Hey Guys, I have a 96 V6, with about 122,000miles. She also has remote start. The battery is pretty new as well. Optima Orange Top less than a year old.

When she sits for more than an hour, the first 1-2 times when I turn the key or try to remote start, the starter just clicks once and won't start. Then I will sit and wait about 5 seconds or so and try again, and usually by the third time she starts. But if I shutdown the car then try starting right away (5-10 seconds) she will fire up on the first try.


Do you think my starter is starting to die? Or could it be something else?


THANKS in Advance!


Joe

 

I feel for you, man. I composed a write-up in the Tech section. But, my starter replacement was on an engine with headers. I've been told it's substantially more difficult with stock manifolds.
If you decide to replae it yourself, set aside a full day to work on it. More than likely, you'll have to unbolt the exhaust manifold collector and pry it up just to wiggle the *bulky* starter out.
If you don't feel like replacing it yourself, shop around. The dealer is going to be the most expensive option. I was quoted $489. I priced a few local shops and the cheapest was $120 or, worst case scenario, $190. I drove by the shop to study their facilities and decided I wasn't going to leave my supercharger 4Runner with a bunch of kids. So, I decided to replace it myself. It cost me $90. Not to bad.

 

whew....200 is not too bad. I thought it would cost ALOT more than that....I know a guy who is a toyota Mechanic who does off hour work, I will try him


thanks


Joe

 

Great idea! When I moved into a townhouse, I traded a lawnmower and a chainsaw for several days worth of work on my Chevy. Now that I look back, he got the better deal

Have a 6...er, 12 pack ready!

 

I have a '96 as well and had the same type of problem. Found out from the dealer that very seldom does the starter need to be replaced as a unit. There are two huge contacts in the solinoid casing that can be replaced. I removed the starter. Removed the cover from the solinoid housing and removed the contacts. Being careful to note how they came apart. Went to the dealer and he matched them up. There are several different styles. Put in the new solinoids. Put the cover back on the solinoid housing and tested the starter. Worked great! Reinstalled the starter. Everything is wonderfull. The dealer said that he has never had to replace a starter on a 3.4 V6 that was not damaged. The cost was the best, less than $35 for everything. It is PIA to remove and replace the starter but worth the savings. Good luck.

 

Whoa I was about to say.......

Rebuild it that's cheap and it's only two bolts and two nuts (wires) that you have to remove to get the thing off.......

Is it a 5VZ (3.4)?

 

Before you jump to conclusions, check the battery first. Mine did the same thing. First it would click a few times and then start. After a few days I found myself stranded at the local bar around 2am with a dead battery. What sucked was being the designated driver... If I knew I was going to have to find another way home, I would have enjoyed myself more!

 

You can get contacts HERE >> http://www.startercontacts.com

 

Thanks for the website. I wanted to get another set of contacts to have on hand. I could have done mine in one day if I would have had the parts on hand.