My 1997 Camry 4 cyl. wouldn't start yesterday and several neighbors diagnosed it as a bad starter. I was stupid enough to accept their analysis and ran out and bought a rebuilt starter with a lifetime warranty for $143 + $60 core charge from a local parts store.
Before replacing it I noticed the hot stud was on the opposite side of the starter and the ignition switch connection was pointing the opposite way. I was a little nervous but went ahead and installed it and hooked up the wires. In actuality the placement of the hot stud was more convenient than the OEM Denso starter and made it easier to hook up.
Needless to say it still wouldn't start and I realized the Panasonic battery was dead. After a jump it fired right up and then I put the old one back in it started up after a jump. It didn't seem to be holding a charge and I've noticed it's been getting harder to start the vehicle before this occurred. A new Diehard battery is in the vehicle now.
Well now the parts dealer refuses to take back the new starter since it was installed and says there are no refunds on electrical items. My receipt doesn't state this, but theirs does. After some arguing with the manager he gave me the regional manager's number to talk to him. I haven't been able to contact him yet, but was hoping some here may give me ideas to use when talking with the regional manager.
Yes, I know it was stupid of me to buy the starter before having the car tested or at least attempt a jump, but I have learned a lesson. If they still won't refund me should I keep the OEM starter in there and try to sell the new one on Ebay, or put the new one back in and get $60 back for the core?