Replaced starter contact but now there is no power to vehicle

[BLT]

Hey guys - I own a '97 4runner 4x2 Automatic - I used some of the amazing threads here to tackle a starter contact replacement - After removing the starter and opening the solenoid the larger copper contact looked exactly like in the pictures of previous threads - I was stoked that it was worn down like I expected and immediately replaced it, put the starter back together, reinstalled the starter, reconnected first the wire with the plastic connector and then the wire with the bolt on connecter - I reconnected the battery - NO POWER TO VEHICLE AT ALL - I went back in and un bolted the bolt on wire and VOILA - All electrical systems worked perfectly (except the starter obviously) - What possibly could I have done wrong when reinstalling the starter??? - I reinstalled everything in reverse order of removal - I dont see any frayed cables - Im not sure where to start - I might mention that I am a mechanical and electrical novice - Can anybody out there lend words of wisdom???

 

[cj80cruiser]

Hey guys - I own a '97 4runner 4x2 Automatic - I used some of the amazing threads here to tackle a starter contact replacement - After removing the starter and opening the solenoid the larger copper contact looked exactly like in the pictures of previous threads - I was stoked that it was worn down like I expected and immediately replaced it, put the starter back together, reinstalled the starter, reconnected first the wire with the plastic connector and then the wire with the bolt on connecter - I reconnected the battery - NO POWER TO VEHICLE AT ALL - I went back in and un bolted the bolt on wire and VOILA - All electrical systems worked perfectly (except the starter obviously) - What possibly could I have done wrong when reinstalling the starter??? - I reinstalled everything in reverse order of removal - I dont see any frayed cables - Im not sure where to start - I might mention that I am a mechanical and electrical novice - Can anybody out there lend words of wisdom???

I remember hooking up a wire on the outside of the starter when running the bolts back through....did you miss that when putting it back together?

I'm not talking about the one under your truck. I'm talking about one on the starter

 

[cj80cruiser]

I hope memory serves me correct but I believe its the one in the picture that I'm referring to.

 

[BLT]

Good thought - but I did not touch that attachment - the covering is still on it and it is not touching metal anywhere - I did spray break cleaner on a rag and clean out the inside of the solenoid before reassembling - I assumed this was OK.....

 

[cj80cruiser]

If you took that bolt out and changed that contact you had to have taken it off.

 

[CoMarc]

I'm no electrical genius, but it sounds like a short somewhere to do with the starter-like an open circuit. I unfortunately didn't have this problem when I replaced my contacts. I did remove both cables from the starter when I did the replacement and then reconnected them afterwards.

You might use a volt meter to check voltages on the starter. Sorry I can't be more of help.

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