Intermittent no click no start on 1998 4runner V6

[maxthebird]

My 4runner just developed an intermittent no click no start issue. When I turn the key to accessary everything lights up but continuing to the starting position, there is no click and no starter activation. Turing the ignition key off then on again starts the truck fine. Sometimes it takes 2 or 3 tries but it does start right up once the starter get going. My first thought was that the battery connections were loose but everything is tight with no visible corrosion. I also suspect that the starter may be bad but not hearing the solenoid click leads me to believe that it's ok and that juice isn't getting to the starter. I'll check the starter relay in the fusebox next but since the problem is intermittent, I suspect (and hope) that maybe there is a contact problem in the key switch. Brillo_76 addressed this in an old post where he replaced the ignition start contact in the key switch, after having replaced the starter and not solving the problem. I'd like to try replacing the ignition start contacts before replacing the starter. Brillo_76 or anyone else that has done this who could provide some directions would sure be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[brillo_76]

Supposedly, it's rare that rear ignition connection goes. I just know it fooled me and replaced a starter that wasn't bad. So, if everything else is checking out. Verify that the start connection is good.

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[maxthebird]

Any words of wisdom on how to check the start connection? Do I remove the ignition key lock and are the connections behind it. How do I check for a good connection and are there contacts available from Toyota for replacement? Have never had the ignition lock out before. Thanks.

 

[Dezert4Runner]

Sounds like textbook starter contacts needing replacement. I’d personally start there before messing with the ignition.

 

[brillo_76]

Any words of wisdom on how to check the start connection? Do I remove the ignition key lock and are the connections behind it. How do I check for a good connection and are there contacts available from Toyota for replacement? Have never had the ignition lock out before. Thanks.

I actually had a spare ignition connector. You could buy them. The electrical wiring diagram for your year will show you what colors the wires are.

I would just verify continuity on those 2 wires in the connector.

I just took the ignition connection out and tested it with a meter...

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[brillo_76]

Sounds like textbook starter contacts needing replacement. I’d personally start there before messing with the ignition.

I do always say if everything else is checking out good..

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[dork0900]

If your battery and starter are good, check your neutral safety switch. My 98 4runner is starting every time now that I replaced that switch.

 

[maxthebird]

Starter replaced and all seems good. Only been a couple of days. Time will tell since it was an intermittent problem. Thanks for all the replies.

 

[TheDurk]

Starter replaced and all seems good. Only been a couple of days. Time will tell since it was an intermittent problem. Thanks for all the replies.

I hope you didn't sacrifice a factory Denso with worn contacts for an aftermarket reman that will crap out in months. The Denso might last the life of the truck with a new set of contacts.

 

[HiLife]

The masses are unaware the stellar reliability of a denso and submit as core.

 

[brillo_76]

[MENTION=10169]TheDurk[/MENTION] and [MENTION=107222]HiLife[/MENTION] are correct. You deviate from the Denso Alts or Starters with an autoparts refmg junk rebuild.

You will definitely be changing them again and again. I learned this 25 to 30 years ago.

Only exception is if you rebuild those components yourself with new toyota parts and contacts.

Aftermarket brushes and contacts are not the same quality as the oem denso.

I guess they will learn. I won't use anything but Denso in Toyotas. I seen what happens if you dont...:[

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[HiLife]

You deviate from the Denso Alts or Starters with an autoparts refmg junk rebuild.

You will definitely be changing them again and again. I learned this 25 to 30 years ago.

Unless the buyer are so lucky enough to get a reboxed Denso reman in a box from the autoparts store.:thumb:
They are out there, although lesser and lesser chance of getting one.

 

[JoeT4R]

Aftermarket brushes and contacts are not the same quality as the oem denso.

I guess they will learn. I won't use anything but Denso in Toyotas. I seen what happens if you dont...:[

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This. It is so important to use Denso or OEM parts on our trucks. It's not a difficult concept to grasp. These trucks love Denso products.

I hope you didn't sacrifice a factory Denso with worn contacts for an aftermarket reman that will crap out in months. The Denso might last the life of the truck with a new set of contacts.

Accurate.

The masses are unaware the stellar reliability of a denso and submit as core.

Truth. Preach it. Save those Denso products and rebuild or have them rebuilt! Eating that core charge is nothing compared to having to shell out the funds for a new starter, alternator, etc. But if you have the originals rebuilt then that won't ever have to become a reality.

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