2Whlin

I have been having start problems on the old 4Runner. After driving and the motor is hot and I stop for gas or run into a quick stop, when I return and start the truck, it dies. It takes a couple try's to start then I usually have to give it a little gas as it stumbles (idles) bad.
I have replaced plugs, plug wires, pcv valve, cleaned throttle body and the sensor in the intake. Air cleaner is cleaned regularly too. Just can't figure out why this is happening?
Truck has 165K miles.

Brianthepilot

If you find out the answer to this... pass it on! I have the same problem on warmer days here in Nashville...

MSR

Do you have a K&n air filter? Or any other wet style filter and how exactly did you clean the maf sensor?

2Whlin

I pulled the unit (MAS) off the truck and sprayed it with some electrical contact cleaner. Maybe I need to do this again as I cleaned the air filter again (K&N) but not the MAS?

2Whlin

anyone?

MTL_4runner

First use brake cleaner to clean it, the electrical cleaner doesn't work for squat. There are a ton of areas to look at IAC, TPS, fuel pressure, etc. The IAC is a logical place to start so cleaning that would be a good first step.

Helpful threads:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/h...-fixed-114951/
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/w...ile-hot-98301/

2Whlin

1996 4Runner V6 186,000 miles.
Lately when I go to start the truck I get nothing. Then turn the key back to off then try again and it will start. Could this be the igintion switch going out?

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

When you first turn the key and get nothing, describe that a little better. Nothing as in no dash lights or just nothing from the starter?
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest

Ron Helmuth

could be those dreaded started contacts.

dvine1987

That happened in my 1990 pickup all the time. I replaced the starter, the battery, and battery cables, but it still hapened. Eventually I just had a relay put in at the starter and it fixed everything..i guess it wasn't getting enough power.

2Whlin

1996 4Runner V6 4wd
186,000 miles

lately when you go to turn the ignition key the truck won't start. Sometimes I can turn the key and it will start right off, others takes a few turns of the key. I have already checked the battery and starter and they are good.
It's either one of the crankshaft sensors or the actual ignition switch?
Anyone ever had this issue?

WetbehindEars

Check that the post in the starter is tight. My wifes 98 did that before and the post in the starter was loose and would not always make a good connection.

2Whlin

ok, will do.

SoCalPaul

Internal contacts in the starter might be worn, they can be replaced.

Ignition switch could be worn.

stir_fry_boy

If it clicks, it is the contacts inside the starter. They will get worse. Sometimes it will click once but once it starts getting to 7 and 8 times clicking and not turning over, it is time to replace them. I replaced mine in my V6 Camry for $12 and 2 hrs. It was super easy. Other places wanted to replace the whole thing for around $300, and no they didn't just want to replace the contacts. It was really worth it.

2Whlin

ok, checked the main pole to the starter and it was tight. I could not get to the other conector on the front, how in the heck do you get the starter out?
It does click when you turn the key, sometimes it will start right up and sometimes it might take 5-6 tries.
I have a guy who rebuilds starters in the area, I am sure I could bring it to him, but might as well have the whole thing rebuilt if I have it off.

4Crawler

iTrader: (3)

Some quick testing and repair information below:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest

stir_fry_boy

Sounds like you have bad contacts. There are 2 of them. They are cheap. They make contact with the plunger that pushes the gear from inside the starter onto the flywheel. I would call around to a starter / armature place to get some. You should get the plunger and the contacts.
If you have someone rebuild it, they should replace the bearing inside and parts and labor should be around $80. But if you do the contacts and the plunger, don't do the bearing! If you do, everything will fall to pieces and it is pretty tricky to get it back together.
http://www.4shared.com/dir/14993475/...f/sharing.html
Here is the link for the .pdf files from the FSM for a 3rd Gen. One is components, one is removing the contacts / plunger, and the other is removal of the starter from the vehicle. Let me know if the link doesn't work, I can e-mail you the files. Just PM me your e-mail address.
On the replace file, you don't really need the SST. Just use a box end wrench, be careful.
A Caveat: Do not tighten the terminal bolts too tight! They will cause the contact will not seat straight inside. When you put the starter back on the vehicle, do not tighten the bolt that holds the power cable on too tight! This will also cause that the contact will not seat straight inside and it won't last very long.
PM me if you have any other questions.

2Whlin

I read the long post on starter removal and contact replacement, going to start on this tonight, but just going to drop the whole starter off to this guy who has rebuilt many of alternators and starters for me. Probably around $90.

stir_fry_boy

Yea, after I posted all that I saw the thread that you posted in the DIY......Sorry
Good luck
BTW, the contacts are the easy part of the whole process.....