Problem starting, what should I look for?

T

toastybroski

New member
I have been having starter issues for a couple of months now with today being the first day I couldn't start it at all. I am currently at work so it will take me a bit to test everything, but I was looking for suggestions where to start. Battery is a little over a year old.

Issue: About a month ago I started having issues with the 4runner not starting when cold (this is around the same time the temperature started dropping). When I turn the key all the power goes on like normal but there is no clicking or any sound from the starter and no cranking. I originally thought this might have been a clutch start button problem but by hitting the clutch start cancel it still wont crank. Usually it will start on the 2nd or 3rd try and runs and starts fast.

What should I start testing? I assume the starter relay and battery should be my first place to check? This is my fourth problem in the last 2 months and am looking for a relatively cheap and easy fix.

This is a 1996 4runner manual sr5 4x4.
 
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Make sure your battery posts and cable connections are clean and tight. You can buy a terminal and post cleaner at any auto parts store. Next make sure all your ground connections are tight and corrosion-free. I'd also check the power cable connection to the starter.

This definitely sounds like a poor connection issue.
 
The starter "click" is very faint, so I wouldn't rule out the starter completely since it's the most common no-start issue with these 4Runners as they age. However, double check your clutch sensor behind the pedal to make sure it's contacting the arm when you depress the clutch to crank the engine. Sometimes this sensor can wear down over time and you have to take off the lock nut, adjust the sensor closer, and lock it back down. Happened on my '91.
 
I had a similar problem several years back. I don't recall the symptoms exactly, and I don't have any bookmarks saved on this issue. I do remember finding out on here about a problem with a contact inside the starter. I spent a good deal of time removing the starter, which was a difficult task, taking the starter apart (much easier than getting the starter out of the vehicle), and replacing a contact inside it. I recall that contact cost less than $30, which saved me from buying an entire starter.

Once you check all of you connections, etc., as mentioned above, if it still looks like it might be the starter itself, then you could do some research on here about that. Unless someone happens to have links to that already saved, and can post them.
 
So I tried to jump it which completely failed. I also removed all of the contacts and cleaned them with terminal cleaner. The starter is making a single loud click and then not doing anything else. I assume its probably the starter contact then?
 
toastybroski said:
So I tried to jump it which completely failed. I also removed all of the contacts and cleaned them with terminal cleaner. The starter is making a single loud click and then not doing anything else. I assume its probably the starter contact then?
Click to expand...

Yep! That'd be the starter. Lucky for you, the starter is very simple to remove on a manual transmission. You should be able to remove it, replace the starter contacts and install it in about 1 hour.
 
gamefreakgc said:
Yep! That'd be the starter. Lucky for you, the starter is very simple to remove on a manual transmission. You should be able to remove it, replace the starter contacts and install it in about 1 hour.
Click to expand...

Sweet, I actually got it to turn over by hitting it with a hammer (not that hard). What method of taking it out do you suggest? The sway bar bolts through the wheel well?
 
toastybroski said:
Sweet, I actually got it to turn over by hitting it with a hammer (not that hard). What method of taking it out do you suggest? The sway bar bolts through the wheel well?
Click to expand...

I can't help woth that, as I did mine as PM during a clutch swap. But you should be aware the 5speed has a smaller starter (1.4kW instead of 1.6?--not sure of the auto size) and uses differrent parts than the slushboxes. This kit was perect for my 1.4kW:

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B0031HMS7C/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Working fine since 2013.
 
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toastybroski said:
Sweet, I actually got it to turn over by hitting it with a hammer (not that hard). What method of taking it out do you suggest? The sway bar bolts through the wheel well?
Click to expand...

Here you go Bro:

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WV1t5-wcoOI" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
 
Well the repair went really smoothly and it started right up. Unfortunately when I turned it back on it was just a click again and it is much worse now than it was. Took me about 30 tries and it eventually fired up. Then I got a check engine p0171 code. Is this due to trying to get the engine to turn so many times?

When I try to start the car all of the lights on the dash dim and the clock completely goes out. Assuming I did the contacts correctly what else could be the issue and why would it be worse right after replacing the contacts? Hitting the starter is the only way to get it to start up. I am thinking of just buying a rebuilt starter and maybe a new starter cable
 
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I've had loose battery terminals cause this symptom.

Fix your OEM starter. Aftermarket typically isn't the same quality.
 
UlX0G-7mnoA
heat said:
I've had loose battery terminals cause this symptom.

Fix your OEM starter. Aftermarket typically isn't the same quality.
Click to expand...

How would hitting the starter make it star if it was battery terminals. I rebuilt the contacts and plunger. Not sure what else i could do to it. I was having a weird noise while starting on real cold days before all these problems happened. Not sure if it's related.

I am trying an oem denso reman from Rock Auto.

https://youtu.be/UlX0G-7mnoA
 
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