89 4runner, 22re, 5 speed, 4x4, SR5ish


Ok I had the "starter only clicks" issue before and it turned out to be a starter that was on it's way out and a bad - cable on the battery. Now I have a new battery, new cables, new starter and every ground I could find is clean and tight and I haven't had the problem in several months.

For the past two days when I get ready to leave work the starter will only *click* when I hit the key. If I push the truck a little ways and then put it in gear and drop the clutch (so the motor turns a little) then I can turn the key and it will fire right up. After that it starts everytime. I finally figured out today that it will only do this on mornings that I use my headlights on the way to work. No headlights and it'll start right up, headlights used and I'll get the *click* until I roll it a few feet and drop the clutch.

Any ideas?

 

I'm not really sure why rolling the truck and dumpin the clutch allowing the motor to turn makes your starter work? Unless, that jossel is moving something.

 

It makes no sense to me either but it works. I have a feeling it's a loose wire and moving the motor a little helps it make connection, so far I've traced every damn wire I can see and haven't found one that is questionable.

 

Have you checked the clutch safety switch?

 

You most likely have a voltage drop going to the starter solenoid.

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml
What if its not the solenoid? - cheap fix with relay.

These electrical gremlins are very strange for when they work and when they won't. I think my starter solenoid would always let me down on date night.

Your original starter may have been good, your new starter may need some extra voltage now that it is broken in.

 

the same thing happens to an old school beetle when u have a bad rebuilt starter or bad ground. is the starter rebuilt? and the thickest wire is suppose to be closest to the metal when it comes to ground wires.

 

tried to jump the starter directly from the battery?
tried to add a relay between the ignition switch and the starter solenoid?