Starting issue.

RoyBell · Sep 25, 2015

I picked up this 4runner a couple weeks ago. At first, it would click and no start only in the morning. Now it is doing it more and more to the point where I am not sure I want to take it out till I fix the problem.

I turn the key, and something clicks, lights dim, and nothing happens. I let go of switch and try to start again and usually it starts. Now it's doing it everytime I start and it's taking a couple turns before it goes.

I have read the Starter Contacts need to be cleaned or replaced?

I can rule out the battery because the PO just got a new one and the terminals look good. I have a feeling he was having this issue so got a new battery hoping it would fix it.

I thought it was the starter that needed to be replaced, but after reading around a little I am not sure. Any thoughts?

sbsponger · Sep 25, 2015

Check out the starter contacts thread. Same thing was happening to me and for a few bucks my 4runner starts right up every time. It was just a pain in the ass getting the starter out.

RoyBell · Sep 26, 2015

I picked up the contact pieces at the local auto parts store ($24). They weren't an exact match for the stock pieces which was a little annoying. I ended using all the stock pieces except the flat part. After I put it together with the new bolt, I didn't see how i could ever get the hot wire on it. The factory bolt did fit into the new piece fine.

I also brushed the shaft thing too and cleaned that up as well.

It doesn't appear to be possible to remove the starter without removing some other part of the car. I tried every possible way and it wouldn't come out. I gave up and just repaired it without removing it completely. I am sure there is a video or writeup somewhere, but I was too lazy to look for it.

Got it all back together and it cranks up great now. problem solved. Just in time too because I couldn't get it started to pull into the garage. I ended up pulling the relay and jumping the contacts in there and it eventually took.

2015-09-25_10-19-20 by RoyBelluomini, on Flickr

2015-09-25_10-18-15 by RoyBelluomini, on Flickr

2015-09-25_10-19-54 by RoyBelluomini, on Flickr

2015-09-25_10-20-06 by RoyBelluomini, on Flickr