I have a 3rd gen ('96) 4runner that began having difficulty starting around 210,000 miles. When I turned the key the start solinoid would click once but then nothing. It would do this 3 times before starting no problem. After checking my battery and checking prices of new starters I discovered this little trick: Get the 4runner started and then turn the key again. The 4runner will squeal and die. Do this once or twice more. Then, the next 5-10 times you start the car, keep the key turned 2 seconds after the car starts to leave the starter engaged. This completely fixed my problems. The reason behind this, I believe, is carbon from the brushes fouls the contacts on the commucator. Running the starter in this way cleans the dust off. Post your results and let me know if this worked for you too.
4Runner Starter Fix
- Thread starter JMattJ
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
steezemcqueen
Moderator
yeah mine had this problem. replaced the starter contacts and the battery terminal and that did it..i don't think its the brushes
