I've been having some issues with randomly having to tap my starter solenoid to start it up. I replaced the contacts way back in the day, so this isn't the standard click no start issue. But, as of this morning, the only way to start my 86 4runner is to turn the key to start then jump the solenoid spade straight to the battery. I tap, tap, tap all day and it isn't enough. But, it starts right away when I jump it. Does this mean I just need to break down and replace/rebuild that solenoid now? Or is there something else in line, like a relay, between the ignition and the plug that triggers it?

Thanks!

 

Try reading the first post in THIS THREAD. It may explain your trouble, how to verify it, and how to fix it.

Good luck!
Pat☺

 

No. Your problem (this time) has nothing to do with the solenoid.

Uh, maybe. For that answer you need to read https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...runner-307493/ . According to Rad4runner (who seems to know) some trucks of your vintage may have a starter relay. If you don't have one, he (she?) tells you how (and why) to install one.

 

My '87 went through a period of life when it used to do this. It was more common when the weather was cold, and there was a seemingly random delay from turning the key until the starter would start to crank. Sometimes instantly, and sometimes several seconds of delay. Solution was to replace the starter -- then all was better.

As a side note, there are two starter options for this truck, apparently. One for cold climates and one for "normal".

 

Ok. I thought it was triggering every time with the Rad4Runner jumper. I took the solenoid off while waiting for a reply (had some time) and cleaned it up, replaced a funky contact that was a worm a bit wonky, shined up plunger and such, now it's not kerchunking at all when I jump it. There is NOT energizing. Why would that be?

 

Figured it out. Pulled it off again, did a test with jumper cables and it didn't do jack. AZone tested it and it was bad. 244k miles seems to be it's dead date. Probably my fault though. I spray it pretty good with cleaner and I may have shorted something.

Changed it out with a Duralast. Kept the core. Gonna take it a part and o a post mortem on it tomorrow. Maybe rebuild it as spare. I couldn't bare to part with the OE from my sweet, sweet Ivana.

 

Good call keeping the core. Youre gonna kick yourself when the duralast goes out

 

rad is Ray, a "he".

 

@NMDesertRat , Please save everybody's time and indicate model-year-engine-transmission-trim, etc.
If earlier model truck auto it does not have a start3r r3lay - BAD.
If manual the start3r r3lay was wired wrong at the factory

LOL!

 

Oh man. And so now with the 'pronouns' on yotatech I guess.

j/k. I'll have a hot cup of ˟˟˟˟ thank you very much!! LOL