Hello everyone a few weeks ago I went to start my runner the dash lights came on I tryed starting it and all I got was a click. I thought it was the starter so I picked up one from a dealer and threw her in. I tryd starting it again and samething happenend just a click. A buddy of mine told me to take a jumper wire and connect it to the power cable on the starter and the other end to the negitive terminal of the battery. I did just that and tryed starting it again and bang it fired right up. After I did that it would start up everytime I tryed to start it so I didnt mess with anything after that. A couple weeks went by and it started to do the samething just clicking. Does anyone have any idea on what I should do from here. I did notice that the negitive terminal was kinda loose. Thanks

Not sure what you mean but I think it would probly be just a Loose battery terminal. Happened to me on all my cars with the flimsy stock terminals. Just tighten the terminal, making sure there is a lot of contact with the battery pole, tap it a bit with the wrench and fire away. Then change the terminal to a nice sturdy block type to avoid problems in the future.

Search the forum there are a few threads/postings regarding this as it will get worse. There's two contacts that need to be replaced inside the starter they cost around $20 for the pair and you should be good to go I did mine 10 months ago not a single failed start since

I just had this problem start last Thursday. Same issues, when I put in the key all dash lights come on, radio works, but the truck doesn't start. It will turn over if I try it six or seven times. I just had the battery checked, its fine

I'll keep checking this thread, and that trick is good to know in case i get stuck

Read wiretie's post. Search 'starter contacts' and all will be revealed.

ahhh, that helps!


GRunner, check these links out:

(Another) Starter Contacts Removal Thread!

Is your starter going??? Quick and easy repair!!!

I'll be tackling this on thurs, my day off, ill report back

Maybe I'm reading it wrong but I think he said he replaced the starter. In that case it has to be the battery terminal contacts

Yeah, the OP's case is different. Could be the battery terminals, corrosion inside either cable, or problem in the terminals at the other ends (engine ground, fender ground, or positive to solenoid). Also check the engine ground by the diagnostic plug. First, of all, though, load test that battery to verify that it's not weak and that the charging circuit is working.

Mine is similiar to this but it only does it from time to time. It's getting more frequent now but I'm still not sure its the starter contacts. I had the battery checked this morning at NAPA and that seems to be ok.

When I got off work the 4runner started fine, drove 2 miles to the gas station and had to turn key several times before it gave a slow weak start but it did eventually crank. I went straight to NAPA and truck started several times fine while I was there doing the battery test. Got home and decided to see if it would start and had to turn key several times again to get it to start. Starter contacts or possibly something else?

If it clicked once when you went to start it, it's the contacts. Replace em, its a good weekend project and it's inexpensive

Sometimes it doesn't make any sound. sometimes its a weak start...i never hear a click

Probably starter contacts, but check the things I listed in Post #8 above.