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is it the starter or the battery

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Old 11-28-2006, 06:24 AM
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Question is it the starter or the battery

I was going to school this morning and my truck wouldn't start. The lights worked and all electrical was fine. I kept turning the key and finally i got it to start clicking and finally to turn over. It was fine last night so i don't whats is going on. I am 90% sure that it is the starter but i could use yalls input on what is going on.

It is a 97 tacoma 2.7L
Thanks for the help.
Old 11-28-2006, 06:28 AM
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it is likely the starter

if it eventually clicked and kicked over, id assume the battery had enough juice, but the starter wasnt working properly.

try lightly tapping the starter next time it happens.
Old 11-28-2006, 06:31 AM
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When it finally did turn over was it strong or it was slow and weak?
If it was slow and weak: it is your battery.
If it was strong it is your starter contacts: $5.00 parts if you will do it yourself. Do a search here to see how it is done.
Old 11-29-2006, 06:25 AM
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thanks i thought it was the starter
Old 11-29-2006, 06:33 AM
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Easy test to find out:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest

and easy, inexpensive to repair if it is the starter:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...rter.shtml#Fix
Old 11-29-2006, 06:41 AM
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I have a 98 4runner and when my starter over a period of a few months i had to turn the key numerous times to get it to start, then finaly one day it died. and it was a pain in the ars to change. But that was my experiance.
Old 11-29-2006, 06:54 AM
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i bought a new one yesterday and i am going to put it on today but it is in the hardest spot to get to. it is right under the intake valvs
Old 11-29-2006, 09:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Red Neck Bill
i bought a new one yesterday and i am going to put it on today but it is in the hardest spot to get to. it is right under the intake valvs
I am not sure how much you had to pay for a new starter but more than likely you can just change contacts in your old one ($5.00 for parts).
From what I know starter itself will last longer then the engine will.
It is the contacts that are failing.
Old 11-29-2006, 10:22 AM
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Mine is starting to get harder and harder to start, as well. I'm going to order some via 4Crawler's site. Better spending $10 than 10-15 times that.

EDIT: Just ordered the contacts from 4Crawler 5 minutes ago. I've already got a tracking number notice! Total was ~$11 for both contacts.

Last edited by cackalak han; 11-29-2006 at 10:33 AM.
Old 11-29-2006, 10:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Red Neck Bill
I was going to school this morning and my truck wouldn't start. The lights worked and all electrical was fine. I kept turning the key and finally i got it to start clicking and finally to turn over. It was fine last night so i don't whats is going on. I am 90% sure that it is the starter but i could use yalls input on what is going on.

It is a 97 tacoma 2.7L
Thanks for the help.
Replace the starter contacts in the starter. Get them from the dealer. Called stud kits and retail for close to $15 each, there is 2 of them.
Old 11-29-2006, 11:20 AM
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I had a similar problem recently, I'd turn the key and hear click, click, click. My lights and radio worked as well, but there wasn't enough juice to start my truck. Turns out it was the battery and my problems were resolved with the addition of a new Blue Top Optima.
Old 11-30-2006, 04:40 AM
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Wish i would of known about the contacts, but thats why im here everyday to LEARN more, cuz Im addicted.
Old 12-05-2006, 11:08 AM
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Wish i would of checked the sight before I bought the starter but guss it is to late to do anything about that right now but it if ever goes out screw buying another starter i will just go and buy the contacts and save allot of money but thanks for the help.
Old 12-06-2006, 11:44 AM
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Originally Posted by Red Neck Bill
Wish i would of checked the sight before I bought the starter but guss it is to late to do anything about that right now but it if ever goes out screw buying another starter i will just go and buy the contacts and save allot of money but thanks for the help.
Replace the contacts in your old starter, and you have a good starter on your shelf, on standby
Old 12-06-2006, 11:59 AM
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Hey firemedic, are you part of the SEAL TEAM
Old 12-06-2006, 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by SteelHound
Hey firemedic, are you part of the SEAL TEAM
I was, ST-1.
Old 12-07-2006, 04:08 AM
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Cool my father retired out of ST-4, but has been in a few teams, under Richard M.
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