Starting issue

[stevestoy]

Hey Yall,

I have a little problem with my 2003 V8 4wd lmtd. When I start it I sporadically get no sound a pause and then it starts. I replaced the battery a few weeks ago and thought that did the trick, but it did it again a few days later. I then took it to my mechanic who thought it was the starter but was not sure enough for me spend $640.00 to replace it without being sure of the diagnosis. Now I'm waiting to see if it completely stops when I need it most.

Any help or insite would be appreciated.

Love my Toy,
Steve

 

[MikesToy]

Welcome aboard! Did you replace your spark plugs ever?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

You might be due for a starter. If the battery is good, all the cables tight and clean, you might have a failing starter solenoid. The solenoid is attached to the starter and is part of getting a new starter.

 

[stevestoy]

I haven't changed the plugs yet, just turned 80k, probably not a bad idea though.

 

[stevestoy]

Is $640.00 a fair price, I suppose most of it is labor.

 

[MikesToy]

Is $640.00 a fair price, I suppose most of it is labor.

Not for spark plugs.

 

[stevestoy]

The $640 is for a new starter quote.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I looked at www.Partznet.com, the starter is expensive. That starter is fairly labor intensive to replace. The intake has to come off, you have to buy coolant and some misc gaskets. I am sure any shop that specializes in Toyotas could do it for a little less but it's a big job.

 

[stevestoy]

Thanks Chris. I trust my mechanic, it just seemed a little high especially without knowing for sure it was the starter.

Steve

 

[progress4m]

Thanks Chris. I trust my mechanic, it just seemed a little high especially without knowing for sure it was the starter.

Steve

That sounds like one of the classic symptoms with starter contacts (I believe all 3 rd gen 4Runner had that after 100K). It was $5.00 parts and 3 hours labor DYI.
So if you going to your mechanic I would ask him to check starter contacts first… at least you will not have to pay for new starter just a labor.