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Trouble removing starter relay

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by Caligula, Aug 3, 2015.

  1. Aug 3, 2015 at 12:11 PM
    #1
    Caligula

    Caligula [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 14, 2010
    Member:
    #43228
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    2,108
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    Male
    Los Angeles, CA
    Vehicle:
    2000 Ext. Cab Prerunner 2.7L
    So i damaged the starter relay trying to remove it. It is still stuck in the fuse box, and will not budge at all. Im trying to pull it straight up, is there some trick to getting it to release?2015-08-02 17.48.22.jpg
     
    FixMyTaco and Charliegirl like this.
  2. Aug 3, 2015 at 1:23 PM
    #2
    tan4x4

    tan4x4 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
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    Rick
    Folsom, CA
    Vehicle:
    99 Tacoma EC 4x4 2.7L Auto
    Bilsteins, OME 881's, 3-leaf AAL, Detroit TruTrac, Tundra brake swap, Michelin LTX AT2, Tranny skidplate, TC skidplate, CBI rear bumper, TG sliders, UltraGauge, PowerTank, Reverse Camera
    The relay has a little 'spur', that is held in place by a plastic tab (that has a hole). You have to use a small, flat-blade screwdriver to pry back that tab and pull up on the relay at the same time. The tab is on the driver-side of the relay (at 6pm on your photo) between the relay and the side of the fuse-box housing. Can't see the tab in the photo, but its there.
     
    FixMyTaco likes this.
  3. Sep 28, 2022 at 4:37 AM
    #3
    johng34

    johng34 Member

    Joined:
    Oct 8, 2014
    Member:
    #139894
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    11
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    Male
    NH
    Vehicle:
    2006-4x4 5sp 6.1ft bed
    tan4x4, THANK YOU. I couldn't get my heater relay out. I saw the tab and figured that could be the key, but didn't know how to properly disengage it. Your instructions were clear. thanks again!

    UPDATE:
    There is no locking tab for the relay. It just has to be grasped (with pliers) and wiggled out. Doing so ripped off the plastic cap. I was then able to grasp a metal frame of the relay that got exposed (MUST DISCONNECT TRUCK BATTERY FIRST!!!) then wiggled it out. Put silicone dielectric grease over all the contacts and was then able to insert and remove it more easily. There are tabs that hold the bottom of the entire relay/fuse box in place. Ripping off the plastic cover did NOT damage my relay. Turns out my blower motor problem was worn brushes on the heater blower motor. Replaced motor $75 Autozone.


    JG
    Hollis, NH
     
    Last edited: Sep 30, 2022
  4. Jul 27, 2025 at 11:43 AM
    #4
    Charliegirl

    Charliegirl New Member

    Joined:
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    Female
    First Name:
    Charlene
    Vehicle:
    1997 Toyota tacoma
    I was hoping this was going to fix my starting problems because Machanics keep telling me nothing wrong with my starter. So this didn't fix my problem i will be putting a starter in and find out if this is the problem. Ive already towed my truck in once.
     

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