crookchad

My 1985 4runner has started to have an issue where you turn the key and it just clicks like a dead battery, but the battery is good, and has charge. Sometimes if I cycle the key a few times it will then crank and start fine. Now it wont start at all. I am sure it is something to do with the starter, but it might not just be the starter right? It could be a weak connection? Any ideas before I replace the starter?

L5wolvesf

It sounds like what happened to mine. 30+ year old wiring and related parts. I added a starter relay to mine (what Toyota did on later years) and no problems since.

Search for "starter relay" in this or the 86 forum - look for posts by RAD4Runner (our electrical guru here). It is a very easy upgrade.

But first make sure all your contacts and grounds are clean bright shiny metal to bright shiny metal and tight.

millball

If the click is coming from the starter itself, it's likely the main contacts in the starter selenoid that need attention.