2001 4Runner Limited - turned key, low pop noise, clicking

[Bullmom]

Help Just got back from long road trip with no indication of problems. Vehicle has 241,000 miles and is 4WD. This morning, turned key to start, and in an instant, I heard no crank but did hear a small "pop" sound. No smells or smoke. Turned key again and got clicking sound until I turned key off. Opened hood and my husband had me crank again. Clicking was coming from the engine relay box (TRC MTR, ABS SOL, ABS MTR). I turned the key again and no clicking, but husband said it sounded like there was a slight noise coming from near the dash area under the hood. I bought my battery in June 2016. Any ideas? Thanks.

We did go on a few gravel roads and we drove through Monument Valley which is rocky and bumpy, basically offroading. Truck handled well. But in hindsight, we did spin the wheels a couple times and I never got that VSC warning and tone with the picture of the airbag dude that I have in the past when I've slipped on snow or mud.

 

[fourwd1]

Moving to 3rd Gen section.

 

[jgue467]

I'd start by checking for good/tight battery connections.

Then check for good battery voltage (s/b at least 12.75 in the morning).

Hopefully one of those two is it. Luck. :cowboy:

 

[enapa]

I'd start by checking for good/tight battery connections.

Then check for good battery voltage (s/b at least 12.75 in the morning).

Hopefully one of those two is it. Luck. :cowboy:

This. Pretty likely it is a loose connection.

 

[TheRandyMan]

You could also try tapping the starter with a hammer (a decent wack, but don't whale on it). The coils can get worn out and need a little shock to make a good connection again.

 

[thegipper]

Could be your starter contacts too. Pretty common for them to wear out around the 200k mile mark, at least that what mine did. If the contacts are worn, just buy a new plunger/contact kit and replace them. Do not buy a cheap auto parts store starter, they are almost all junk.

Hardest part is getting the starter out especially if you have 4WD. Once the starter is out, replacing the plunger and contacts is a breeze.

And definitely check your battery connections first. Make sure they are clean and tight (grounds too). If that all checks out fine, I'd bet its the starter contacts.