good shape.
Cleaning and minor repairs
- Clean parts with electrical contact cleaner. Dry fully.
- Use 600–800 grit emery paper to lightly polish commutator under the brush plate by rotating armature; wipe clean afterward. Remove only a little—don’t machine out the commutator without proper tools.
- If commutator bars are convex/concave or heavily grooved, a professional turn on a lathe or replace armature.
- Replace brushes, springs, bushings, and solenoid plunger/springs as necessary with a rebuild kit.
- Lubricate the drive gear shaft sparingly with a high-temperature, non-conductive grease on the sliding surface only — do not put grease on teeth or brushes/commutator.
Reassembly — sequence and tips
1. Insert armature into housing, making sure it seats cleanly into front bushing.
2. Reinstall field coils or permanent magnets and secure.
3. Refit nose cone and drive/Bendix assembly—ensure the drive slides freely and engages correctly with the shift lever.
4. Reinstall brush plate and new brushes (route brush leads the same way). Ensure springs are seated and brushes slide freely.
5. Reinstall solenoid, ensuring the plunger and shift mechanism are aligned and move freely.
6. Reassemble housing and tighten screws securely. Clean and protect exposed terminals.
7. Bench test: secure starter and perform the spin/engage test — apply 12 V to main terminal and to solenoid control; starter should engage and spin briskly. If it smokes, trips, or makes abnormal noise, stop and recheck.
Bench test details (safe method)
- Mount starter securely in a vice with soft jaws.
- Connect battery positive to the main terminal (B) with heavy jumper cable.
- Connect battery negative to starter housing (ensure good ground).
- For testing solenoid engage: apply 12 V momentarily to the small solenoid terminal — the pinion should engage and the motor should spin. Never run more than a few seconds without load.
Final vehicle reinstallation
1. Clean mounting face on engine and install starter into position. Tighten mounting bolts to proper torque per Toyota service manual (consult manual for specific torque).
2. Reconnect the large battery cable and small solenoid wire. Ensure connections are clean and tight and nuts have anti-corrosion protection (dielectric grease).
3. Reconnect negative battery cable.
4. Start engine and check for proper starting, unusual noises, and check wiring is not rubbing.
When to replace instead of repair
- Armature with internal shorts or badly damaged commutator.
- Heavily worn or damaged housing, or missing replacement parts not available.
- When labor/time cost exceeds replacement new/remanufactured starter cost. For many modern starters, a remanufactured or new unit may be more cost effective.
Common failure modes & quick diagnostic cues
- Click but no crank: often solenoid contact failure or low battery/poor connection.
- Rapid clicking: low battery or poor battery/ground connections.
- Cranks slowly: weak battery, poor battery connections, or internal motor drag (bad brushes/bushings).
- Spins freely without engaging flywheel: Bendix doesn’t move (shift lever or solenoid issue) or pinion teeth stripped.
- Grinding on engagement: bent teeth on pinion or flywheel teeth misaligned; check starter alignment and teeth condition.
- Intermittent starting: sometimes brushes/wiring making intermittent contact or solenoid sticky.
Maintenance tips to extend life
- Keep battery and ground connections clean and tight — poor voltage is the #1 killer.
- Prevent oil leaks from contaminating starter; fix engine oil or coolant leaks promptly.
- Avoid long cranking periods; if engine won’t start, wait a minute between cranking attempts to let starter cool.
- If you regularly tow or have frequent cold starts, consider occasional starter inspection or upgrading to a remanufactured unit.
Useful checks and specs to look up
- Battery resting voltage and cranking voltage under load.
- Starter no-load draw (amps) and cranking amp draw (used for more detailed diagnosis) — check service manual or new starter spec.
- Brush length replacement spec and mounting bolt torque — consult the Toyota 5L-E service manual for exact numbers.
Last practical tip
- Use a good multimeter and take photos as you disassemble — they’re worth their weight when you’re reassembling. If in doubt on the armature/commutator condition or bushing replacement, a professional shop can measure runout, true the commutator on a lathe, or press new bushings correctly.
That’s a complete beginner-friendly map: understand components and why they fail, how to test on the bench, what to clean and replace, safe reassembly, and when to replace rather than rebuild. Follow the sequence, use caution with battery power, and refer to the Toyota service manual for model-specific torque and tolerance specs. rteeqp73
Toyota 2L 3L 5L engine factory workshop and repair manual. Mark II/Chaser/Cresta/Cressida Revo Hiace Dyna Truck Hilux Ute Hilux Twincab Kijang Blizzard Hilux Surf/4Runner Toyota Land Cruiser Prado. Download on PDF