frogman

My 97 4runner is having issues starting. When I turn the key, all I get is a click sound, and does not appear to want to turn over. Up to this point, it will eventually (after several clicks) start normally on its own, or worst case getting a jump will get it going. This almost always occurred during freezing temps, but has also given me the problem when warmer out.

Today when I tried to start my car, it started then wouldn’t stop turning over (as if I was holding the key to the start position). When I turned the key off and removed it, it sounds like the starter is still trying to start the car. If I put the key back in and put it to on, the car will start. I kept turning over for about 5 minutes then finally died. Tried to start again and fired right up.

I have already had the battery tested (one month old) and was told it was very strong. Anyone ever had this problem or have any idea what might be wrong?

Elton

wow i can bearly read it but sound like your starter contacts

frogman

Elton

Thanks for the reply; I'll try cleaning the contacts and see if that helps. Any idea why jumping the truck makes it start? Kind of wierd since the battery is good.

Elton

i would clean all the battery cables so it gets good contact with the battery also do a quick search to find more answers

984RNR

I have the exact same problem but have no fix, if you find one let me know

frogman

Elton and 984RNR

I had the starter solenoid rebuilt and works great; at least so far no problems. I am in the military in Korea, so I had no choice but to have it rebuilt; nobody would replace only the contacts, and having the parts mailed over here takes a couple of weeks. I probably would have taken the gamble of waiting for the parts, but getting stranded in Korea adds a whole new adventure into the drama.

Thanks for the help. By the way, it cost $150 over here to have the starter rebuilt; not sure how that compares to back home.

Take care and good luck 984RNR with getting yours up and running again.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Read this page and you'll probably find the answer:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml

Do the "Easy Test" described on the page to isolate the source of the problem. It may be in the starter or it may be elsewhere in the system.