From a Noobie to 4Runners.

98 4Runner with 180K miles, V6, Auto. Great Engine no issues.

Car is garaged and ambient temperature was at 72 degrees F.

All gauge lights on bright and normal.

There is corrosion around the positive battery terminal. Battery age unknown.

Tried to start car this morning got one click. Waited a few seconds tried again engine turned over slowly (as if the battery were low) and then stopped. Waiting a few more seconds engine turned over no problem.

Drove car 30 miles and stopped at work. Tried to start engine, got one click. Waited a few seconds, tried to start like battery was low. Tried again and fired right up.

Is it the starter, the battery, or the relay? Any suggestions?

Sounds more like a battery issue. If it was the starter or solenoid issue you would hear a few loud "Clicks" or would turn normal. Since you are saying it is turning over slowly at times leads me ot think battery or loose connection. Take to local Autozone, Pepboys, O'Reilys(Kragens/Checkers) and have them test battery for you. The solenoid rebuild kit is only $20-$30 from Toyota if it is the starter.

I'm having the same issue. Could be that you just need to clean and tighten your terminals. After that, I'd replace the starter contacts. Parts for that will run you somewhere around 10 bux for just the contacts or you can buy the rebuild kit for like 20 or 25. Like I said, I have the same issue. I have the parts to replace my starter contacts, just haven't gotten around to it. After that, I'd look at replacing the starter. Search around here for a starter contact thread, I'm feeling to lazy to search for the link. If someone has better advice I'm sure they'll chime in.

Good luck. Let us know how you make out.

/\What he said/\

Spray some battery cleaner on the terminals (and some WD-40 if they're rusted), wipe off excess, rotate/wiggle both terminals, and try again. This works every time for me. My battery was new, so I knew it wasn't my problem. My car is about the same age as yours, and has rust on the terminals too. If the little things don't work, get somebody to re-do your terminals.

I had this exact issue with my 2nd gen

next time it does it get out and wiggle your positive terminal - bet its a bad connection or cable.

Probably a low battery, or the terminals. Get yourself a volt meter, its easy to check that way. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...6&blockType=G6

A full battery will have 12.6 volts, 12.3 or less and its time to replace it. Of course that is without the surface charge. With the engine off, turn on the headlights for 30 seconds, then turn them off, then see what reading you get.

I had lots of trouble with the battery cables on mine. Part of the problem was the battery was not the right size. So it slide when I went around a corner and pulled the ground wire that goes to the fender off. Check the ground wire and look for the smaller wire that goes to the fender. If that one comes off it will also make it not start.

Well, I'm still working on it. I found out the battery is the original that came with the car, and its over 10 years old. The person before me must have taken good care of it! The battery is showing me 11.33 volts.

Is it time to replace it?

It certainly wouldn't hurt. That's crazy that your battery lasted 10 years; my '98 is on it's 3rd.

Yes, 11.33 volts is as dead as a doornail. That is assuming your alternator is working. The battery should read 13.5-14.5 when the engine is running.