2005 Tundra Starter

I had Toyota replace starter in 2015. It went out this past June 2022 I had a local mechanic replace since it was $300 less cost. That starter when out in Aug. Went back to local mechanic and he said it was the CPU $$$$. He put in a "bypass" starter switch that bypasses the ignition start and said that would work. That is not working anymore - intermitent. Took truck to Dealership - they say its the starter. Dealership says you should expect 7 years out of a starter... HUH???? I'm going to go back to the local mechanic and see if we can settle on some kind of refund then let Toyota replace.
I guess my main question is why am I eating starters? Why is Toyota saying only expect 7 years from a starter?
Thanks
Phil

 

I'm sure the mechanic didn't use Toyota parts. He likely used whatever was in stock at the local parts store. Some of those rebuilt units are bad right out of the box, Ive had it happen with starters, alternators.

I don't see an issue with the first replacement lasting from 2015 to mid 2022. You got your moneys worth.

Now the one replaced in June 22, just months old, is a bother but it was probably the cheapest, rebuilt unit and not a brand new toyota starter. Some of those parts may only have 30-90 day warranty, some are good for a year, so check with your mechanic on that. No idea what he means about a starter bypass switch, that sound shady. Id reverse whatever he did and get a new starter, Toyota if you can afford it or a better quality reman unit with a good warranty.

 

Thanks for the insight. Yes that's what I've been reading about these starters: use Toyota. So... I took it back to the mechanic who replaced it in June and he honored his 1 year warantee. But... I had put on the work order to call me before he started - I wanted to see if I could upgrade to a Toyota part. Well he didn't call and put in his preferred part - GAH!!! Ya... I think it was a bad part out of the box. He's a good mechanic and I don't believe uses the cheapest so will see; he warantees everything for a year so I don't think he wants to be replacing cheap-ass parts. Oh... the Toyota diagonosis of the bad starter was the starter was affecting the crank sensor - I have no idea what that means. Anyways Toyota had a laundry list of other things I needed: brakes, steering rack, and fluid exchanges. Having my mechanic to the brakes and fluids; Toyota is 50% more and these are "normal" maintainence. My steering rack.... Toyota wants $1200 but I'm not sure I need one.
Thanks again for your feedback.