Need Help with Diagnosis

T

tcbonline

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I have a '97 4runner SR5... lately it's had trouble starting. When I turn the key I just get a "click click click" type sound. Some times it does that, other times it will start with no problems. I had the battery and alternator tested out the other day and both passed, but the problems continue. This morning it wouldnt start at all, just click click click. All the other times, it would usually crank after a few attempts of the clicking.

Before I take it into the dealer, I was wondering what I'm probably dealing with here?

Thanks for any advice.

TCB
 
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That is the number one sign of a bad battery. I know you said you had it tested, but it might have tested ok during one of its good times. Get a new one and if the problem persists then at least you have a spare.
 
Ok this is a bit of a long story.... but I should have mentioned I actually tried a brand new battery and even with it I got the same behavior.

Basically the whole story is this... i went down to auto zone to have it tested. The guy that tested my old battery I think was a rookie that didn't know how to operate the tester correctly. He claimed my old battery failed the "load test" so he recommended I replace it. I did that. So the next morning I go to crank the car with the new battery installed and i get the "click click click" again.

So I head back to auto zone and ask them to retest my old battery thinking that I don't want to pay for a new battery if that's not the problem. I not so subtlely hint that I think the first guy didn't know what he was doing. So the manager himself tests my old battery and says it passes all tests just fine. So they gave me a refund and put my old battery back in there.

So after that fiasco, the problem persists. The manager claims the alternator tested fine also. I'm just wondering what that leaves me with.
 
This is the early symptom of a failing starter motor relay. It will get progressively worse, i.e. more clicks, more attempts to start.

As for re-built starters (shops don't recommend new since they are $$$$), don't go with Bosh. I have one and now my truck turning over sounds like a freakin' Chevy pickup. :ybrick:
 
I would check your battery cables for corrosion or damage. Same thing happened to my old Chevy Blazer, with brand new starter, cables, and battery, and it ended up that my positive cable got smashed during some off-roading. Corrosion around the terminals can also provide the same effect.
 
Its your solenoid. Solenoids have two windings, one pushes the gear out, the other holds it in place while the starter turns the motor. The holding winding is bad so it will "click" as it pushes the gear out over and over. Because the holding winding is bad it doesn't stay put.
 
Tomsriv said:
Its your solenoid. Solenoids have two windings, one pushes the gear out, the other holds it in place while the starter turns the motor. The holding winding is bad so it will "click" as it pushes the gear out over and over. Because the holding winding is bad it doesn't stay put.
Click to expand...

yep... its the starter solenoid... been there done that, had them replace it, just dont wait til you have to tow your car to get it to them...
 
Here is my 2 cents and experience..

My 96 4runner once had that same problem. It just click click click and once in a while it catches and starts. It started with just 4-5 clicks before it starts than got to where it take 10-20 clicks. So finally I took the starter out and replaced the contacts/brushes inside the starter. Now it starts everytime. If you don't feel like taking the starter apart buy one from autozone. If you want to save over $150 than take it apart and replace the contacts. Contacts cost $5-10.
 
I've got some new info on this. I took it into the dealer this morning and they said I had a bad starter that is being caused by oil leaking down from the valve cover gasket. They say I need to replace the valve cover gasket and the starter motor to the tune of over $800!!

I'm thinking about taking it to an independent shop for a 2nd opinion or at least get hopefully a better quote.

What's really strange to me is I see no oil on the ground in my garage. I'm surprised that there's enough oil leakage to make the starter go bad. I'm wondering if I could roll the dice and have them just replace the starter only and not fix the supposed oil leak?

Perhaps I would get another 12 years or so out of the starter even with the oil leak?

What do you guys think?
 
tcbonline said:
I've got some new info on this. I took it into the dealer this morning and they said I had a bad starter that is being caused by oil leaking down from the valve cover gasket. They say I need to replace the valve cover gasket and the starter motor to the tune of over $800!!

I'm thinking about taking it to an independent shop for a 2nd opinion or at least get hopefully a better quote.

What's really strange to me is I see no oil on the ground in my garage. I'm surprised that there's enough oil leakage to make the starter go bad. I'm wondering if I could roll the dice and have them just replace the starter only and not fix the supposed oil leak?

Perhaps I would get another 12 years or so out of the starter even with the oil leak?

What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

I would buy the parts you need (contacts, plunger, valve cover gaskets) and take it elsewhere if you are not going to do the work yourself.....should save you about 700 dollars.
I don't think that the oil leak has done anything to your starter. (except given the dealership a way to charge you for a new one.)

PM me about if you are interested in getting OEM parts online, you can save some cash.
 
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