rpearlberg
New member
2001 4Runner woulnd't start this morning. makes a continuous clicking while turning the key. some of the dash lights come on, no radio.
Battery?
Starter?
Something else?
Battery?
Starter?
Something else?
won't start...clicking noise
- Thread starter rpearlberg
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NorthShore4Runner
New member
Battery
rpearlberg
New member
I'm hoping that's all it is. Trying to get another year out of this beast.
LilDrunkenSmurf
New member
Battery. If it's trying, and failing, there's just not enough power. Easy test? Boost it.
rpearlberg
New member
Thanks, going to try to get a jump tonight when I get home.
TheDurk
Elite Member
That still doesn't tell you if it's a weak battery failing due to age or abuse or a weak battery due to a non-performing charging system. It could be either--or both, because bad alternator can kill a battery.
You should:
Charge and load test the battery.
If good, or once it's replaced if bad, verify if battery voltage is 13.5-14.5 volts with engine running, showing a good charging system.
Last edited:
ajonesnv
New member
Not accurate.
Not to say it couldn't be contacts on either end, but a bad or dead-enough battery will cause clicking at the starter.
I would start by trying to clean the start contacts. I had the exact same issue. I could turn it over and it would only click and then all of a sudden it would start. Pull the contacts ensure they are clean and not corroded. After a little sanding put a little grease (for electric contacts) and trying starting her up should correct the issue.
JM
JM
19963.4lsr5
New member
+1
Need to verify battery voltage and charging voltage too.
If everything checks out its time for a starter rebuild. The contact in the starter solenoid (the single klick) when energized puts battery voltage to the starter brushes.
19963.4lsr5
New member
Also get one of these or something similar. It takes all the guess work out of the charging system.
IBallEngineer
New member
Is it just me, or do people reply without reading the OP question?
:tape2:
:tape2:
19963.4lsr5
New member
ben550
New member
Don't over think things. Never go full geardo on an issue. Think easy first. It sounds like you battery is dead.
Jump the truck. Drive to any auto parts store. Ask them to test the battery for you/check the age of the battery. If its old and dead buy a new one. Have them install it and remove/discard your old one.
Should be good to go.
Jump the truck. Drive to any auto parts store. Ask them to test the battery for you/check the age of the battery. If its old and dead buy a new one. Have them install it and remove/discard your old one.
Should be good to go.
IBallEngineer
New member
Well since you asked, I'll use your post as an example.
Originally Posted by jkoni426 View Post
I'm gonna go with starter contacts... I don't think you would even get a click with a dead battery.
+1
Need to verify battery voltage and charging voltage too.
If everything checks out its time for a starter rebuild. The contact in the starter solenoid (the single klick) when energized puts battery voltage to the starter brushes.
I highlighted two things. Which are condemning the starter contacts, and explaining the contacts. Good info, but I don't think they are relevant to the OP's problem. Key thing the OP said below.
makes a continuous clicking while turning the key. some of the dash lights come on, no radio.
Not all the lights, NO RADIO. Just not a starter contact issue. It's a low voltage issue. Just sayin'
eep:19963.4lsr5
New member
That's why I added to check the charging and battery. First. Then look at starter.
Thank you for pointing it out rather than sit in the sidelines and be a critic.
But there are as many views on engine won't start as there are oil experts. Some people can't even say it klicks.
Thank you for pointing it out rather than sit in the sidelines and be a critic.
But there are as many views on engine won't start as there are oil experts. Some people can't even say it klicks.
SlickmisterN
New member
Order of operations is always important. Of course start with the simple things and progress, I just think alot of folks have had this exact issue and can pin point a diagnosis based on the given symptoms...
With that said, thanks to this forum I just completed replacement of the starter contacts on my new to me 2000 5speed, 4x4 when I got the dreaded click:...no start. click:...no start.... on my first outing no less!
Turns out removing the starter is super simple on a manual trans. I did everything on my back from just behind the front sway bar. I disconnected the pushclip harness and 12mm nut under a press-on plastic sheath for the power cable, the 2 14mm nuts holding the starter on were easily accessible and it dropped right out from behind aforementioned sway bar. No finagling or bending brake lines in the fender well. And the best thing is I did it without jacking up the car or removing a wheel!
With that said, thanks to this forum I just completed replacement of the starter contacts on my new to me 2000 5speed, 4x4 when I got the dreaded click:...no start. click:...no start.... on my first outing no less!
Turns out removing the starter is super simple on a manual trans. I did everything on my back from just behind the front sway bar. I disconnected the pushclip harness and 12mm nut under a press-on plastic sheath for the power cable, the 2 14mm nuts holding the starter on were easily accessible and it dropped right out from behind aforementioned sway bar. No finagling or bending brake lines in the fender well. And the best thing is I did it without jacking up the car or removing a wheel!
rpearlberg
New member
Thanks everyone, this is what I did. All is good now.
