95 4runner starting prob

[bw1]

Hi, been having some problems with my 4runner recently, was hoping I could get some help to figure out whats exactly wrong.

95 4runner 4x4 Sr5 v6/auto 215K

Recently the truck is not starting consistently like it should. I will turn the key to start it, and everything lights up but it only clicks instead of having the starter crank the engine. I can hear the click coming from under the hood. It starts after 3~9 clicks. When it starts, the starter works like normal no hesitation that I can notice. And I just dropped a new optima redtop in yesterday. The terminals dont appear to be corroded. Only been doing this the past couple days, want to fix it asap before it gets worse naturally.

Did some searching, and im guessing either the ignition switch or the starter.

My ignition switch is kinda sticky sometimes and I have to wiggle the steering wheel to make it turn. When I got the truck I got a heavily worn key and a copy that didnt work. I got another copy made from the worn key and it worked kind of. It worked, but turned the cylinder with alot of resistance and the return after starting didnt work, so I had to pull the key back slightly after starting. I lost my worn/working key for a week or so and had to use the copy recently during that time. It seemed to work a little better after being used a bit.

Could I have damaged the ignition cylinder and have that cause the truck to not start as described? Or does this sound maybe more like a starter issue?


Thanks for any help/suggestions your guys have!

bw1

 

[kylextrisler]

my post will give you absolutely no help...buttt
im having the exact same problem... I have a horrrrible worn key, 93 189k mi (except i have corrosion on the fairly new battery) this weekend im planning on getting a new starter, i've heard Runner starters give out pretty often...sorry this wasnt any help but if all goes according to plan i should be able to tell you if its start problems or not =)
if you can get one thing out of this... your not alone ;-)
and to add: usually after i get it to start (after turning about 10 times and sluggish start DOES occur) i drive around to see if it will start up better after being warm...it does for me aswell
i only drive a few times a week being that i live on campus (im going to college so no real need to drive except once in a while)

 

[rugger bugger]

does the electrical system go out...so that u have no power...or do things stay lit up...and it just clicks?

 

[Elton]

sounds like ur starter contacts are shoot ... check over at www.yotatech.com for writeups and any other info

 

[kylextrisler]

i keep power, lights, radio, everything works
just doesnt turn over...im not sure about his
maybe ill look into that writeup aswell:

 

[Ride4JC]

I recently did a front tranny seal and when i was done went to start it and had the same problem. My starter Plug was loose and i just pushed it in further and it works fine now. Hope this helps you.