BC_Runner

Hi All.

Seem to be having a starting problem that exhibits symptoms of a few things so I'm not sure which is the problem.

A couple weeks ago I went to start my truck and dash lights came on but no sound from the starter. Try the key a few more times and it starts up. Over the next week this happens a few times but not every time. I read up on here and think it must be the starter contacts. Then a few days ago I go to start it:
1st try: same as before, lights but no starter
2nd try: slow crank, sounds like a dead battery
3rd try: same as 1
4th try: starts

I decide to clean my battery terminals (which weren't really coroded) but that doesn't help, and check the little window in the battery which shows blue which is good. It is a Toyota battery so it could be original.

Today I get more slow cranking, dash lights with only a single click, and eventually it starts but is running kind of rough however it starts running better as I drive.

So now I'm not sure if it's the battery, the altenator, or starter contacts... or all of the above.

What do you guys think?

Oh yeah, 99 with 68k miles on the clock.

Thanks for any help.

d0ubledown

starter contacts...youve got the tell tale signs. cheap and easy fix. getting the starter out is the fun part...re & re the contacts is a snap. grab a contact kit from the dealer...theyre like 15-20 i think. let me know if you want a hand with it...its been a while since our last boge!

edzo

starter contacts for sure

get contacts and a plunger from this dude
http://motors.search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZclickerfixer

dealer kit is not as good as his are
(this guy supplies extra parts and a bigger contact,
and I don't think dealers even have the plungers)

automatic or standard tranny
and engine size needed to determine
kw of starter

my 99 4wd 3.4 automatic took kit TSK-15L

BC_Runner

Hey Sonny,

Yeah man, far too long. I figured it was the contacts but the slow cranking thing was throwing me for a loop. I read that it's a bitch to get out too, expect a pm soon!



edzo,
Thanks for the link, I'll check it out.

edzo

slow cranking, and then half cranking and dying like a bad battery threw me for
a loop too.

I said the heck with it I will do contacts. BAM it has never started so well.

Justinvd

Its only two bolts, if you take the filter off and have a few different extensions it isnt too bad. Yours should have the secret door in the wheel well wich helps alot

sleaz22xx

check the connection to the starter seloniod, Had the exact same symptoms, the male and female connector had work them selves lose somehow. Pulled the plug, cleaned the contacts, reconnect, works

edzo

yes, this is a good test, because with your low miles, it could be this easy

the act of changing contacts does this anyway, and new contacts are never a bad idea
just plan on 30 bucks in parts, [and 2 - 4 hours digging around yer truck]




usually starter contacts go after 100,000 miles not 70,000...unless
it has been started a whole lot, and those ain't highway miles

Kiroshu

Yea that sounds like the starter farting out. Or put some graphite in the key ignition it might be it.
____________________________________
95 Toyota 4runner SR5 V6 3.0 Autoamtic 150,000 Miles

BC_Runner

Hey guys,

Thanks for all the input, I'll be doing the starter contacts / checking connections next week.



Yeah, I thought about it being the key but I have a remote starter and it behaves the same.

Cheers