LV_4Runner

Hello all!

On my 97 4Rr SR5 4WD A/T 105k miles, I sporadically have starting problem. And it seems getting more and more frequent as the weather getting cold.

I already read a few posts about starter contact problem. However, before actually jumping into taking apart the starter, I just want to make sure if it is the real problem area. My other suspect area is,

1. Battery. It is the original panasonic with 105k on it. Is it due? Could it be the cause of such starting problem?

2. Any other place to look for such as starter cylinder or whatever?

Thanks much in advance.

GodwinAustin

105k is alot for the battery - its likely that. Espescially how you mention it is getting progressively worse.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

I have some troubleshooting tips on how to narrow down the source of the problem on my page...

If you can get it to happen somewhat regularly, rig up a volt meter to measure the voltage at the starter solenoid and see what it reads when it works properly and when it fails. If there is a difference, it may be your battery, the heavy wires at the battery or starter (power and ground) or the components between the ignition switch and the starter. If no difference, its liley inside the starter solenoid.

LV_4Runner

Thanks a lot!

By the way, you know what? ever since I posted this one I have NO starting problem. I am just perplexed what is going on........ One thing changes since I posted, the weather has been pretty wet & cold.... Does it matter?

Anyway, I will look into this problem per your valuable advice one from battery the other from contact. Of course, I will fully utilize the posted material, that is just awesome!!!

Have a nice day!

LV_4Runner

Oh! by the way, regardless of whether it is battery problem or not, I am thinking about just replacing battery per your advice. Which batter would you suggest? Just anything from local auto part store? The local dealer doesn't seem much care about the batter brand when I asked for the oem battery... and do anyone recommend any specific place/vendor for the quality batter?

Thanks again!

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

When the solenoid contacts first start to wear (usually unevenly) the problem can be very intermittent. At least mine was, would act up a few times them be fine for many weeks. Then it would act up again then be fine for a while. Finally got to the point that nearly every time it got hard to get the starter going. As the contacts wear, you start to get arcing that erodes the copper on the contact more. But as the copper wears, the arcing can also start to damage the brass contact ring on the solenoid plunger.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

You can have the battery load tested to see if its good. The Optima or other absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries are good.