Starting issue.. Help Please!

R

rox5488

New member
Hi everyone, I read pretty regularly but rarely post.

Today I ran into an issue I am hoping maybe someone knows an answer or suggestion to.

I work near my house and had to go home at lunchtime. I went out to my 4runner (99 w/103,000 miles) and turned the key and click. Just one solid Click. Not multiple clicks like when your battery is low and doesn't have enough to cranke the engine. SO I released the key from the start position and hit it again... Vroom. Turned over and started and seemed fine. Drove home and ate my lunch etc. Went out to the runner to go back to work. Hit the key. and one click. So I let off and hit it again. but this time no go. I proceeded to try it about 8 to 10 more times. Nothing. The lights, gauges, clock etc were all on and worked fine. I also did not suspect my battery as it is only 3 months old. I had just replaced the original with this one. In any case I called and got a ride to work and finished the day. came home and tried it again a few times. Just click. one single click when you turn the key. Odd I though. anyway I took the battery and charged it JUST in case. it wasn't low but I let it charge anyway. Hooked it all back up. Same deal. Then in an effort to make something happened I hit the start position about 4 or 5 times really fast. Like run/start run/start position rapidly. at about the 4th time it wanted to turn the engine over. like it came free or something. I then did it again and held it and it started fine. took it for a ride and came home and shut it off. I then tried to start it again and shut the engine on and off completely 4 more times and each time it started just fine.

I have not idea what that way but it worries me a bit. some people told me to check my starting selinoid. Don't know where that is or if a 4runner even has one. and one guy said maybe a bad spot on the start itself.

If anyone out there has any idea please let me know! Thanks
 
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Sounds like you need a new starter. I also have a 99. Mine has 130k miles, and at about 120k i was having the same problem...it would start fine sometimes and at other times, i would just get one click. I too had changed my battery not too long ago, so I was pretty certain that wasn't the issue. I popped in a new starter that I picked up at the auto parts store, and sure enough it solved the problem and it's been fine ever since. I don't remember exactly how much it cost, but it wasn't too much. It was kind of a pain in the ass to put in, but luckily I had the help of someone who knew how to do it.
 
At that mileage you might be better off just spending the little extra and replacing the entire starter. I had a 99 tacoma with the exact same symptoms - bolted on a new starter and the problem was fixed.
 
my ol celica was doing the same thing just before i sold it. it would usually crank after a dozen or so clicks. good thing i sold it.
 
actually, the toyota starter is very stout. they have a good reputation for lasting a long time, and usually just replacing the contacts is just fine. i have almost 100,000 on my '96, and i took my starter apart to replace the contacts. the teeth are in great shape, and everything else was solid, just dirty so i cleaned it. id save the 200 and buy something else other than a starter.
 
Well I ordered the contacts the other day. Should be in this week.

I agree that there is absolutely no reason to spend $200 when you don't need too. many people replace a starter when its just a contact... etc.

I talked to my toyota parts guy locally and he agreed. He said he thinks its probably the number 1 replaced part on a Toyota that is unneeded because the starter otherwise is fine. Its the $20 contacts that need replaced.
 
Tell me how!

I am experiencing the same prob to the T. What's all involved in changing the starter on a 99 4Runner? Pain? Firestone wanted to charge me $350!!!
 
Jaywill

If it is just the contacts (as it was in my case) its about $30 to buy them (buy both sides since while you have it apart it only makes sense) and its probably about 2 to 3 hours labor. Not always fun labor! and make sure you have metric sizes or you can forget it of course.

You will be twisting around and such. YOu have to pull the right front tire to get at the area of the starter to remove it. You have to move / bend the brake lines out of the way and then basically remove the starter. YOu'll need a pretty decent size socket extension to get in there too. Probably 16" anyway. I don't recall. I am lucky as I had all the tools so that wasn't an issue for me.

Otherwise as you said take it to a garage and have them do it....
 
This is my first post, but I have been lurking for about 2 months. I had the same problem with my '98 at about 126,000. Conveniently right after I bought it at 125,000. I replaced the contacts and the plunger about 3 weeks ago and it took me about 1:45 from tools out to putting them away. That was definitely the problem. My starter fit between the bell housing and the top of the steering rack. Really quite a simple job. Now Rox, I must ask, where in J-town are you. I live in the flood city as well. Good luck with your repair.
 
Welcome to my life yeah i have to replace my starter, on my 99 4runner with 3.4L, I looked online and I went with auto zone its like 180 before the core then it comes down to 129.00

good luck
 
crigo

I actually live down in Bedford now! When I first joined the forum I lived out near Sidman... But noone knows where that is so I always just put Johnstown since at least that is on a map! heh.
 
I'm having the same problem with my 99' Tacoma, 86,000 miles. I'm glad this has been posted, I was about to get a new starter, but if it's just the contacts, I could save a lot of money. Whenever I get in to start it, I just hear a click, click, then it starts. seems to be the same symptoms as the ones stated in this thread.
 
My buddy was telling me that I'm going to just have to replace the whole thing. And that the starter solenoid is built into it, and thats what might be the issue
 
Logans,

Your buddy is right, the solenoid is built into the starter, but the contacts are serviceable. Once the starter is out, it's only about 10 minutes to clean it up and replace the parts. I would recommend replacing the plunger too, if repair is the path you choose. Mine was pretty well gnarled from the arcing.
 
Holy Thread Resurrection!

I am having this same problem, anyone know of a DIY link to servicing a starter?

Thanks.
 
I've had this same problem a handful of times in the last 3 years I've owned my 4runner. I have a remote start installed on my 4runner so everytime it happens, I just start it remotely and it runs fine. Don't know why this happens or why it starts when I do it remotely. Any ideas??
 
if you can find a shop that will rebuild your starter that could be a cheap route if you do have to replace it... i had to do this with my 00 GTI... only cost me $90 to rebuild...

i just drove up they took out it and put it back in good as new... plus it's OEM cuz it's the one it came with...
 
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