Starter problem

[El_Guapo]

I have a 1997 4Runner Limited. When I start it up, just as the engine starts I hear a grinding sound. This only happens about once in every 10 starts. Would a new starter solve this or is there more I need to look into?

Also, what starters you had good luck with?

 

[Ron Helmuth]

could be as simple as the contacts. Or it might be more complicated...

The starters themselves rarely go bad. go to 4crawler.com and read up a bit.

Carry a fire extinguisher with you just in case, there have been a few documented occurrences where the starter wiring begins to fry and it can be disastrous.

Let an expert hear it...get their opinion. Turn it on and off the 10 times necessary if you have to- to make it happen for their ears.

here is a recent thread with great photos to explain how to get to your starter and change out the contacts without removing it completely:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...arter-contacts-removal-thread.html#post539232

 

[MikesToy]

Check your alternator or have it tested. Or maybe you might need a new battery.