AZjason

Ok searching the forum, I'm 99% sure I have worn starter contacts. I just want some verification of my symptoms before I get dirty. Car is a 99 4Runner with the 3.4. Lately on cold mornings, it struggles to start. Sometimes it starts to crank, stops cranking, then starts cranking again. Sometimes it starts crank, stops and doesn't crank again until I turn the key again. It does always start eventually. However, I don't get the turn the key and only hear a click symptoms I seem to keep reading about. Mine always at least starts to crank, then stops.

Also, I verified the battery and alt are good at my FLAPS.

ASU4runner

I would double check all wires and harnesses leading to the starter and make sure all connections are tight. However, it does sound like the starter contacts are your culprit in this case.

I've replaced 2 starters now on 2 different 4runners i've owned and this did the trick to remedy the same symptoms you have. Also, i've found the easiest way to get the starter in and out is through the lower a-arm gap and to remove the front CV axle (usually takes 10-15 min.). Write-ups have have taking apart the exhaust manifold to reach the starter and I dreaded doing that due to the pipes being rusty and 130k miles old. Good luck.

MATT0404

I'm having the same problem. When I go to start it on cold mornings after it sat all night, I get the same symptoms. It will start to crank slowly and then die out. I'll give it ten seconds or so, try again and it usually fires up. Sometimes it takes two or three tries though. So far it has always started up but I have a feeling that it will only get worse and leave me stranded some day.

I was assuming my issue was the starter contacts as well, I just haven't had the time to do the job yet. If you get to it first, let me know if it fixes everything. Good luck!

Adam F

I had the exact same problem too. Problem was intermittent. Replaced the contacts and it never did it again.

Swede

I just got in from fixing mine as well. Instead of just doing the contacts I got the whole starter switch assembly (p/n 28150-62050) from the dealer which included everything (plunger,contacts, etc.) for $70. My quote for just the contacts and plunger was about the same! I just had to switch over the gear case and motor, easy! It seems to be working good now. I inspected the old contacts out of curiosity and they were definitely worn down. They were also quite pitted looking too which I was surprised to see.

FWTW, the body lift is also a bonus when changing out your starter as it was easily done through the frame/body gap at the wheel well.

Adam F

That's not a bad idea, and the price is acceptable.

Sicarius428

I did mine a couple weeks ago and mine was intermittent at first and was getting progressively worse. I probably had less than 1/5th the width on one of my contacts(larger curved one). For 176k that it has lasted and a 10 dollar fix. I can't be more pleased.
Kevin

tomwadden

Hey guys,
I have a 1998 4x4 2.7 tacoma and my starter does the same symptoms as yours do after a cold night along with the clicking problem to. I know its the contacts but I want to just do the whole solenoid. When i go on the toyota parts website there is solenoid for either a heavy duty or non heavy duty, or a cold spec or a non cold spec. I got the part number off of it but that was no help. How do I tell what i need to buy?

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

I list some of the common solenoid contact styles on the web page below:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...#WhichContacts

The 2.7 engine starter usually takes an A and B type contact:

tomwadden

Thanks 4crawler, ive been on your website several times, but I obviously missed some stuff cause your site is very informational in that area. Now I think the best bet is to just yank the starter, and see whats inside and if its the contacts, and which ones I need. Expect my buisness soon!

AZjason

OK as a matter of record... (I hate when I search car forums and read problem threads that aren't updated with results)

The Contacts seem to have fixed my problem. The one on the battery side was really worn, and the one on the motor side was not that bad. I am inclined to think, the contact on the plunger was not making great contact with the battery side. Almost like there was an air gap in there sometimes. I also filed and sanded my plunger contact to remove some of the arc-ing pits.


Oh also, I didn't have such a bad time getting the starter out. Get it in the right position, and it came right through the gap between the fender well and the upper control arm. I had the most trouble disconnecting the modular plug for the solenoid.

MATT0404

Thanks a lot for the update. Looks like I'll be tackling this soon.

tomwadden

Yep just did mine and the inside looked similar to what AZjason was describing with his. I have a 4cyl and it took me two hours start to finish. Not bad for 15 years old and never done a starter before. Now ive got the manifold and starter all squared away so my trucks good to go when i get my license next week. Oh and it might help to have a second set of hands while doing this, I had to do it by myself and it wasnt bad but another person might save a little struggle.

edzo

I had same symptoms. no start, engine would turn slow then stop, try again
it would fire up like no problem....prob comes and goes...but more often lately
so i dug in an found dust where copper should be


o man that dealer price for starter parts is horrid

I just got new bigger contacts, new plunger and insulators for
30 bucks from ebay

'clickerfixer' has kits. I am spreading the news because it fixed my
4runner so well. the starter just wails now