Question regarding the engine starter

I had recently had a little fun going through some mud. Right now it doesn't always start. I have to give the ignition a few "kicks" and a couple times I just hear a click. It's a little random.

Now, I've done a little research and mostly found videos. When I took the truck in for the routine maintenance the dealership told me they would have to order a new part and replace it. Never did they opt to try and clean it out and put it back in. I was talking to my step-bro and he said I'd more than likely just to have to clean it out and put it back in. This the first time I've had to do this on a car, ever, and the process seems a little daunting as to where the starter is.

Right now I just want to get it cleaned out. Does anybody have some helpful tips on this? The dealership wants about 1300 to get this done and I'm pretty much thinking screw that.

I have a 2013 TRD Sport 4x4 with a 3" lift and it's an automatic.

I appreciate any help provided.

 

Dealers will never clean something like that. It's better (for them) to replace it and not worry about it failing again.

Poeple go to the dealer and drop $1,100 to have a new 4X4 actuator installed, when most often it's the dirty tabs on the small 12volt motor not quite making contact.... I'd love to know how many 'good' actuators went into the dumpster.

Try to clean the terminal of the starter yourself first.