SunFox

Hello all - I've been reading the forums and getting some great information, but this is my first post. I searched and couldn't find the answer, so if someone already covered this I apologize for doing a repost.

I have a 1990 4runner which has had starting issues since the day I got it two years ago. When I resorted to hitting the starter with a wrench to get it to go, I knew I had to either rebuild or replace. Well, after two rebuilds it was still acting up so I got a brand-new starter about six months ago (a first in my life). It started easily right after that, but it's been getting harder and harder to start lately. Yesterday I got dead silence when I turned the key. The battery had drained for no apparent reason, and when I recharged it I still got no response from the starter. Loud buzzer, bright headlights, but not even a try from the starter. I have already replaced the ignition switch. Anyone have any suggestions? Thanks in advance for any help.

SunFox

Sorry, I guess this is actually my third post. Forgot that I had ever posted here.

04 Rocko Taco

I know its new, but did you check the contacts on the starter? You obviously have a greater problem elsewhere. I assume you have double checked all of your starter install work...so...I dont know where to go from there.

SunFox

Rocko - yes, checked all the stuff I should have after the install. But I did not check the contacts; since it was new I assumed... well, one should never assume, I guess.

Interesting thing: I went out and messed around some more, and it actually tried to start after I talked nice to it instead of swearing. She's driving me nuts.

bwhyit

Voltage drop from the b+ starter post to the battery. That will tell you if you have a wiring or connection problem. Has the engine ever been removed? I would also do a voltage drop test on the gnd side of the starter. That way you know all connections and wiring is good.

ChickenLover

Perhaps a malfunctioning starter relay (under hood fuse box).

dlbrunner

I had similar problems last month. The culprit was the ground cable. the terminal was fine, but when I peeled the insulation back from the wire, there was all kinds of crud in there.

Fun to pull the starter huh?

bikeguy18974

When you do go to start it can you heard the relay making a slight clicking sound? If not, then that could be part of your problem.

If the relay is okay, and you 'think' the contacts are okay it may be in your wiring. I used to have intemittent problems w/ mine. I had corrosion in both the ground wire and the wire from the postive batt terminal to starter. Moving them around would sometimes help, but not always. I replaced all the wiring from the batt with I believe 4 guage, cleaned the terminals, and even did the mod of replacing the wire to the fuse box w/ 4 guage.

I haven't had a problem since.

SunFox

Guys, thanks for the advice. I'll do some checking tomorrow afternoon; if it starts up I'll do a repost with what worked.

The engine never was pulled out to my knowledge (but I'm the third owner, so who knows). There is sometimes a single click when I turn the key, sometimes not. And yes, it's a whole lot of fun to pull that damn thing out - first time I did it took a few hours of trial and (mostly) error.

85badger

what brand of starter is it? My bet is the starter is bad again. I've gone thru a few before I got a good one. I'm talking about oreilly, autozone starters.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Here is a simple voltage test to find out what is causing the problem:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest

SunFox

Don't know the starter brand - got it from CarQuest. Crawler, thanks for the link, I'll try the test.

SunFox

Okay, it was a bad + cable. Starter works fine now. However, I have had to jump start it twice; something is draining my battery. I'll have to post a new topic I guess. I'm beginning to dislike my 4runner... a lot.