Mojo_Risin

For about the last month I've had an intermittent starting problem. Sometimes I turn the key and the get just a crank or two and it just stops cranking. Try again and it starts right up nice and quick. Or sometimes I get no cranking at all. Try again - get maybe 2 cranks and it stops. But (knock on wood) always ends up starting. I never get the tell-tell clicking noise of a bad started. I replaced the battery to an optima - cleaned the cables, battery connection is tight. One other weird thing is it seems to happen more on HOT days - not when the truck is hot per se but just hot outside.

any insight?

John

cox380

I know on my ranger I can turn the key to the ON position but don't start it. Then jump the solenoid to crank the starter. That way I can tell if the starter's bad. I don't know if its the same W/ a 4runner? Just an idea to try since both the starter and the solenoid are kind of expensive. Good luck. Let us know what you end up doing.

GSGALLANT

This is just a copy/paste of the answer I posted on your thread over at UltimateYota.

I'd still put money on starter contacts (or maybe the starter relay). There is an easy test you can do. It isn't really easy to get at, but it's do-able... remove the small control wire going to the starter (It's held on with a clip that locks in place when you push it in, so there's a small tab you have to push in before you pull it out. I used a really long screwdriver to push the tab in while I pulled on the clip with my free hand.)

Put the hot lead from a voltmeter to the wire you just remove, and ground the negative lead from the voltmeter somewhere on the frame or engine (clean rust to ensure you've got a good connection to ground). Have somebody turn and hold the ignition key to "Start" for approx 5 seconds, and verify that you're getting approx 11.5-12.5 volts on your meter. Repeat the test 5 or 6 times to make sure you're getting consistant results.

If you are getting good voltage at the control wire, order up some starter contacts and rebuild that starter. If you're not getting good voltage, start by checking the starter relay (there are a few other switches to check as well, but the relay would be my first guess if you don't have good voltage.)

BruceTS

this is a simple fix, there are many threads about it. At 4Crawlers website, he even sells the contacts inside the solenoid assy. search

GSGALLANT

To replace the starter, you have to remove it anyways, so you may as well save some money and just rebuild it. It's pretty much the same amount of time, 10 times less cost, and will double the life you get from your starter.

Mojo_Risin

So would I get 1 of his "A" contacts and 1 of his "B" contacts for the 3.4L engine? I like the rebuild idea - just not sure what contacts to get. Here's the page... http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...OnlineOrdering

EDIT: I found it on his site: "Most of the Toyota V6 starters (3.0L, 3.4L) use an A-style motor side and a B-style battery side contact "
John

toyota_mdt_tech

Worn starter contacts. Easy fix, get them at the dealer.