Rayday81

About 3 days ago I get in my truck and it won't start . I turn the key and I get this rapid clicking sound and then I start to get a lazy vroom vroom (sorry for the corny description, but I don't know how else to explain it.) - eventually it starts up on its own with being jumped or anything. I read an earlier thread about slow starting, but I think that this is different. Something is definately not right. I have approx. 75000 mi. on it and haven't had a problem yet. I'm wondering if maybe the starter might be the culprit. I've checked the oil level and it is normal. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

SLC Punk

You should 1st get your battery checked. The colder weather will make a weak battery more apparent. Also check your terminals and make sure that they are clean and tight.

If its not the battery, then get the alternator and starter checked.

Rayday81

Well regarding the battery and alternator.
I ruled them out because it eventually starts on its own without being jumped or push started.
and all the lights inside come on, no problem. I don't think its the alternator because that will usually wear you batter down and you will see you headlight begin to get dimmer. So far I have seen none of this.
The truck runs perfectly fine once started, but it's getting there thats the problem.
But I will get the batter checked tomarrow.

SLC Punk

Well does it make that sound only in the morning? Batteries don't have as much power when trying to start when its cold outside. The battery will have enough juice to power your headlights and radio, but not enough to turn over the cold engine.

Rayday81

Well, it's worse in the morning, but it still is a problem in the afternoon. But it only got really cold here last weekend and shortly after is when the problem started. I will get the battery checked iether today or tomarrow. Probably tomarrow morning since UNM is playing CSU right after I get out of work and I need to go see that. But thanks for the input. Hopefully it's an easy fix, like a battery.

instigator

check the fluid levels in the batt. if the plates are exposed that could be your problem, was mine till i fill them back to spec w/distilled water. also if thats not the problem it might be your contacts in your starter(very rebuildable)

pepsilover

It's the starter all right. I just got mine replaced last month and the problem went away. Good luck.

AznSky

I've been going through the same problems in the last few months.

As for the rapid clicking, Check your battery terminal connections, for mine it was the connection wasn't good enough so it was trying to start but didn't have enough juice. So I would clean ur posts of corrosion or any junk you have, then check the terminals and crimping. That was my problem.

Rayday81

Thanks for the input guys I'll see what I come up with. I know for one it's not corrosion because I keep my battery clean enough to eat off of, but it could be due for a little water.

MTL_4runner

You should still have the battery load tested.
Just because the car starts does not rule out the battery at all.
A battery in the process of going will have similar symptoms to what you are describing.

Rayday81

Great, thanks for the tips.
-Ray

Memphis4X4

Hey Rayday81, I too had the same problem that you are having occur on my Runner last weekend. It turned out to indeed be the battery. I had cranked down too much on the bracket that holds the battery in the tray. The bracket had bowed the battery sides and eventually had split the battery housing, allowing some of the water inside to evaporate....the load test showed which cell had failed. I just put in a new battery and the truck starts perfect now.

Hope yours is as easy of a fix as mine was,
David

Fink

I have kind of the same problem.

It is only on cold mornings, well, its only SEVERE enough to almost not start on the cold morning.

What it is a leaking cold start injector. I turns over fine although sometimes it does a weird thing where everything will shut off and then come back on but I think thats because I hold the key to turn it on for such a long time.

I am taking it in tonight and letting it sit overnight and then having them look at it tomorrow morning so they can experience what I experience every morning before class.

I think my battery is OK but I may just have them check it anyway...if its bad I will definately be upgrading to an Optima Red or Yellow Top.

Hope that helps man, let us know what you find out!

Fink

Rayday81

Hey Fink - let me know what they say tomarrow because it kinda sounds like its the same problem. Except everything doesn't turn off like you said. But this morning I really didn't think it was going to start becasue I got no click or anything when I turned the key. But after a couple of turns it started trying and eventually got going. But today when I went to the mall it started no problem so I don't know what it is. I'm thinking it's the battery since it's only bad when it is cold and it is pretty warm out right now. But I'll let you know what I find out and you do the same alright.

Bob_98SR5

Rayday,

I had the same prob too and it was the battery.

Bob

MTL_4runner

I would put money on the fact it was the battery but don't rule anything out.
Just be systematic about it and you'll have it solved pronto!

You are in a warm climate which will kill batteries quickly....just a thought.

Fink

I am hoping that mine is just a bad battery so that I can indeed get a new Optima Red/Yellow Top.

If its not then I am pretty sure that it will be the cold start injector.

I will let you know when the dealer gets back to me, I am going to be leaving here shortly to drop it off.

By the way, just to steal the thread a little, other than getting my starting problem fixed and the PCV valve done...that else would be a good maintenance item to have done? I am thinking maybe getting the injectors cleaned would be worth while given the fact that my mileage is so ˟˟˟˟˟ty as of now.

Fink

TACOMANATOR

I've had the same problem, it was the battery.