Starter issue?

[takumi]

I have a 1999 4Runner Limited with the 3.4L

The 4Runner has about 250 k miles on it. I bought it used, so I don't know the history or if the starter has ever been replaced. I replaced the battery a few months ago. About 2 months ago I noticed when I turned the key to start the 4Runner, it wouldn't do anything, not a click, nothing. I turned the key again and it fired right up. This scenario has been happening more frequently now. I'm in Texas and the hotter it gets the more I notice this problem.

If this is a contact issue with the starter I don't mind replacing the whole starter, just wondering if the starter contact thing is part of the starter or a separate issue?

I have seen several threads on Starter Contacts rebuild / replacement. I'm not that mechanically handy, and since the 4Runner has so many miles on it and I don't know the history, seems like I should replace the starter, but wanted to be sure that would cover the Starter Contacts as well?

 

[Tucson4runner]

Yeah it should all be 1 piece if you were to buy a replacement.

Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

 

[reed8668]

I had the same problem with my 2000 Limited. Sometimes it made a clicking noise and then other times it would start. I just replaced the starter and never the issue again. I sold it to a friend and they have had no issues with it either in the past 2 years. Good luck!

 

[takumi]

So i was looking at a YouTube video on starter replacement.

1. Do i need to remove the transmission dipstick? Do you just unbolt it and move it out of the way or do you need to completely pull it out of there while you are changing the starter?

2. Also the video suggest to remove the break line fittings in that area. Is that necessary? If so do i just unbolt from the frame and move it aside, or will there be break fluid leaking and I need to add break fluid and bleed the breaks?

I'm just trying to determine how much work is involved and if i may need to take it to a mechanic.

 

[derpiful]

So i was looking at a YouTube video on starter replacement.

1. Do i need to remove the transmission dipstick? Do you just unbolt it and move it out of the way or do you need to completely pull it out of there while you are changing the starter?

2. Also the video suggest to remove the break line fittings in that area. Is that necessary? If so do i just unbolt from the frame and move it aside, or will there be break fluid leaking and I need to add break fluid and bleed the breaks?

I'm just trying to determine how much work is involved and if i may need to take it to a mechanic.

It shouldn't be too bad, I knocked mine out in a couple of hours.

1. I unbolted mine and removed it, but it's super easy. Should be 1 bolt and it pulls out, then just push it back in on reinstall.

2. I believe I did unbolt the bracket for the line and move it out of the way a bit, but never disconnected it, so there was no fluid to deal with. Just unbolting to gain more access.

 

[takumi]

Damn, just one bolt?

lol makes you wonder if that motha isn't gonna fall outa there while you're drivin down the raod

It shouldn't be too bad, I knocked mine out in a couple of hours.

1. I unbolted mine and removed it, but it's super easy. Should be 1 bolt and it pulls out, then just push it back in on reinstall.

2. I believe I did unbolt the bracket for the line and move it out of the way a bit, but never disconnected it, so there was no fluid to deal with. Just unbolting to gain more access.

 

[01thunder]

starter has 2 bolts. the dipstick tube has one. some folks have removed/moved things to get it out, some haven't. 4wd are harder to get out. it depends on your ability to fix things if you need to move stuff around or not. personally, i would replace the complete starter, as you said. though more money, i see no reason to just replace contacts when the rest of it is 250k miles old.

 

[mtbtim]

If you have a 4wd, people have found pulling the starter out via the wheel well the way to go. If you have a 2wd, you can supposedly remove the starter under the rig easily.

I recommend you fix your OEM starter. It's not really that hard to do and you'll save money. You do need basic tools and some longer half inch extensions to get to the "TWO" starter bolts (not ONE like one guy said). If you still think it's above your ability to do, maybe you have a family member or friend that could help you out.

Here'a a video I did pulling my starter and replacing the contacts. I pulled my starter out via the passenger side wheel well. Good luck!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WV1t5-wcoOI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[4Runner4TW]

Had the same issue. Replaced one of the starter contacts and have been good to go ever since

 

[RS Dude]

If you have a 4wd, people have found pulling the starter out via the wheel well the way to go. If you have a 2wd, you can supposedly remove the starter under the rig easily.

I recommend you fix your OEM starter. It's not really that hard to do and you'll save money. You do need basic tools and some longer half inch extensions to get to the "TWO" starter bolts (not ONE like one guy said). If you still think it's above your ability to do, maybe you have a family member or friend that could help you out.

Here'a a video I did pulling my starter and replacing the contacts. I pulled my starter out via the passenger side wheel well. Good luck!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WV1t5-wcoOI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

1000% correct...NEVER get rid of your Toyota starter...rebuild it or have someone help you do it.:third:

 

[mtbtim]

Another possibility that I just learned about via a thread on this forum is the "Neutral Safety Switch" could be causing the starting problem.

Here's the link to the thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/119812-99-not-starting-neutral-safety-switch.html

But, since your rig has so many miles on it and maybe you have the original starter, I'd replace the plunger and contacts first in your starter and then look into the Neutral Safety Switch possibility if you're still having the same issue.