carlspeed

iTrader: (1)

About 2 weeks ago I was at the beach and my starter decided it didn't want to start my truck. Or so, I figure. Normally when the battery goes bad, the starter clicks, or when the starter goes bad, it clicks... Either way, the battery is strong, and it's not clicking, and not starting my truck. The starter isn't even making an effort to turn the truck over. What's the first thing I need to check? (after I get a buddy to help me push start the truck this afternoon...)

xxxtreme22r

make sure the little wire going to the starter is getting 12V when the key is turned to start first or maybe it just plain fell off. If that's not getting power the solenoid won't engage inside the starter.

I would mention the starter relay if that wire isn't getting power, but I think the later model trucks didn't have them?? But I don't know what truck or engine you have. Maybe put that info in your sig to help people help you out in the future.

nv4runner

First thing I'd check is your battery connections. Make sure both of them are clean and tight. If you can wiggle either one then you might have found your problem.

carlspeed

iTrader: (1)

I didn't even think about connections. All I was thinking was how happy it made me when Autozone said they had lifetime warranty starters for only $49, in stock at that.

The connection would make sense though, because when I tried to start it nothing happened, all of a sudden it cranked, but barely didn't crank long enough to restart the engine, and stopped working again. I'll take the bike over there later with some pliers and such, and give it a go again.

xxxtreme22r

If it's the starter no need to replace the whole unit. Save yourself some cash and replace these: http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/ as 90% of the time it's those that go out and not the entire starter. Just don't go by the part number listed as not all of them are the same: http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml

carlspeed

iTrader: (1)

Alright, is there anywhere locally I can get those tabs besides the dealer? I have today and tomorrow off and want to take it out and clean the grease off it, and install them before I have to go back to work so this problem does not continue.

Also, that link is saying the starter should be clicking. Mine doesn't do that, it just doesn't turn the starter. It's almost like it doesn't have the power, which is weird, because when it works it cranks the engine hard and fast. And it's obviously intermittent, because I tried to start the truck this morning and it was perfect. 3 times in a row without even a hiccup.

Still replace the contacts?

xxxtreme22r

When it's not working, do you still have aux power in the truck? If so doubt it's the battery cable connections. But it's possible. Also check that wire that goes to the starter for voltage when it acts up. For the contacts and maybe the plunger, check a local starter/alternator rebuild er, they might have them. That's where I got mine at.

Also temporarily when it not working rap on the starter housing a few times to see if it starts as well.

carlspeed

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, when it doesn't work the power in the vehicle is unaffected. I'm not sure if it dims but I think it does. It seems almost like the starter gets jammed or something, and doesn't have the power to crank the engine over. Both times it's done it to me I've rapped on it with a 4d maglight and it's fired up.

xxxtreme22r

Most of the time if rapping on the starter helps that is your contacts and maybe the plunger as well. Most people get away with doing just the contacts. I did both so I didn't have to tear the thing apart again.

Although it could still be a loose little wire under the starter that when you hit it it moves too.

And possibly just a sticking plunger than needs to get lubed a little. Now that I think about it.

carlspeed

iTrader: (1)

If I take the starter out, and the contacts are really bad, that would basically mean that's the problem right? I mean, it would take me all of about 5 minutes to pull the starter, so if that's the best way to tell, fine by me.

xxxtreme22r

correct. Also look at the plunger and base you decision on that whether or not to replace that as well. Mine was pitted too much for leaving my acting up starter go too long to salvage it. Some have gotten away with just sanding down the pitted lip, but I am the type if it's less than a $20 part, I replace it and move onto the next issue.

carlspeed

iTrader: (1)

Dealer is saying they don't have contacts in stock. Do you know where I can order a set online?

xxxtreme22r

The link I gave you earlier. Make sure you order the right ones though. Did you check for that loose wire first?

carlspeed

iTrader: (1)

It looks like it might have just been the wire that goes to the starter. I went out to start the truck to move it into a slightly better location to pull the starter and it wouldn't crank up. I pulled that wire off, cleaned the contacts and tightened it a bit (it wasn't that loose though), and when I put it back on the starter it worked fine. It hasn't given me any problems, and about every 20 minutes I go out and fire it up. I'll keep trying it today to see if if will give me a problem, but it seems to be ok for now.