Whirring slow start

[yota-leh-eue]

Hi!

I have had a developing starting issue. Seemed as though it was clicking to start initially then developed into a sluggish whirring slow start. Also with the added bonus of a check engine light. I havnt ran the code as I’m weary to take it to the parts store to test to not have it start again.Literally now takes 30ish seconds to turnover.

I’ve checked the battery which is 6 months old and has the right voltage. No real corrosion on the terminals.

Initially I thought the contacts were my issue, but as I put it off a couple weeks it seems that it might be something inside the starter perhaps the plunger.

Thinking about getting a refurb denso, but don’t want to replace unless I was pretty confident it was the issue.

Any guesses?
Help WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

 

[Skulking]

Hi!

I have had a developing starting issue. Seemed as though it was clicking to start initially then developed into a sluggish whirring slow start. Also with the added bonus of a check engine light. I havnt ran the code as I’m weary to take it to the parts store to test to not have it start again.Literally now takes 30ish seconds to turnover.

I’ve checked the battery which is 6 months old and has the right voltage. No real corrosion on the terminals.

Initially I thought the contacts were my issue, but as I put it off a couple weeks it seems that it might be something inside the starter perhaps the plunger.

Thinking about getting a refurb denso, but don’t want to replace unless I was pretty confident it was the issue.

Any guesses?
Help WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!!

If you really don't want to take it to a parts store to pull the code, you can get a decent bluetooth OBDII reader for ~$20.

 

[spartacus]

Rebuilt the starter yourself. Even if it's not bad refurbishing would make it work like new. Cost effective and better then the junk at auto shops.
Here is video.
Starter Removal and Solenoid Repair - YouTube

 

[jgue467]

Battery needs at least 12.7V but over 13 will spin starter faster.

If that is good then it is probably the starter contacts. Not too difficult a DIY job and less than $20 in parts. 4runner starters don't really fail, the contacts wear out leading to the clicking and iffy starts.

Search on here, there is lots of info available. Luck.

 

[yota-leh-eue]

Thanks guys for the input! the video is super helpful. Im working up the stamina to tackle this job. not looking forward to loosening 245,000 mile bolts...

Seems the starter contacts/plunger is the unanimous vote.

 

[yota-leh-eue]

Contacts/plunger not the fix

So after pulling the starter and changing the contacts/plunger and giving her a thorough cleanse, I still have the same issue.

When I turn the key to start, it sounds like it doesn’t have enough power to turn over. I have checked the voltage on the battery which is only a few months old and it looks good.

Could it just be the starter is toast and a reman Denso would be the fix? Other than the starter what else could it be?

 

[thegipper]

So after pulling the starter and changing the contacts/plunger and giving her a thorough cleanse, I still have the same issue.

When I turn the key to start, it sounds like it doesn’t have enough power to turn over. I have checked the voltage on the battery which is only a few months old and it looks good.

Could it just be the starter is toast and a reman Denso would be the fix? Other than the starter what else could it be?

I would inspect and clean all of the grounds. You could have great battery voltage but if your grounds are bad, it won't crank over well.

Follow the negative battery cables to the various ground locations and clean them up.

 

[Skulking]

So after pulling the starter and changing the contacts/plunger and giving her a thorough cleanse, I still have the same issue.

When I turn the key to start, it sounds like it doesn’t have enough power to turn over. I have checked the voltage on the battery which is only a few months old and it looks good.

Could it just be the starter is toast and a reman Denso would be the fix? Other than the starter what else could it be?

Did you check the voltage while cranking?

 

[Bad Luck]

Check your voltage while cranking and do a voltage drop test on the starter positive cable while cranking too.

 

[Devbot]

Autoparts stores will give you a load test for free and that will give you a much better idea if your batt is dying or not. It sounds like yours is dropping to ~6v when cranking. If you try and use a warranty on the battery they'll probably ask for one anyways, depending on who you went through
Ironically I'm going through a very similar issue right now and going to get a load test today. Batt suddenly drops voltage by half when cranking and during cranking only for some reason - and only 7 months old
If you've ever let your battery run flat, this could be a cause. Some can be easily damaged this way

 

[yota-leh-eue]

Just buy a rebuilt denso!

So because I was moving I ran out of time and had to drop off to my trusty Toyota mechanic.

Turns out the bendix gear was not engaging on the original starter. He put in a refurb Denso and were back in business. Turns out I could've picked up a a refurb Denso myself for 130 bucks and instead ended up regretting screwing around with contacts and spending several hundred on a repair. :frusty:

Lesson learned.

Thanks for all those who tried to help!