Weird starting problem

[Shawn274]

I have a 3.4 97 4 runner. When I tried starting it this morning it made a horrible noise. Cracking and popping, the motor wouldn't turn it just shook real bad. Sometimes when u try it, it tries to turn for a split second then just quits. The battery tested good. Any ideas?

 

[andy2008]

Have you replaced starter before?

 

[Shawn274]

I don't think I have. I thought it was the starter seein how it worked fine when I parked it but it makes a noise unlike any starter problem I've ever had! Lol. Are u thinking that's about all it could be?

 

[andy2008]

Just thinking cheapest and first thing to usually go bad?

 

[agloukhoff]

Probably starter, if it's not spinning fast enough it will not be able to engage the flexplate/flywheel. Is it particularly cold?

The worst case scenario is that your flywheel/flexplate is missing teeth and what you hear is the starter grinding itself to death on it...

 

[Shawn274]

I'll take the starter off and have it checked. Best place to start I guess. Thanks for the help