Just a Click, but no start - Toyota 4Runner Forum

YnotinCO · 02-10-2014, 06:37 AM

Hello. I have 1999 4Runner with the 3.4L, AT, that intermittently will not start when the key is turned. I hear the relay clicking each attempt, but no ignition. I have a new battery, new plugs, the plug wires, ignition coils checked out OK, have cleaned the wire contacts at both ends of the starter, battery. When it acts up, if I keep turning the key, trying to start it, it'll eventually start. I have found a couple times that when it will not ignite, if I put in reverse and let it move a bit, put it back in park, then it'll start. The truck has 361,000 + miles on it,, any thoughts?

clemson4r · 02-10-2014, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YnotinCO

Hello. I have 1999 4Runner with the 3.4L, AT, that intermittently will not start when the key is turned. I hear the relay clicking each attempt, but no ignition. I have a new battery, new plugs, the plug wires, ignition coils checked out OK, have cleaned the wire contacts at both ends of the starter, battery. When it acts up, if I keep turning the key, trying to start it, it'll eventually start. I have found a couple times that when it will not ignite, if I put in reverse and let it move a bit, put it back in park, then it'll start. The truck has 361,000 + miles on it,, any thoughts?

Sounds like your starter needs replacing/rebuilding. This is a relatively common problem. I just rebuilt mine (new plunger, magnet, contacts, etc) for ~$55 using OEM parts. Much less expensive than purchasing a new OEM starter and much better quality than the AutoZone brand reman's.

Max

Semper_Fi · 02-10-2014, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by clemson4r

Sounds like your starter needs replacing/rebuilding. This is a relatively common problem. I just rebuilt mine (new plunger, magnet, contacts, etc) for ~$55 using OEM parts. Much less expensive than purchasing a new OEM starter and much better quality than the AutoZone brand reman's.

Max

x2 sounds like an easy fix, now if its turning over and not firing up I would check camshaft sensor and crankshaft sensor, I jus replaced mine. it would turn over but not start with that problem

TheDurk · 02-10-2014, 02:28 PM

You do NOT need a new starter. Trading in a factory Denso to get a crap reman is a sin.

All you need to do is replace the starter contacts, easy to do once you go through the pain in the butt to remove the starter.

I have a link for that:

(Another) Starter Contacts Removal Thread!

PNW yota · 02-10-2014, 03:18 PM

Double check all your grounds too. Starter may be fine.

hrt4me · 02-10-2014, 05:39 PM

all you need is this $12 kit from Amazon: Denso starter repair kit (consists of the plunger and replacement contacts)

Be very careful about trying to start too often, because as your plunger wears into the contacts, it could potentially stick in the worn groove and cause a fire! Dave noted the following via his DIY write-up on the ExPo forums, Denso starter contact replacement:

Notice that the contacts are worn down and pitted. The major failure can and has been that the contacts get worn to the point that when the starter engages, the plunger will stick between the channels dug out of the contacts, keeping the starter engaged, even if you remove the key from the ignition!! There is full battery amperage going through the motor, and if this happens, then you run a great risk of your vehicle catching fire. That is why it is important to address this issue as soon as you start to get the starter "click".

TheDurk · 02-10-2014, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrt4me

all you need is this $12 kit from Amazon: Denso starter repair kit (consists of the plunger and replacement contacts)

Be very careful about trying to start too often, because as your plunger wears into the contacts, it could potentially stick in the worn groove and cause a fire! Dave noted the following via his DIY write-up on the ExPo forums, Denso starter contact replacement:

Notice that the contacts are worn down and pitted. The major failure can and has been that the contacts get worn to the point that when the starter engages, the plunger will stick between the channels dug out of the contacts, keeping the starter engaged, even if you remove the key from the ignition!! There is full battery amperage going through the motor, and if this happens, then you run a great risk of your vehicle catching fire. That is why it is important to address this issue as soon as you start to get the starter "click".

That's the same kit I used. For the record, I have the smaller Denso starter used on most 5-speed V6 3G 4Runners without a special cold weather package.

the great him · 02-11-2014, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDurk

You do NOT need a new starter. Trading in a factory Denso to get a crap reman is a sin.

All you need to do is replace the starter contacts, easy to do once you go through the pain in the butt to remove the starter.

I have a link for that:

(Another) Starter Contacts Removal Thread!

this.... do this

White 4x4runner · 02-11-2014, 04:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDurk

You do NOT need a new starter. Trading in a factory Denso to get a crap reman is a sin.

All you need to do is replace the starter contacts, easy to do once you go through the pain in the butt to remove the starter.

I have a link for that:

(Another) Starter Contacts Removal Thread!

Lies... I replaced my contacts and plunger with all Oem parts from toyota dealership. Less than a month later the bearing on the spindle blew apart. No replacing that. I've had an O' Rieley's in my car for almost 2 years now and its running solid.

hrt4me · 02-11-2014, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by White 4x4runner

I replaced my contacts and plunger with all Oem parts from toyota dealership. Less than a month later the bearing on the spindle blew apart. No replacing that. I've had an O' Reiley's in my car for almost 2 years now and it's running solid.

what, if any, were your symptoms leading up to that?

TheDurk · 02-11-2014, 03:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by White 4x4runner

Lies... I replaced my contacts and plunger with all Oem parts from toyota dealership. Less than a month later the bearing on the spindle blew apart. No replacing that. I've had an O' Rieley's in my car for almost 2 years now and its running solid.

Was that a factory Denso??

'Lies' is harsh. For most people, what I said is the truth and I stand by my advice.

White 4x4runner · 02-13-2014, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hrt4me

what, if any, were your symptoms leading up to that?

i don't remember really. it was still working fine just making unusual noises. then it just stopped working and didn't even click.

White 4x4runner · 02-13-2014, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheDurk

Was that a factory Denso??

'Lies' is harsh. For most people, what I said is the truth and I stand by my advice.

factory starter with 200k on it. and sayin to trade it in is a sin may be your and some others judgment but in my case it would have saved me allot of the headache of doing the job twice. i do still agree with changing the contacts first then if you have problems trade it in for a reman.

TheDurk · 02-13-2014, 12:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by White 4x4runner

factory starter with 200k on it. and sayin to trade it in is a sin may be your and some others judgment but in my case it would have saved me allot of the headache of doing the job twice. i do still agree with changing the contacts first then if you have problems trade it in for a reman.

Well, that's what I meant--the sin is trading a good Denso when a contact change was all it needed.

Site Navigation