Electrical problem maybe starter

rkn4569

New member
So my 2001 4Runner started giving me trouble when cranking. I thought the battery was going bad. Eventually it would t start so I purchased a new battery. While I was at it, I went ahead and replaced the terminals too. Still won’t crank. I’m leaning towards it being the starter. But, the battery light on the dash comes on when I turn the key. Would a bad started cause the battery light to come on? I don’t want to just start replacing things Willy nilly. What could cause the battery light to remain on? Any thoughts?

Thanks.
 
Register to hide this ad
bad alternator (brushes, internal regulator, rectifier set, short open windings), loose belt, bad battery cables, bad alternator wiring/connections, loose/missing grounds. I believe all this would cover your possible problem.
 
If the starter clicks then upon repeat attempts starts then the starter contacts are most likely the issue needing replacing. Use these: https://www.amazon.com/Victory-Lap-...8-1&keywords=2001+4runner+starter+contact+kit :cowboy:

I think he wants this one:

https://www.amazon.com/Victory-Lap-ND-36SOL-Solenoid-Repair/dp/B0031HL09E/ref=pd_bxgy_263_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B0031HL09E&pd_rd_r=aa9d6dc1-0d1c-11e9-9fc1-87cf5b4d0ae5&pd_rd_w=wIYNS&pd_rd_wg=C75Se&pf_rd_p=6725dbd6-9917-451d-beba-16af7874e407&pf_rd_r=Q70V6WQ10CGEW499THG4&psc=1&refRID=Q70V6WQ10CGEW499THG4

The one you posted is for 5 speeds and they did not make those his year (2001).

It worked fine for me though....working great since 2013.
 
Last edited:
Literally just rebuilt my starter yesterday.. what a PITA spot they put those 2 bolts in.. I guess if you have small hands this one would be pretty easy.
 
Literally just rebuilt my starter yesterday.. what a PITA spot they put those 2 bolts in.. I guess if you have small hands this one would be pretty easy.



My repair or project thread has the correct orientation to remove and install the starter through the inner fender. That’s the hardest part.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
So my 2001 4Runner started giving me trouble when cranking. I thought the battery was going bad. Eventually it would t start so I purchased a new battery. While I was at it, I went ahead and replaced the terminals too. Still won’t crank. I’m leaning towards it being the starter. But, the battery light on the dash comes on when I turn the key. Would a bad started cause the battery light to come on? I don’t want to just start replacing things Willy nilly. What could cause the battery light to remain on? Any thoughts?

Thanks.

If all it does is "click", try bumping the starter with a hammer or long pipe. If it starts after that, the contacts are done.

Although I think the battery light only comes on with a battery or alternator issue.
 
If all it does is "click", try bumping the starter with a hammer or long pipe. If it starts after that, the contacts are done.

Although I think the battery light only comes on with a battery or alternator issue.

Good point, I think your right. Here is a link to alternator brushes

https://parts.camelbacktoyota.com/p...make=Toyota&action=oePartSearch&siteid=214329

Took me like 30 minutes to change this part and when I pulled them out there was barely any meat left on the brushes at 180k. Would it be able to start with a bad alternator if the battery is good?
 
I just recently had starting issues. I would turn the key and would get rapid clicking from the dash. Confirmed good battery, alternator, and starter. My grounds near the battery were crap. I did two of the "big three" (battery to fender negative, battery to alternator negative). No problems since.
 
So my 2001 4Runner started giving me trouble when cranking. I thought the battery was going bad. Eventually it would t start so I purchased a new battery. While I was at it, I went ahead and replaced the terminals too. Still won’t crank. I’m leaning towards it being the starter. But, the battery light on the dash comes on when I turn the key. Would a bad started cause the battery light to come on? I don’t want to just start replacing things Willy nilly. What could cause the battery light to remain on? Any thoughts?

Thanks.
The battery light will be on whenever the alternator is not charging (it isn't a battery fault light, it is a battery charge indicator). So, if the engine isn't running but the key is in the ON position, the battery light should be on.

As others have said, if all you get is a single click, it is probably the starter contacts.

-Charlie
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,305
Messages
3,554,042
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top