Starting issues after long trips!?

[AF808fighter]

I just drove home for christmas, about 8 hours. Went out to the truck the next morning and it wouldn't start, took about 6 turns of the key. There was no clicking or anything. The gauges lit up just fine. When it started up I drove it for a few minutes and had no problems after that. I had this issue 2 months ago after doing the same road trip so I had the starter replaced. The battery and alternator are also new.

 

[audiness]

Is the motor cranking but not firing, or is it not cranking.

Starting problems are either Voltage, Spark or Fuel related (usually).

 

[AF808fighter]

I'm asking about an electrical issue. when this problem arises, there is no cranking, no response from the ignition. The characteristics are that of a bad starter, but the starter is new. I was just trying to see if any one on the forums has experienced this.

 

[nissanh]

It's due to the cold weather. My truck is fine, but my car for the last 5 years doing this. All I do is hold the key in the start position about 2-3 seconds until the starter spins. I do this repeatedly if no start in the first place. Everything is good in my car. I replaced the contacts about 10 K miles ago.

When did you last replaced your starter contacts?

 

[KHoffRunner]

Could be your starter contacts.

 

[AF808fighter]

The starter is new, therefore the contacts are new....

 

[LittleCaesar]

My uncle had a 1st gen Avalon that did the same thing (he was a machinist rep for Cat). It turned out to be the fuel pump. After 220,000 miles it would not keep pressure after a long trip. It may be worth checking in to.

Also look at the EFI fuse as well.

I take it there are no CEL codes then?

 

[AF808fighter]

No CEL, definately not a fuel pump, its not starved of fuel. Its just not getting power to the NEW starter once in a while. Turn the key and the dash lights up with full battery power but the starter doesn't click. No sounds at all.

 

[nissanh]

Autozone starter?

 

[AF808fighter]

Advanced Auto parts. Prob not much better, but even a crappy brand shouldn't go out after 6000 miles

 

[boostincoupe2]

Advanced Auto parts. Prob not much better, but even a crappy brand shouldn't go out after 6000 miles

I'll bet you good money that's the problem. I went through two bad AutoZone starters in the last year. Finally put a low-mileage used OEM starter in and she's good to go. Got my money back, you probably can too.

They are garbage.

 

[TRD 4RNR]

+1

I had the exact same symptoms - and it turned out to be my starter.

I'll bet you good money that's the problem. I went through two bad AutoZone starters in the last year. Finally put a low-mileage used OEM starter in and she's good to go. Got my money back, you probably can too.

They are garbage.

 

[AF808fighter]

Right on guys, thanks for the info. I'll look into a better brand or OEM. That thing is pain to replace, I ended up paying a shop to do it which I hate doing.

 

[LittleCaesar]

The previous owner of my 4runner put in a NAPA starter. That was over six years ago. No problems at all.

 

[nissanh]

The previous owner of my 4runner put in a NAPA starter. That was over six years ago. No problems at all.

That's why I buy NAPA parts if I cannot locate OEM parts.

I always believe, used good TOYOTA parts are far more superior than brand new aftermarket parts. I bought after market U joints and installed them. Still there was a slight free play. Threw it in trash and bought a drive line from junk yard with 300 K miles, and absolutely not a bit of free play.

Buy a used starter, put new contacts, lube the internal wheels and you are good for at least 150 K miles!! PM me if you need a used OEM starter