3rd gen- first cold night leads to morning start issue...

[hawkcharmer]

Outside temps dropped in the 50's last night.. had a tough time cranking over this morning, but it did start after numerous attempts (there is full power from battery), turn key off, problem again, drove around block to let it warm up and then it would start repeatedly with no problem.
This same problem happened about two weeks ago. It seems when I drive the truck on expressway over 60 miles or so at night at 70mph, it has problems cranking over the next morning until its warmed up, then it will start consistently with no problems.
The truck has 220,000 miles and properly maintained.
Battery is brand new and fully cranking.
Had the starter checked at firestone and seems to be fine.

What do you guys think is going on here?
Any feedback is greatly appreciated.
Thank you

 

[amalik]

How exactly did firestone 'check' the starter?

Although the battery is brand new, have you had it tested by someone like Firestone for cold-cranking amp capacity? Maybe you got a defective new battery? Or maybe your CCA rating sucks?

Just throwing ideas out there.

 

[hawkcharmer]

How exactly did firestone 'check' the starter?

Although the battery is brand new, have you had it tested by someone like Firestone for cold-cranking amp capacity? Maybe you got a defective new battery? Or maybe your CCA rating sucks?

Just throwing ideas out there.

I did get it tested by Firestone (battery, alternator, starter) on july 3rd.
837 CCA
Alternator good
Starter good

They are thinking it may be a sticking solenoid in the starter.. Can this be possible and would colder weather have a effect on this?

 

[amalik]

I did get it tested by Firestone (battery, alternator, starter) on july 3rd.
837 CCA
Alternator good
Starter good

They are thinking it may be a sticking solenoid in the starter.. Can this be possible and would colder weather have a effect on this?

I still think it could be the starter contacts.

Are you familiar with all the numerous starter contact rebuild threads here on the forum? Might be worth doing the contact replacement ASAP as Winter is approaching, and if you *still* have the issue, then I would call it safe to look further into the starter components outside of the contacts, or replace the starter itself.

The symptom of intermittent starting is more consistent with the contacts being bad, from what I know.

Anyone else agree with me?

 

[hawkcharmer]

I still think it could be the starter contacts.

Are you familiar with all the numerous starter contact rebuild threads here on the forum? Might be worth doing the contact replacement ASAP as Winter is approaching, and if you *still* have the issue, then I would call it safe to look further into the starter components outside of the contacts, or replace the starter itself.

The symptom of intermittent starting is more consistent with the contacts being bad, from what I know.

Anyone else agree with me?

I did do some research on the starter contacts back in July when this first happened and I'll be doing some more today. I'll probably just go ahead and order the contacts and do it myself. If I remember correctly, it was not too difficult?? Any good links to point me in the direction? If not, no worries. I'll do the research later.

Thank You for the info

 

[poser]

Must be nice, it's not going to dip into the 50s here for another 2 or 3 months. LOL

 

[amalik]

I did do some research on the starter contacts back in July when this first happened and I'll be doing some more today. I'll probably just go ahead and order the contacts and do it myself. If I remember correctly, it was not too difficult?? Any good links to point me in the direction? If not, no worries. I'll do the research later.

Thank You for the info

I haven't had to do this yet but...

I reference you to the 3rd gen FAQ -- very well maintained:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...faq-tutorials-documentation-reference-v2.html

Found you these 2, the second of which has the Toyota PN for the starter contacts (At $12).

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/63228-another-starter-contacts-removal-thread.html

Starter Contact Repair

 

[hawkcharmer]

Thanks Amalik!!! I greatly appreciate it

I haven't had to do this yet but...

I reference you to the 3rd gen FAQ -- very well maintained:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...faq-tutorials-documentation-reference-v2.html

Found you these 2, the second of which has the Toyota PN for the starter contacts (At $12).

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/63228-another-starter-contacts-removal-thread.html

Starter Contact Repair

 

[shootmymime]

its already in the 30s here at night in idaho, winter is on its way in, preparing for -20s this winter. Here we go.....