is there a way to tell if the starter is bad without pulling it out? my 4 runner won't start when it is cold...i put a new battery in and checked all the connections...would the starter not work when it is cold..?.i thought it would be all the time...i get this whirl every time i try to start it...and have to turn the key to the off position..could it not be getting enough power to the solenoid? i don't know..i am so busy with work i don't have time to spend too much on it..i was hoping it would be a quick fix but so far..if anybody has any tips or idea i would appreciate it..thanks
how to tell if starter is bad
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greasefingers
New member
It sounds to me as if the bendix drive is on it
greasefingers
New member
Well since you did not list any info about your vehicle, no one can tell you how much a starter would be.
I cannot explain why it would function better in hot weather, but if you hear the starter spin much much faster than normal without engaging into the flywheel, then you absolutely need a new one. Soon the Bendix drive will stop for good and only the starter motor will spin.
I cannot explain why it would function better in hot weather, but if you hear the starter spin much much faster than normal without engaging into the flywheel, then you absolutely need a new one. Soon the Bendix drive will stop for good and only the starter motor will spin.
Fro-Runner
New member
How to tell if a starter is bad??
Hmmm, this is an easy answer...........the dang truck won't START when you turn the key switch.
Reasons: 1-bad battery; 2-bad starter; 3-bad ignition switch! All in all......somethings "BAD"!
Hmmm, this is an easy answer...........the dang truck won't START when you turn the key switch.
Reasons: 1-bad battery; 2-bad starter; 3-bad ignition switch! All in all......somethings "BAD"!
86 4-runner
sorry i have an 86 4-runner and it has about 174000 on it...i bought it used and i am so busy with a new baby on the way that i don't have much time to solve this new problem...i think you are right it sounds..like it could be the bendix drive...it does make that whirling sound almost like you spin a top for 3 or 4 seconds...the only other thing i can think of is maybe there is a bad connection going into the bendix drive and maybe in the cold it is not getting enough juice? does that sound possible?
sorry i have an 86 4-runner and it has about 174000 on it...i bought it used and i am so busy with a new baby on the way that i don't have much time to solve this new problem...i think you are right it sounds..like it could be the bendix drive...it does make that whirling sound almost like you spin a top for 3 or 4 seconds...the only other thing i can think of is maybe there is a bad connection going into the bendix drive and maybe in the cold it is not getting enough juice? does that sound possible?
From the description of the symptoms, it sounds like it's time to replace the starter. I wouldn't get a "new" one from the dealer though, I'd try for a "reconditioned" one from O'Reilly's. They usually lifetime warranty their reconditioned parts.
But, don't stop looking at just the starter motor. There are other things you should check when replacing the starter motor. Inspect your cables from the battery to the starter and the ground cable to the battery.
Your cable from the battery to the starter should not have any corrosion on either end. Everyone knows to check for corrosion at the battery terminal posts. If you see any, then it's possible it's inside the insulation too, and that's means the starter isn't able to draw as much amps as it needs to deliver it's cranking power. This also applies to the ground wire going to the battery.
Corroded wires will make you think your alternator, starter, or battery are going bad, and they are the simplest and cheapest things to replace.
But, don't stop looking at just the starter motor. There are other things you should check when replacing the starter motor. Inspect your cables from the battery to the starter and the ground cable to the battery.
Your cable from the battery to the starter should not have any corrosion on either end. Everyone knows to check for corrosion at the battery terminal posts. If you see any, then it's possible it's inside the insulation too, and that's means the starter isn't able to draw as much amps as it needs to deliver it's cranking power. This also applies to the ground wire going to the battery.
Corroded wires will make you think your alternator, starter, or battery are going bad, and they are the simplest and cheapest things to replace.
greasefingers
New member
Don
Sorry, but that is poor advice. It's always a good idea, not to mention cheap insurance, to inspect the wires coming from the battery.
It's a fact that one of the reasons a starter motor will die is because of corrosion in the wires causing the starter to overheat.
I'm not saying that's why this starter is bad, just saying to check the wires and replace them if necessary so that in 3 months he's not replacing the starter again.
It's a fact that one of the reasons a starter motor will die is because of corrosion in the wires causing the starter to overheat.
I'm not saying that's why this starter is bad, just saying to check the wires and replace them if necessary so that in 3 months he's not replacing the starter again.
greasefingers
New member
Sorry I admit that I may have answered too quickly. Checking the wires is always a good thing and cleaning the cables and posts are what I consider routine maintenence.
