98 4Runner wierd starting problem

[jacktahoe]

I have a 98 4Runner with 250,000 miles on it. It wont start. When i turn the key, I get a quick clicking sound coming from the area where the ignition key goes in. I had a real starter problem 2 years ago and put in a new toyota starter, and replaced the battery about 4 months ago.

Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[broncosi]

It sounds like the solenoid but also could be the starter if it's not the solenoid. Does it seem like your electrical system drains or seems strained when it's clicking? Something could be draining the battery. Maybe have your battery voltage checked at advance or somewhere free?

 

[jacktahoe]

The noise is about one inch to the right from where you put the key into the ignition. It is a very fast clicking noise... It definetly is not coming from the starter or anything close to the starter.

 

[Satter]

Definately sounds like your battery's gone dead. I got the exact sound when my battery went dead. And it was coming from the exact same place. Something may be draining your battery or you got a bad one to begin with. I'd start with trying to get a jump and see if it turns over.

 

[jacktahoe]

Took your word, and it was worth it.

I have heard bad battery / bad connection issues before but it did not sound like what you said. Anyways, took your word, jump started it and it started. Then put the old volt meter on the terminals during starting, voltage ok, put it on the connectors, voltage not okay. Just a simple case of crude on the connectors. Got the file out, cleaned out the connectors, soaked connectors in Hydrochloric acid for a while, cleaned them, re-installed and the 4Runner is as good as new (well maybe not that good after all it has 250000 miles on it).

Thanks for your advice !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!