ok this one is wierd to me...there are times when the starter wont click over you just get the click click when you turn the key. but when i push the car and pop the clutch enough to tun the motor over just a bit then the starter works again. this method works everytime. this t4r was an auto at one time could this be part of the issue. what should i do to test the starter? it sounds healthy when it works. thanks.

 

Hmm, perhaps the starter is not engauging on the flywheel (I assume it has a 5sp now??)...

 

Not sure how to test that. It is a 5 speed...

 

You need new starter contacts. Just rebuild the whole thing, don't buy a reman.

 

yeah the same thing with my starter. i changed the contacts and works good now, and also check the wiring to the starter i also had some rust on it.
good luck

 

I've had that problem for about a year. I had a hammer in my glove box and I'd hit the starter with the hammer to get it to work. Eventually though, the problem just went away. Strange.

 

I have to do that same thing with my starter sometimes ha funny how it works everytime

 

All the current to engage the solenoid goes through the ignition switch so... maybe a simple relay between the STA wire to the solenoid will fix it. Or, you may need starter contacts or the ignition switch itself is going bad, or the battery or engine ground is bad or....
First things first- when it acts up, try to jump power to the small terminal on the solenoid: if that gets it cranking, look at either installing a relay between the STA wire and the solenoid or replacing the ignition switch. If that doesn't get it going, then maybe the solenoid contacts are bad.

 

If my engines is hot it wont start, not even a click. any ideas? 1991 Toyota 4 runner

 

If it's contacts, some links:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/
http://startercontacts.com/
http://www.bcstarter.com/ndpage.html
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/sh....php?p=1534820
http://yotarepair.com/startercontacts.html

 

You can perform the simple test below and see what it tells you:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest

 

*solution*!! it was subpar wiring and bad clutch switch the one that tells the relay that the clutch is pushed in wired it directly and it starts everytime!!!! woo hoo!! check your wireing