Hey All! This is my first post. Unfortunately, it is because I have a problem with my 96 4-Runner. It’s an intermittent problem. I start the truck up and it starts up, but it keeps wanting to start up even though the engine is already running. I take the key out
of the ignition and it kills the engine, but it still wants to start up. I talked to the dealer and they just said its a bad starter. But I would rather get your advice, save some money, and have fun fixing it myself. Any ideas on what’s really wrong, and how I should trouble shoot the problem? Is their a relay thats bad? Thanks for your help in advance.

 

Either your starter contacts are sticking. Check if the startersolenoid still gets juice when its runnin' with the ign key off.
NOT the very large wire, this always has juice. Its dhe smaller wire that goes into a small plug.
If yes, you have aworn relay or ign switch.
If not, your contacts are worn and need to be replaced. Cost only a couple of bucks to fix yourself.
Good luck, hope this makes any sense for ya.

 

sounds like a starter problem to me or your ignition cylindar sticks in the start position when you start it as opposed to returning to the run position

 

I'm voting for a bad return spring in the starter solenoid or a bad ignition switch. Only way to troubleshoot it is to run 12v directly to the activation switch on the starter, then remove it and see if the problem is still there. If so, it's in the starter, not the switch.

 

Thanks fellas. I'll be taking out the starter this weekend. I really
hope its just a bad contact thats sticking.