First, sorry about my lengthy post. Here is my problem.

Back in August, I was away for a week for company trip. When I got home, my wife told me that she could not start my car. I jumped on it right after I got off the plane. She was right.

I knew that my battery was very weak because I can listen to music for about 10 mins without the engine running and my battery toast. So I went out and replaced the original with Optima Red Top. It works fine for about a month and now start acting weird.

Now in the morning, somtimes(like 4 out of 7 days), I turned the key and heard the click, click, then the starter to come on then the engine start. It happened the same when I ready to go home from work.

Another problem is (happen once a week or so), after the engine started and running but the started keep starting. I then turn off the car and the starter still starting for like 10 seconds then stop. While the starter keep starting, I insert the key to Ignition to On and the Engine was back on and starter still running.

These systoms happen for the last two week. I was guessing that the starter was stuck somewhere in there or the Ignition.

Please help. Thanks.

 

I had the same problem. It would take 5-10 turns of the key to get it to start. I took it to my mechanic and told me that the starter was sticking. I got it replaced, and no problems so far. That was 6 months ago.

 

Red Runner,

How much is the damage? Was it in the dealer or regular shop? Is it the toyota starter or aftermarket one. Thanks.

 

Not sure what you mean by "starter kept starting" but it does sound like you have a bad starter. By the way, a toyota starter will probably be very expensive. Try aftermarket if you can.

 

Ok, the starter only function when we turn on the key right! the key is in my hand the the starter trying to start the engine. I opened up the hood and the engine is shaking like when you try to start the car. Does it make sense to you or I lost in words!!!!

 

It cost me $78.00 for the starter and $78 for the install. I took it my mechanics(owns his own shop). My Runner is all stock, stock 22RE.

 

I really don't think it's the starter, but a problem with the starter relay or something else before the starter (between the key and the starter) getting stuck. This could also be draining the battery when away from the vehicle.

 

Yep, sounds electrical in nature. You'll have to trace the circuit that's drawing power on it's own. Can be tedious. Your best bet is a local shop with a good reputation.

 

I think he's saying that the engine is turning over... definitely not the starter.

Sounds to me like a fuel delivery or spark problem. I would check all of the plug/ignition wires and make sure they are making good contact. I know on my '91 (3.0) the wire from the coil to the distributor fried once and it did this. It's different on the 3.4s though isn't it?

 

The last thing I want is the Electrical problem. I did play with all the electrical when I hook up my stereo and other gadgets in my car.

 

It sounds like either a low voltage problem or the starter solenoid is bad.
Make sure you are getting a true 12v or better while the engine is cranking.
The solenoid is the part that makes the starter gear move out to contact the flywheel and retract when you release the sarter. It sounds like sometimes the gear does not retract, and the starter is being spun by the engine after the engine starts.

It may be easier to put in a remanufactured starter than to try to replace only the solenoid.
Hope this helps
Jeremy