Two months ago I started getting the well-known single click when attempting to start the engine. The problem was intermittent and seemingly resolved after replacing the starter contacts three weeks ago. Today, for the first time in three weeks, the single click returned and I couldn't start the engine. The contacts were replaced at my local Toyota dealer who checked all charging and starting components when the contacts were replaced. Has anyone experienced this type of problem before after replacing your contacts? Is it possible for new contacts to be flawed, or go bad this quickly. Any thoughts are appreciated.

Thank you, ... Christopher

 

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f199...l#post52297396

 

Interesting thought. It doesn't appear my 1994 3.0L V-6 is on the affected vehicle list. I put 400,000 miles on this vehicle before having this type of single-click starter issue so it's a bit tough to imagine it's a factory-related issue. :-)

 

Only thought I had as you gave no info on what vehicle you have in your first post.

 

The '94 has a starter relay (mine is in J/B 1 under the hood, but apparently that relay is moved around year-year). You could have a bad relay, but you can't hear that relay from the driver's seat, so you wouldn't describe it as "one-click"

Frankly, after only 3 weeks, I'd start by taking it back to the dealer. There are a handful of things to look for (notably, weak battery), but they're motivated to find it and have the skills to start with.

 

Hi Christopher,
Welcome to the forum!

Exactly what clicks and where?
The list of affected models grows as people encounter the problem. The problem does not always manifest itself because smoothly-operating solenoids, healthy batteries, uncorroded/unpitted switches and wiring mask it. That's why it is intermittent. I found out the problem on my 1986 after I bought it in 2013.
Like Scope says, relays move around and wiring changes from year to year. SOME Second-Gen 4Runner schematics show correct wiring but when owners verify wiring is actually wrong - yes, from the factory.

Please share schematic AND CLEAR PICTURE of your starter relay and wires and we can help you check.

Please always indicate model-year-engine-TRANSMISSION-trim. They all matter.

 

1994 Toyota 4Runner Repair Manual Schematic shows correct wiring of starter relay.
However, it is not a guarantee that it was wired properly at the factory.

Please verify per notes in BLUE in yellow highlight.




Like Scope says, relays/wiring changed around from year to year. DrCreosote's earlier second-gen's schematic shows wrong wiring. JPL's has a starter relay but it is in the cabin- a bad location causing excessive wire run.



CREOSOTE'S. Shows incorrect wiring.


JPL's 1991. Correct wiring of starter relay but bad location, causing excessive wire run.

 

What a mess Toyota...
I have this problem from time to time. Usually I get the CLICK-CLICK-CLICK when the engine is hot and specifically on hot days I have noticed. I have had this on my 'to-do' list for some time. But, mine is very intermittent and after a few clicks and a minute of waiting it usually starts. I imagine this is all due to the wiring as my battery is new (both of them, dual battery setup) and my battery and starter wires are all brand new as well.

Gonna keep up with this thread

Sorry for the rant!

 

Gevo,
Your truck might be:
1) Similar to DrCreosote above (wired wrong fro the factory), OR
2) to NRBTFOX below, and JPL's (wired correctly but starter solenoid wire runs from battery, to cabin to ignition switch, back to engine compartment, eventually to starter solenoid.
3) OR an automatic missing the starter relay.


STARTER SOLENOID IN CABIN, MEANING EXCESSIVELY LONG STARTER RELAY TO SOLENOID WIRE, MEANING EXCESSIVE VOLTAGE DROP EVEN IF IT WERE WIRED CORRECTLY.