I know you are in a bind, but if you have a factory Denso that only needs new contacts, it would be a minor tragedy to trade it as a core for a cheap reman. Even if it needs a rebuild, I'd rather do that and keep it factory. The Denso's are near bulletproof except for the contacts issue, the remans "not so much."

 

I'd try this before paying for a tow. If it's a manual you can roll it to a start as mentioned above.

 

I used to keep a spare set of vice grips in my 4runner for this exact situation... Just put vice grips on key and turn to start (the vice grips will keep the key in "start" position) then go out and tap the starter a few times, she should fire right up, just be quick about getting back into the truck to release the vice grips or it will blow the starter :-)

 

Change the starter contacts and the plunger. You should be able to do that under $40 and with a minimal amount of tools. Do not replace it with a piece of crap parts store starter.
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...OnlineOrdering

 

Okay so i got it towed home, for free, with a redneck car dolly.. it was scary but we made it. But the tapping on the starter while trying to start it doesnt work, how do i find out exactly whats wrong? i think is is the soliniod, but there is a number of things it could be

 

I hope your going to report back as to what the fix is. My bet stater brushes

 

i will report back!

 

If it is a single click, that is the plunger pushing out. When the plunger pushes out it touches the contacts and causes it to spin. (atleast on the 22r starters). I am not to sure on the newer starters though. 4crawlers site explains how to check the starter.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...al-thread.html Found this on another site that might help.

 

Auto parts store usually can test if its good right? Yank it out and take it in.

 

it is more then likely the brushes in the motor, when u where trying to get it to start was it clicking or nothing? if u hear a click it means that it is usually pushing the gear out to meet up with the flywheel to start it. but the motor was not spinning. there is a bolt on the starter that is from the solenoid to the starter, using a ohms meter see if u have continuity from the bolt to the side of the starter, if so then its a solenoid problem and not the brushes.

 

So, im having a hard time getting the starter out, i tried unbolting brake lines, no luck the bolts are stuck. tried moving exhaust bracket... cant get it to budge... this is harder than its supposed to be lol

 

My truck makes things harder then they should be pretty often. I would keep trying and if no luck you may have to take it to the shop. Shouldnt be to pricey if you have the parts. Good luck.

 

got the starter out


think this might be the problem?

 

i hope thats the problem and its easy to fix

 

I would bench test it before you re-install. Any parts store can do it. If you have a vise you can also.

 

Just do as others have said and buy the Toyota plunger and contacts from either the dealer or a website mentioned here.

My brother and I took his out, replaced the guts, and it works like brand new. I think the parts were around $40 as has been said previously.

Make sure if one of the wires on the contacts comes loose that you resolder it before closing the starter up and putting it back in!

 

well my friend matt eventually got the starter out. and i took it to an electric place that specializes in starters, put it back in today and now the wire isnt clipping (or i guess more like plugging) into the new wiring harness... :/

 

did the shop put the wrong plug on the starter?

 

im thinking thats what happened, and now there not open til monday!

 

i just tried again, i really dont think it should that difficult to plug in, the prong wont go into the plug part on the small wire... im gonna be ircked if its the wrong part.