Starter not disengaging
 

I am trying to find out if I have a starter contacts problem or my whole starter is on the way out…
When I start the engine, my starter stays on (not disengaging) for about 2 seconds.
So far, it happened about 10 times, fist time about 4-5 month ago and that time it has stayed on longer: for about 5 seconds and at that time I had to shut down the engine to have it disengaged.
As far as I now most people here who have replaced starter’s contacts had issue with intermittent starting problem not with starter not disengaging...?

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

P.S. I have 1996 4Runner 4x4, 3.4L Auto with 106K miles on it.

clean ur contacts on ur starts something is making it stick

Mine did that with a similar time frame and then it stopped starting, so I replaced the starter and not a problem since.

Common causes are worn copper contacts inside the starter solenoid that causes the plunger to stick at the bottom, or there is dirt/grease inside the plunger causing the same:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml

Ive replaced many, many contacts in all different kinds of toyotas at my old shop, never had a problem with them staying engaged afterwords. Cleaning the contacts isnt really worth it, just replace them, they are cheap. but clean the plunger

If the contacts are worn unevenly, this can cause the plunger to get "cocked" in the bore of the solenoid at the bottom of travel, since the ring on the plunger tries to make contact with the contacts on opposite sides.

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...s/contact1.gif

Not common, but have heard of it happening. And yes, replacement is an easy and inexpensive repair:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...rter.shtml#Fix

This is what I hope is happening. I will get new contacts.
Thank you 4Crawler!

Thank you all for responses!!!

I also had a bad ignition switch that caused the same thing to happen.

You should put your "PS" in the signature.

Good idea to do the voltage test beforehand:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest
If you find you are getting 12 volts at the solenoid after you turn off the key, then it is an issue with the starter switch or some component in that circuit sticking on. However, if the voltage drops to zero and the starter stays engaged, then you are looking at something inside the solenoid.

I replaced my starter today after the same problem with it not disengaging, figured may as well put a whole new one in anyway, only took maybe an hour total. It now sounds different and starts way easier.

With similar problem, I replaced the starter and it sill would not disengage. I replaced the ignition switch and it's a no go. Perhaps the starter relay?