Hi, been having some problems with my 4runner recently, was hoping I could get some help to figure out whats exactly wrong.

95 4runner 4x4 Sr5 v6/auto 215K

Recently the truck is not starting consistently like it should. I will turn the key to start it, and everything lights up but it only clicks instead of having the starter crank the engine. I can hear the click coming from under the hood. It starts after 3~9 clicks. When it starts, the starter works like normal no hesitation that I can notice. And I just dropped a new optima redtop in yesterday. The terminals dont appear to be corroded. Only been doing this the past couple days, want to fix it asap before it gets worse naturally.

Did some searching, and im guessing either the ignition switch or the starter.

My ignition switch is kinda sticky sometimes and I have to wiggle the steering wheel to make it turn. When I got the truck I got a heavily worn key and a copy that didnt work. I got another copy made from the worn key and it worked kind of. It worked, but turned the cylinder with alot of resistance and the return after starting didnt work, so I had to pull the key back slightly after starting. I lost my worn/working key for a week or so and had to use the copy recently during that time. It seemed to work a little better after being used a bit.

Could I have damaged the ignition cylinder and have that cause the truck to not start as described? Or does this sound maybe more like a starter issue?


Thanks for any help/suggestions your guys have!

bw1

 

99% chance it's your starter contacts.

 

Yeah i would say its your starter.

 

ya I would have to agree.

 

Ok I took the tire off, and the cover near the shock. Lol, not alot of room in there but I think I can do it. Just need to go get a long extension and deep well 12&14mm sockets.

The local auto shops cant get rebuild parts for toyota starters and we dont have a toyota dealer here. But they can get me a rebuilt starter for $225. I have to idea what brand it would be but ill ask.

Think I should order it or would toyota brand be better?
Ill probly call a local shop tomorrow am and ask how much they would want for the job too.

thanks
bw1

 

I know i got my starter from autozone for 180. Yah those bolts are tuff. The one on the left of the starter is really hard to get. good luck

 

you can probably get away with a 30 dollar set of contacts rather than spending 200 bucks on a starter....unless there is red death inside the starter. red death = electrical component failure. good luck