I have a 1998 4Runner, and when i turn the key to start the car there is a clicking noise and the car will not start. But some other times when i go out to start it, it starts right away and runs fine. Please comment if you have any idea what the problem could be. It would be greatly appreciated. -Jesse
Starting Problem
- Thread starter phillyj88
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MARSHALLMAY
New member
starter is going out, i had a '90 celica that did the same thing until one day nothing. Good thing it was a 5spd
Try this
I had the same problem with a 96 Tacoma (75K miles on it). I looked into buying a new starter, but the OEM starter was about $200, and a starter from Pep Boy's would'be been about $140.
I ended up going to a guy who owned a small mechanic shop, specializing in Starters & Alternators. After checking out my truck, he said it was a "key" in the starter that had worn out ( a very small part in the starter).
He removed my starter, installed a new key, and it worked like a champ ever since. I ended up selling the truck at 120K miles. The final bill came out to ONLY $40.00.
Stop by a shop like that and see what they can do.
I had the same problem with a 96 Tacoma (75K miles on it). I looked into buying a new starter, but the OEM starter was about $200, and a starter from Pep Boy's would'be been about $140.
I ended up going to a guy who owned a small mechanic shop, specializing in Starters & Alternators. After checking out my truck, he said it was a "key" in the starter that had worn out ( a very small part in the starter).
He removed my starter, installed a new key, and it worked like a champ ever since. I ended up selling the truck at 120K miles. The final bill came out to ONLY $40.00.
Stop by a shop like that and see what they can do.
Try this
Let me rephrase this.
In my situation, when I tried to start it, there was a "click", and nothing else. I would then try it again, from 2-7 more try's in a period of less the 2 minutes, and then it would start up like normal. This is an indication of a worn "key".
HOWEVER:
If you try to start it but get the "click", and you HAVE to wait about 30 minutes, then that is an indication that your solenoid is overheating. After waiting about 20-30 minutes, your solenoid cools down enough to allow it to turn the starter motor.
If this is the problem, then you'll need to replace the solenoid. I forget the price that the mechanic quoted me on replacing the solenoid. I think it is quite a bit more to replace the solenoid, and you may as well just opt for purchasing a remanufactured starter assembly.
I was lucky enough to find an honest mechanic who only fixed what needed to be fixed, because he had a chance to pull a fast one on me, but he didn't.
Get a quote first!
Let me rephrase this.
In my situation, when I tried to start it, there was a "click", and nothing else. I would then try it again, from 2-7 more try's in a period of less the 2 minutes, and then it would start up like normal. This is an indication of a worn "key".
HOWEVER:
If you try to start it but get the "click", and you HAVE to wait about 30 minutes, then that is an indication that your solenoid is overheating. After waiting about 20-30 minutes, your solenoid cools down enough to allow it to turn the starter motor.
If this is the problem, then you'll need to replace the solenoid. I forget the price that the mechanic quoted me on replacing the solenoid. I think it is quite a bit more to replace the solenoid, and you may as well just opt for purchasing a remanufactured starter assembly.
I was lucky enough to find an honest mechanic who only fixed what needed to be fixed, because he had a chance to pull a fast one on me, but he didn't.
Get a quote first!
HerculesSR5
New member
I had the same problem as well. But I bought a rebuild kit off ebay for 15 bucks shipped. Did the work myself. Will take no more than 2 hours for a average mechanic. Goodluck!