JShaffer0525

back with another issue, who would have thought? lol.

anyhow, whenever i push my clutch it i get an odd buzzing/whirring noise.
what ive noticed-
-only happens when clutch is 100% depressed

-battery meter drops

-cd player has shut off and lost settings as though i removed the battery (this does not happen every time but i believe its related do to the battery meter dropping)

-check engine light comes on when the 4runner is started and the clutch is completely depressed. ive tried with the clutch start cancel button and i do not get the check engine light. sadly advance auto cant check obd 1 and all the shops are closed for the night. am i correct to assume the code is stored even after the light goes off?

-this does not just occur when the 4runner is started. its whenever the clutch is pressed all the way including when im driving and shifting though it doesnt have to be pressed all the way to shift.

im thinking the noise is coming from the starter though i have yet to confirm as i cant press the clutch and listen to the starter at the same time. when my neighbor comes home ill check it out.

all fluid levels are good if that matters. thats generally the first thing i check.



thanks,
jeff


edit- clarification

abecedarian

sounds like a short in the wiring connected to the clutch switch.
the clutch start cancel switch is in parallel / as an override with the clutch switch so you may not have the same 'noise' or battery / voltage issue when using it.

JShaffer0525

k, had the neighbor come out and start it while i was listening at the starter. of course it doesnt make the noise when i have help but i swear it will if im alone and trying to start it later tonight.

btw- the noise possibly sounds like the noise you get when you have your vehicle started and you turn the key again. i think thats a good way to describe it.


edited first post for clarification

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

Even if the clutch cancel switch was always connected/engaged, it would not be causing the issue. The switch isn't the problem. On my race cars, i bypass the clutch switch by jumping the connector, and tricking the system into thinking the clutch pedal is always depressed. That way i can start the car while my nerves are getting the best of me.

If it is the starter, pressing in the clutch wouldn't change anything since the flywheel spins constantly while the engine is running.

abecedarian

There may be an issue with the starter hanging, delaying the retraction of the pinion gear back into the starter housing. If you use the clutch start cancel switch, you should hear the noise though if it is a mechanical issue with the starter.
However I believe the starters use an overruning clutch which prevents the gear from being over-driven by the flywheel (and helps the gear retract) if I'm not mistaken.

Maybe get a recording of the noise?

JShaffer0525

ill see what i can do but im afraid my laptop and mic wont quite pick up the noise over the regular vehicle noise. ill have to find someone quick to press the clutch next time i get the noise.

JShaffer0525

yay, we just got a sears in boone and i have an issue which is obviously an excuse to buy tools. new craftsman 1/2 drive socket set here i come!

abecedarian

JShaffer0525

picturing this in my head makes it seem like what the issue is. im gonna pull the starter next time i get a chance.

after having the neighbor start my 4runner and the noise not being there im wondering if maybe the clutch start button was a misleading bit of info on my part. it was probably just a coincidence.

abecedarian

if you can get the situation to repeat itself, make sure you're using a voltmeter, not the meter on the dash, so you can get a realtime reading of what the starter draw is... matter of fact, if you can use a clamp on current sensor / ammeter and get a reading of the draw from the battery in amps, that'd be even better.

JShaffer0525

lol. youre getting pretty serious now. i have next no tools at the moment as im up at school. im sure the situation will repeat itself though. im kinda thinking the temp has something to do with it and its quite cold here and i havent had my 4runner running in a bit.

abecedarian

troubleshooting problems is serious.
otherwise we could throw playdoh at it all day.

JShaffer0525

you sir have been sigged!

abecedarian

JShaffer0525

i waited a couple hours and started it up. ive never been so frustrated that i couldnt get my vehicle to make a problematic noise... hehe.

JShaffer0525

still no problem a day later. im gonna pull the starter when it gets warm this weekend just to check it out.