Starting problem.........

[smallfry]

Before I get flamed saying use the search function. I've been doing so.

Last weekend my 4runner had a difficult time starting. You know that whole click, click thing. So after a few failed attempts to start it I pop the hood to find both the battery terminals covered in that white crap (don't remember the correct name for that crap). So I go ahead and clean the terminals and the clamps and tigthen everything back down.

I go to start it up again and it starts but it's really sluggish to start (the inside lights didn't go dim when starting). So I drove it around for a little while to see if that would help but it didn't. What I did notice was after it had warmed up it would start easier but it was still sluggish. Kind of like a low battery type start (again the lights go dim when starting).

It's been doing this all week, so I'm wondering what you all think it might be.

Battery that is dying or the starter is starting to take a dump (been reading up on the threads about replacing the starter contacts)?

Hopefully, this makes sense.

 

[wildryan]

Speaking of starter contacts, I think I might need to replace mine very soon.

Does anyone have a list of the tools that are needed to complete this task. From what I can understand, it is quite tricky to remove the starter/housing and replace the contacts. I am without access to a garage, but am willing to purchase the tools needed to complete this job.

 

[notrayray]

Before I get flamed saying use the search function. I've been doing so.

Last weekend my 4runner had a difficult time starting. You know that whole click, click thing. So after a few failed attempts to start it I pop the hood to find both the battery terminals covered in that white crap (don't remember the correct name for that crap). So I go ahead and clean the terminals and the clamps and tigthen everything back down.

I go to start it up again and it starts but it's really sluggish to start (the inside lights didn't go dim when starting). So I drove it around for a little while to see if that would help but it didn't. What I did notice was after it had warmed up it would start easier but it was still sluggish. Kind of like a low battery type start (again the lights go dim when starting).

It's been doing this all week, so I'm wondering what you all think it might be.

Battery that is dying or the starter is starting to take a dump (been reading up on the threads about replacing the starter contacts)?

Hopefully, this makes sense.

How old is the battery? It should be tested.
If it's the original panasonic battery, it's probably time for a new one.

Speaking of starter contacts, I think I might need to replace mine very soon.

Does anyone have a list of the tools that are needed to complete this task. From what I can understand, it is quite tricky to remove the starter/housing and replace the contacts. I am without access to a garage, but am willing to purchase the tools needed to complete this job.

Part numbers are in my sig link along with a link to a writeup on replacing the contacts.

 

[fourwd1]

The first thing would be to have the battery tested, and go from there.
Anything else would just be guessing.

 

[smallfry]

Can a mod delete this thread??

Kind of realized I posted a stupid question.

 

[Jon]

it's been answered so not really a dumb question. I'd get a new battery (Optima Yellow Top)

 

[racerunner]

That happened to me a few months ago.I cleaned the battery cables,it started fine for a couple of days.I finally replaced the battery,and it worked fine for about 2 weeks.Then it started doing it again.I thought maybe I had bought a defective battery.Then one morning the starter got stuck turning over I had to disconnect the battery.I decided to buy a new starter,but I stumbled upon the starter contacts replacement thread.I went ahead,and took it apart,and replaced the starter contacts.Its been working fine ever since.Btw contacts were only about 10 bucks.Hope this helps