It appears the thunderstorm and driving around in water has done more damage than I realized. A couple of days ago the car was having problems starting. I hear a distinct single click but the engine doesn't crank. On third or fourth try the engine will eventually fire up.
In the past when the battery was a problem I always heard continuous clicking sounds from starter unlike now. Nevertheless I had battery and alternator checked which turned out to be just fine. So I am pretty sure it is the starter.
The correct part number seems to be a source of confusion. The PN from toyodiy can't be found on 1sttoyotaparts. Search with keyword starter yields several different starters with different prices; some at $177, others at $234, and there are 1.2 and 1.4 kw options. I don't know which one I need.
Also is it okay to buy a used one from the junkyard? They seem to be going for around 50 bucks.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks.
EDIT:
It appears that the most common reason a starter fails is because of worn out contacts. But they can be repaired. Also, apparently, Nippon Denso makes a repair kit for the starters, which this website is selling: www.nationsautoelectric.com. They have an excellent video on how to repair your contacts and replace the plunger:
I think I am going to try repairing instead of buying a remanufactured part for $174.
I wonder why Toyota doesn't sell this repair kit, if denso is offering it. If anyone knows about the part # for this kit, please post it here. Thanks.
EDIT # 2:
Just found the part numbers for Toyota's starter repair kit: 28226-64370 and 28226-74070. However, this kit only contains solenoid contacts, not the plunger. So, if the disc at the end of plunger is worn out, this kit may not be sufficient for complete repair of the starter.
EDIT # 3:
The part numbers are different depending upon when the car was manufactured. For my 2000 (manufactured 1999/09), the part numbers are:
Starter Kit Battery Terminal: 28226?22050
Starter Kit Motor Terminal: 28226?74070
This includes the copper contacts and their fittings on both sides. One contact is crescent moon shaped and the other one is smaller squarish. The local stealership wants $14.50 for the first one and $20.36 for the second one plus taxes. That comes to a total of $38. From 1sttoyotaparts, including the mandatory $9.95 shipping, it will still be a total of $26. I hate dealerships.