[Wynndi]

Started out where, on rare occasion, turning the key would make the starter solenoid click, but no rotation. Engine would turn on the 2nd or 3rd attempt. This would happen once or twice a month.

Lately, it was happening more frequently and taking 5~10 attempts to get the starter to do it's job.

Yesterday, I decided to go out and buy a new starter, hoping to swap it out for the sick one this weekend. SURPRISE! The ignition key will go in, turn about .2" (enough to unlock the steering column) and turn no further. Even tried my valet and spare keys.....no go!

Unlocked the shifter (it's an automatic), put in neutral, still no go. the key will not rotate any further.

Need to know a few things......

+ Should I replace the tumbler
+ Should I replace the ignition switch
+ Should I replace both
+ Anyone have directions for swapping out the tumbler/switch?
+ Is my 4Runner posessed and keeping me from R&R the starter???!!!

A little more info: New battery, AT, no mods, 150,000miles.

Thanks for your help!

[03RoadRunner]

Wynndi,

I had the same problem on my wife's '98 4runner...almost the exact same symtom's. Although my key never got stuck. It sounds like it might be the actual cylnider (sp?).

The starter on might just sounded horrible, then when I turned the ignition off, the car kept running and it was grinding like the engine starter was attempting to start the car up again.

It turned out to be just the starter.

Just a word of caution, when you start to troubleshoot those items you have listed above, it can get expensive if you start replacing everything until the problem goes away. Maybe take it to a shop to diagnose, then just say you don't have enough money to fix it now....then go do it yourself? <- I know, unethical correct? Hehe. =)

Later,
03RR

[Wynndi]

Thanks for the reply!

I am 99% sure that I'll be replacing the tumbler & the starter.

Can't start it to get a diagnostic anywhere, so, it looks like it's driveway-bound until I R&R the parts.

I'll do a search about replacing the tumbler.

[mikes4runner]

Call your Toyota dealership and ask to speak to one of the mechanics and tell them your problem most will give you a closer idea as to what is wrong. It's worth a try. I have done this before most are freindly and helpful.03Roadrunner is right things can get $$$$$ quick.

Good luck

[Wynndi]

Mystery solved!

It was the starter contacts. Replaced both for $18 and I'm back on the road. It's the SVX's turn to be the driveway queen!

The key problem resolved itself.....no idea what brought that on.

So, if you have the same symptoms, save $300+ and check out: http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/starter/

[NoDak]

originally i was going to suggest the starter contacts since i had this happen to my 98 runner last summer, but after re-reading your post, it seemed you didnt have the same problems as i had. i only had problems with the starter clicking and not with the ignition switch/tumbler and it seems they were related to each other.

so i decided not to post about the starter click and about replacing the copper contacts.

at least in the end your tumbler fixed itself and you where able to replaced the contacts.

at least toyota was nice enough to put in copper contacts that are replaceable instead of replacing the whole starter.

edit:

btw if you have the dealer replace the contacts, its like $10 for both contacts, and about $180 in labor. i had them do an estimate on the labor when i started having the same problems.

[peter78]

Originally posted by Wynndi
I am 99% sure that I'll be replacing the tumbler & the starter.

I had to replace the tumbler once in a Honda. They don't make it easy. They shear the head of the bolt off and the only way to get the ignition switch & tumbler off is to drill through the bolt with a really good drill and drill bit. They do this so people can't steal the car.

I bought a tumbler ignition swicth at auto parts store. It had to use a different key, so I had to have two keys, one to get in the car and one to start the car. The new switch came with a new bolt where the head of the bolt can shear off easy. After all that work I didn't have the heart to shear off the new head.

[Wynndi]

Toyota made it SUPER-EASY to change the lock/tumbler.

If you can get the key to turn as far as accessory, there is a little button to push which allows you to pull the mechanism out, attached to the key!

New unit slides in and clicks.

5 minutes, in and out!!