I am having a problem with my 97 SR5 starting. When you turn the key you get nothing, no clicking, nothing. This will happen 3 to 4 times then you get a start. This does not happen every time, and when it does happen it can go from 1 attempt to 4 attempts before it starts. The vehicle was recently at the dealership for its 90k check, and they said a bad battery was causing the problem. I disagree, the battery had been recently replaced and has a good charge. Any suggestions?
Ignition Problem
- Thread starter mball73
- Start date
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(Assuming that there are no problems with the battery)
Are you hearing a single click when you turn the key, then nothing? If so, it could be time to rebuild the starter.
Do you have an alarm system with a starter cutout? If you are hearing absolutly nothing you could possibly have a sticking relay on the alarm system's ignition cutout.
Are you hearing a single click when you turn the key, then nothing? If so, it could be time to rebuild the starter.
Do you have an alarm system with a starter cutout? If you are hearing absolutly nothing you could possibly have a sticking relay on the alarm system's ignition cutout.
Good Times
New member
Take your car to a local auto zone and have them check the battery. They test batteries for free and also test the alternator too so you might as well take advantage of it (other places charge u for this kind of service)
It sounds like a battery issue to me. You might just have a bad battery on your truck.
It sounds like a battery issue to me. You might just have a bad battery on your truck.
mball73 said:
Not owning a 3rd gen, and not knowing if your alarm was
a) factory installed
b) port installed
c) dealer installed
d) aftermarket
I don't have a clue where they may have hidden the relay in your vehicle, or even if one exists in your 4runner. I do remember a friend of mine had this problem in his old FJ60 and it turned out to be a sticking starter cutout relay for an aftermarket alarm system.
It is much more likely that if it is not your battery it is time for a starter rebuild. I had almost identical symptoms in my old FZJ80 right around 90,000 miles, and a starter rebuild fixed it right up.
toyo said:
Yep, that would be another possibility......
mball73 you may want to look at:
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/ignition_switch/
Neither are the same gen as yours but may give you an idea as to what is involved....
mball,
Did you find out what the problem was exactly? I believe I have the same issue. Once I insert the key and turn, nothing happens, I have a new battery and just replaced the starter contacts. Another strange thing is that I couldn't even put it in neutral. BTW, I have a 97 4Runner LTD, Auto, ~83k mi.
Please Help!!!
Did you find out what the problem was exactly? I believe I have the same issue. Once I insert the key and turn, nothing happens, I have a new battery and just replaced the starter contacts. Another strange thing is that I couldn't even put it in neutral. BTW, I have a 97 4Runner LTD, Auto, ~83k mi.
Please Help!!!
NoDak
Senior Member
on my 98 after about 70k i got the dreaded clicking noise and random starting.
there is a thread somewhere here about having to replace the copper contacts in the starter. the contacts are like $5 but the labor is like $190.
i had to have the copper contacts replaced at 70k.
this random starting after trying 1-4 times will get worse as the contacts wear down more. after trying for like 20+ minutes, i went in the next day and had them replaced.
there is a thread somewhere here about having to replace the copper contacts in the starter. the contacts are like $5 but the labor is like $190.
i had to have the copper contacts replaced at 70k.
this random starting after trying 1-4 times will get worse as the contacts wear down more. after trying for like 20+ minutes, i went in the next day and had them replaced.
I believe my case is more complex (maybe). I had my contacts changed approx. 3 months ago and I changed the battery at the same time. My symptoms are the following:
1. Once insert key and turn to start and I hear a few small clicks (not the same as when my starter contacts went out). Sometimes the engine tries to turn, other times it just doesn't do anything except for turn on the dashboard lights.
2. Once key is inserted the dashboard lights turn on and if I press the brake pedal, the lights dim, and the shift lever to change to Neutral is stuck (button seems jammed).
Both of these happen sporadically, but as of Monday, the engine will not start. I suspected it was the ignition switch but now I am doubting the starter contact change at Toyota.
I would appreciate any feedback....'97 4Runner LTD, AUTO, 4WD.
Thanks
1. Once insert key and turn to start and I hear a few small clicks (not the same as when my starter contacts went out). Sometimes the engine tries to turn, other times it just doesn't do anything except for turn on the dashboard lights.
2. Once key is inserted the dashboard lights turn on and if I press the brake pedal, the lights dim, and the shift lever to change to Neutral is stuck (button seems jammed).
Both of these happen sporadically, but as of Monday, the engine will not start. I suspected it was the ignition switch but now I am doubting the starter contact change at Toyota.
I would appreciate any feedback....'97 4Runner LTD, AUTO, 4WD.
Thanks