Starting hesitation, no clicking, like a weak battery

[Four-CLT]

I've been struggling with this one for a week now.

I have intermittent starting issues on my 99 Runner, V6, Auto. Every 2-3 start, the vehicle hesitates to turn over...kind of like a dying battery. I have ruled out the battery. I replaced it 18 months ago and had it tested yesterday. Everything checks out. Alternator is also producing good Volts. I'm leaning towards starter contacts, but I'm not getting the tell-tale clicking sounds that I've heard on numerous You-Tube videos. Any insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[audiness]

Starter contacts are cheap and really easy to replace ( I don't even think you have to take the starter out ) I'd try those.

 

[Four-CLT]

I'm starting to lean heavily towards the contacts. I can sit there and try to crank 5 times and I will get the problem to repeat twice.

 

[Desert36]

I've been replacing all my parts with new (remanufactured?) parts from O'rieleys, lifetime warranty, everything works as it should, just replace the whole starter.

 

[Four-CLT]

After much struggle and 1 hour's worth of tedious work, I got the eff-ing starter out. It took a bit of coaxing, but I got it out through the wheel well...with the bendix pointing to the engine. All I had to do was remove the the upper tranny dipstick tube and remove both brake line support bolts. I didn't disconnect the brakes lines. Once out I took the cover off and the contacts look nasty and deeply grooved. I am headed to the dealer tomorrow to get the correct ones. I felt like I won the lottery! I will let you know how it turns out and post some pictures as well.

 

[Four-CLT]

I have the starter with the new contacts in and it starts great! It really didn't take much time at all getting it back in.

This is where I found the most information on this job: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/63228-another-starter-contacts-removal-thread.html

There were a few differences with my vehicle. It think it all depends on 2wd/4wd, transmission type, California exhaust, etc. I didn't have to contend with an exhaust bracket on mine.

The first image is the old contacts. Note the groove on the larger one. The second image is the part number for the rebuild kits. I paid $19 each. The kits come with all of the hardware.