Turn the key, solenoid clicks like it wants to start but no turn over. It has been running rough on and off. Fuel pump tests out fine....either the coil or the starter...which would you pick to replace first? Oh also, it's not throwing any codes at all.

 

Sounds like you have more than one issue to deal with.
1. when the solenoid clicks and the starter does not turn; get out and try tapping the starter with a hammer. If that cures it, then the contacts are sticking and need to be cleaned or replaced.

2. Coils usually go out completely and not intermittently, so I would think that you have something wlse going on there. Post up some more info on how it has been running lately.

 

I wouldnt "pick" either of them before I tested them. The first thing I would do is check and clean all the connections from the battery to starter and battery negative to chassis. Bad connections on either of those can cause you get a click when trying to start.

Maybe there is somthing about a toyota coils I dont know, but I have never heard of a bad coil causing the starter to not turn.

 

I agree with Thomas. Check your connections first, especially the one from your solenoid on your starter. If that doesn't resolve your starting problem, I would take out the starter and check the contacts for wear and replace if needed.

Troy

 

The clicking of the starter is most likely from the battery being weak. Check the volts on the battery. Also if you get it running check the output volts from your alt it may not be charging the batt. If the contacts are bad on your starter it would only click once(from my expeience) and if they are bad just a do and you will find out how to replace. Its easy and cheap to.

 

The first place to look is all about connections and contact surfaces. Both symptoms could point to this, once checked and verifing the battery is in good charge state move to the next step. For the starter, still clicking, most likely the contacts or solenoid. Best to do or inspect both once it's out. For the intermittant rough running, once the connections have been checked and it's no change eliminate the remainder of the ignition system (cap, rotor, plug wires, plugs). No change yet, start going through the air and fuel system componants. It may be something simple since it appears to not throw a code. Small crack or tracking in the distributor cap, plug wire worn and arcing, plugs near the end of their usefulness ect.

 

It was the starter. Went and got a coil...tried it...not the prob...took it back; pulled the starter and there was stuff shaking inside...replaced it and now it works great. It was an old Bosch starter that looked like it had been in there since the truck was almost new. Man that thing is a PITA to switch out!


Thanks for the help guys!

 

I ran into this a while back as well. Found bad connections at the pos. battery terminal. The wire that runs from the Pos. terminal to the fuse box is prone to corrode, eithor at the battery end or the fuse box. Check both sides of the connection. Hope that helps.

 

yeah going to change out all the battery associated wires this weekend as well. Thanks for the thoughts StoogeBrother!

 

sorry to hijack but i just replaced my clutch and my truck wont start some times is it the starter ?

 

Sounds like an issue with the neutral safety-starting switch. Check the connection(s). The switch itself could be on its last leg. I'm sure there is a testing proceedure for it.

I'm glad Toyota didn't put one in my 84. That, and the dreaded knock sensor too

 

why would it stop working after i did my clutch it has never done it before

 

Can you start the truck using the Clutch Cancel Switch? If so, I would say the clutch safety switch.

If not, I would say starter contacts, and the timing with the clutch replacement is just coincidental

 

i been reading post here and i just said screw it and got a new starter

 

Sure sounds like worn copper cotacts inside the starter solenoid:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml

Costs about $10 to replace and you get to keep your reliable OEM starter.

 

yea i was thinking of doin that i have 170k on the stock soo ill just replace it and be done with it

 

I've got 272K/20 years on my original starter, and about 70K on the replacement contacts I installed about 8 years ago.

 

OK truck got some babying over the last week. New starter, alternator, lifetime warranty battery, and new cables. Would have needed it all anyways sooner or later so just replaced most of the charging system for the hell of it....Like I said original probbie was the starter but now...now worries for awhile!