88 4runner sr5 3vz just clicks when I turn the key. Tapped the starter and the starter engages but when you turn off the key it continues to crank. Havent seen any threads about this so I figured Id ask here. When this happens I have to jump out and pull the positive battery cable off for it to stop cranking. Doesnt do it all the time but is getting more frequent. Thanks in advance for any help.

 

I had this exact problem with my 87 5.0L Mustang. Check ALL of your main grounds and if that doesnt change anything then move to the ignition switch next or just do both

 

sounds like the starters solenoid is worn out, have you pulled and checked the whole starter.

 

Just swapped the starter out with one at autozone again. It started right up a few times but now it wont turn over again Im thinking maybe its the starter switch. Truck has new starter, battery, battery cables and alternator so I dont think its any of those. Also I changed out the ignition cylinder.

 

Check the remote wire on the solenoid on the starter to see if it gets voltage when the key is turned, download the FSM and look it over, if IIRC there is a starter relay in the fuse box under the hood that may be your problem. Get out your DVOM and start checking out some components before you replace things.

This might help you out a bit: http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml

 

These are just a couple helpful general starter diagnostic tips I've found.

The remote wire to the solenoid does get pretty corroded were it plugs in to the starter.
Mine was doin the samething. Swaped starters, even shimmed the copper contacts in the solenoid because they were worn down. That fixed the bad starter but not the remote wire. Finally I just put a new end on the wire.

PS the starter relay will click once as you turn the key, and its pretty quiet
If you just hear that then no power is getting to the solenoid.

If you hear louder click coming from the starter each time you turn the key then its the solenoid..

If its continuios multiple click's coming from the starter means "most likely" battery voltage is to low or bad main connection from the battery to the starter.

 

Just found a relay that may just help solve my problem once and for all heres the link http://startercontacts.com/relay.htm

 

Just got this thing wired up and it has worked great every time so far. Easy to wire up also.

 

Well the 4runner sat for over a week now and I went out to start it and she fired right up. Guess this relay really has fixed my problems.

 

Now its time for---