Vehicle: 2006 4Runner SR5, V6, 150k miles.

Symptoms:

I turn the key and get a loud clicking noise. I turn the key again and then it starts.

It has a new and fully charged battery.

How can I diagnose whether or not I have a bad starter motor, starter solenoid, starter switch or starter relay?

Or anything else?

BTW, thanks to this site I've been able to diagnose and repair both front brake calipers, a faulty tailgate latch and other minor issues.

"I am the warranty!"

Is the clicking coming from the relay box or the starter?

As loud as the click is I'll assume from the starter but am currently unsure. I'll have to put a set of ears under the hood to check.

Hmmm.....same year, engine, and approximate mileage. Nearly the same symptoms. I didn't get the click then try again and start. Mine was more the click, click, click.....damnit, damnit, click, damnit, vroommmmm.

I was pretty sure my starter was toast. After reading several threads I was convinced that a "rebuild" of replacing the plunger and contacts was necessary. I was short on time and needed my truck back so I ran to the parts store for a replacement. Before I headed out I pulled the unit apart to check the condition of the contacts. They didn't look bad so I gave them a scrub with a bit of emory cloth.

I tried to test it using a spare 12v battery as was convinced it was toast (would still only click). When I took it to the parts store they put it on their tester and it came back good. Well within specs....

I reinstalled it and haven't had a "click" since.

There are several threads on removal. I'm not gonna lie....it's a pain. It's much better if you pull the bolts from the front driveshaft where it connects to the differential. A combination of a couple of extensions and various length/depth sockets will help.

Good luck!!