My 4runner is a 94, and lately has had no existing issues. I was out early today near bachelor 4wheeling in some snow and its when i came back to town i quickly pulled into the bank and then my car wouldnt start back up. Im stumped because my terminals need to be replaced but I do have a good connection when in the ACE mode on my key cylinder, and when i go to press the clutch and start the car I hear a very loud clicking sound and the dashboard lights flutter but it never starts. Ive never heard this sound before and im a poor college student looking for the easiest way to get my car to start. Im wondering if its the starter or alternator or if something just got knocked loose while 4wheeling. If you have ANY ideas or thoughts they would all be highly appreciated. Thanks.

-anthony

 

is it a fast clicking or is it one click?

If it's fast clicking then the starter is not getting enough power from the battery, check battery cables/connections/ground or replace battery.

If it's just single clicks, it's probably just the starter contacts and can be changed easily if you can change the starter yourself. No need to replace the entire starter.

You can also try whacking the starter itself with a wrench or something, that should get you by till your able to replace the starter contacts if that's what it is. Also make sure that little wire is connected to the starter securely as well.

 

Its a fast click. Thanks, I believe your right and it must be the grounding that's loose because i have a good connect with my pos & neg terminals. Just gunna go ahead and replace both terminals and check the grounding cus their hosed anyway. Should fix me right up, appreciate the help and input!

 

Have our battery tested as well. Also don't forget the positive connection from the battery cable that goes to the starter itself. That can also corrode up on you.