I was having a weak start problem with my 1995 4Runner 3L V6 2 weeks ago. I pulled the starter and replaced the contact points and plunger which seemed to fix the starting problem.

But, when I went to start her up 2 days ago I had the same weak start problem where I would have to hold the key for 3-8 seconds for it to get going. Then, later that day, it wouldn't start at all. It doesn't turn over. I can hear the starter spinning. I also noticed that when I try to start the radio and clock shut off. I get these warnings on the dashboard (the rear anti-lock light is always on though)

The lights turn on, radio works, clock works, dash and interior lights come on. I used a multimeter to test my battery and got 12.49v .

Any ideas on how to proceed?

 

Put your voltmeter on the battery and turn the key; I'll bet it drops below 9v. Which is not enough to engage the starter (it's not even enough to keep the clock running!)

Your battery is really low. You could try charging it first. If that helps, put your voltmeter on the battery with it running. If less than 14v you're not charging.

But I'm guessing it's end-of-life for your battery.

 

check voltage at the starter. Then check the voltage at the starter signal wire when trying to start it. All of this mute though if your battery is old and the contacts are corroded.

 

@Scope103 I turned the key and checked the voltage, 8.xx (well under 9v). I'm going to charge it off a friends car tomorrow, check everything again and see what happens. Thanks!

@vital22re I just replaced the contacts in the starter (I'm assuming those are the contacts you're talking about). Once I put the new plunger and contact points in the starter, I took it to Pepboys, had them test it and all the readings came back within the ranges but, I'll check it again tomorrow. Thanks

 

Accessories turning off and those indicator lights are normal when battery voltage drops during cranking, Surely check battery condition.
However, starter spinning means your starter is getting enough power to turn it, BUT mechanism that should make starter gear engage flywheel is not working, or gear and/or flywheel gear has worn out teeth. Checked those?

 

I didn't check the flywheel when I had the starter out. I'm going to pull the starter again but, how do I check the flywheel? I just need to check the flywheel teeth of the spot that's visible and trying to connect with the starter gear? Or is it advised to spin the crank and check the whole flywheel?

 

Update: I charged the battery and tried starting. Got it to turn over but still won't start and the starter or some starter wires are smoking so I'm going to pull the starter, check that and the wires.

Anything else you guys can think of?

 

Gotta inspect everything. Mark where you started and work your way around flywheel. Theoretically (because fortunately I have not had to deal with this), possible reason for intermittent mechanical issue would be IF engine stopped and worn portion of flywheel lines up with starter gear.

 

Update: I replaced the battery and my 4Runner, tried to start the car. I saw smoke again, stopped everything and found my starter motor was burnt out. I pulled the starter and replaced it with a different one and now my 4Runner starts like a champ!

Thanks for the replies!

 

Be sure to unhook & clean ALL major ground connections. They corrode over time & cause issues.

 

Will do, thanks!