is it the starter or the battery
 

I was going to school this morning and my truck wouldn't start. The lights worked and all electrical was fine. I kept turning the key and finally i got it to start clicking and finally to turn over. It was fine last night so i don't whats is going on. I am 90% sure that it is the starter but i could use yalls input on what is going on.

It is a 97 tacoma 2.7L
Thanks for the help.

it is likely the starter

if it eventually clicked and kicked over, id assume the battery had enough juice, but the starter wasnt working properly.

try lightly tapping the starter next time it happens.

When it finally did turn over was it strong or it was slow and weak?
If it was slow and weak: it is your battery.
If it was strong it is your starter contacts: $5.00 parts if you will do it yourself. Do a search here to see how it is done.

thanks i thought it was the starter

Easy test to find out:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest

and easy, inexpensive to repair if it is the starter:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...rter.shtml#Fix

I have a 98 4runner and when my starter over a period of a few months i had to turn the key numerous times to get it to start, then finaly one day it died. and it was a pain in the ars to change. But that was my experiance.

i bought a new one yesterday and i am going to put it on today but it is in the hardest spot to get to. it is right under the intake valvs

I am not sure how much you had to pay for a new starter but more than likely you can just change contacts in your old one ($5.00 for parts).
From what I know starter itself will last longer then the engine will.
It is the contacts that are failing.

Mine is starting to get harder and harder to start, as well. I'm going to order some via 4Crawler's site. Better spending $10 than 10-15 times that.

EDIT: Just ordered the contacts from 4Crawler 5 minutes ago. I've already got a tracking number notice! Total was ~$11 for both contacts.

Replace the starter contacts in the starter. Get them from the dealer. Called stud kits and retail for close to $15 each, there is 2 of them.

I had a similar problem recently, I'd turn the key and hear click, click, click. My lights and radio worked as well, but there wasn't enough juice to start my truck. Turns out it was the battery and my problems were resolved with the addition of a new Blue Top Optima.

Wish i would of known about the contacts, but thats why im here everyday to LEARN more, cuz Im addicted.

Wish i would of checked the sight before I bought the starter but guss it is to late to do anything about that right now but it if ever goes out screw buying another starter i will just go and buy the contacts and save allot of money but thanks for the help.

Replace the contacts in your old starter, and you have a good starter on your shelf, on standby :)

Hey firemedic, are you part of the SEAL TEAM

I was, ST-1.

Cool my father retired out of ST-4, but has been in a few teams, under Richard M.