Symptoms of bad starter or contacts/wiring?

[CA->CO_Kevin]

So my 2003 V8 with 117k had developed an issue, but the issue has been around for about 5k at least. The issue involves the starter or should I say, the starting system.

Here's what has been happening:

I'll go to start the runner and just hear relays click. I'll turn to the on position: click. I'll turn to the off position: click. I'll repeat the process multiple times, often 3-9 sequences until it will finally start. Sometimes it will do the sequence of turning the key to start and then click. I'll do it again and it will turn over maybe one crank. The next time it will start like nothing happened.

It'll do this for weeks, then start flawlessly for a month or so. It currently is doing the sequences of not starting, and is requiring more time than ever to actually get it started.

I have zero issues replacing the starter, it wouldn't be the first time I've done one, just haven't done it in this runner. I've done the timing belt with no issues, and even a HG on my old 3.0. This starter doesn't scare me. I'm just hoping I can save a few bucks by changing something cheaper instead of the entire starter.

I have not done any diagnostic inspection as if yet.

 

[mrpurplepenguin]

Can you verify where the "click" you're hearing is coming from? I think there's both an external relay and the actual starter solenoid; either could be making the noise. Also, check your battery voltage; does it sag during the "click", do your lights dim, etc?

If the solenoid isn't firing, that's likely your problem. The normal diagnostic is to tap the solenoid with a hammer while another person turns the key, but the starter is located in a very inconvenient spot on this engine (it's on top of the engine between the cylinder banks); I'm not sure you have any access to it without removing the intake manifold. You could try tapping the rear of the engine block behind the intake manifold and see if that causes it to work.

The fact that it occasionally "turns over 1 crank" could also mean the starter motor itself is going out. Without a bit of diagnostic-ing, I don't have anything more meaningful for ya.

 

[radlynx]

I think it's the intermittent starter.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Could be the starter, it's buried under the intake manifold and injector rail (not sure why the UZ family of engines were designed that way, but they were...)

 

[Rocket61]

I had this problem! The symptoms you're describing sound similar. I wouldn't have any issues for weeks, then I'd go to start it and all I heard were clicks. The issue on my rig were the copper contacts in the starter. I took it to a shop and they replaced the contacts for $50 all in. No need for a new starter, those contacts just wear out. Mine went at about 130k miles.

 

[CA->CO_Kevin]

I had this problem! The symptoms you're describing sound similar. I wouldn't have any issues for weeks, then I'd go to start it and all I heard were clicks. The issue on my rig were the copper contacts in the starter. I took it to a shop and they replaced the contacts for $50 all in. No need for a new starter, those contacts just wear out. Mine went at about 130k miles.

That's what I was hoping to hear!

I'm waiting until my 3.0 pickup comes back from the doctor with a new HG before I dive into the Runner. I only have one vehicle at the moment, and don't want to be stuck with it torn apart when I need to make the inevitable run to the parts store.

 

[subspd]

I had this problem! The symptoms you're describing sound similar. I wouldn't have any issues for weeks, then I'd go to start it and all I heard were clicks. The issue on my rig were the copper contacts in the starter. I took it to a shop and they replaced the contacts for $50 all in. No need for a new starter, those contacts just wear out. Mine went at about 130k miles.

So this has just started happening to me. Was it cold weather related? Mine will just click some days others it cranks perfectly fine. Just trying to figure it out.

 

[DisguisedRope]

So this has just started happening to me. Was it cold weather related? Mine will just click some days others it cranks perfectly fine. Just trying to figure it out.

Do you have the V6 or the V8? I just replaced the contacts/plunger in my starter (V6) and did a write up on it.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/209957-replace-starter-contacts-plunger.html