My wife's truck (99 taco 4x4 w/3.4, A.T.)is having starter issues again. Drive it, park it and return to it in 30 to 60+ minutes and 'no start.' When it was NEW (within the 1st week of driving it off the dealer lot) it would not start and I had it towed to the dealer. It fired right up for them so I ended up having to pay the tow charge because they couldn't duplicate the problem (1999). I have since replaced the starter (royal PIA) six years ago. When the problem resurfaced, I've been able to get it to fire by tapping the starter w/an axe handle. I should've mentioned that when the problem arises the engine /starter do nothing ie. no cranking, clicking, whirring, etc. Yesterday while trying to start it I think I heard a barely audible sound from the starter (maybe it was the fuel pump?) and when I crawled underneath and touched the starter, it was warm but the exhaust was already cool from being driven a couple of hours earlier. I replaced the starter in '04 at 93,995 miles w/ an Azone starter a month after I did the t-belt. The truck now has 156 k+. The truck is now sitting in my yard about 75-100 feet from the garage (parked t in the shade under a tree) and the truck is in the NO start mode. I figure it's time to replace the starter again unless someone can give me some advice on getting this starter to crank> the battery test @14+ volts.

My second question (I "searched" it unsucessfully) is a replacement radiator for the above truck. Has anyone had GOOD LUCK w/ an aftermarket radiator for the 3.4/auto tranny from the likes of Azone,Advanced Auto, NAPA, etc? Any brand to AVOID? I'd like to avoid the strawberry milkshake. Thanks in advance.

 

hey if you dont like the truck ill trade you

 

If it is the starter, then it is most likely just the contacts. A few members here recently have had luck by being able to remove the contacts with the starter still in place. Use the search engine. If the issue seems to occur only when the engine is hot, it may be the water temp (ECT) sensor or the fuel pump, which the latter rarely fails.

The Koyo, model A1998, would be the radiator of choice. It seems to be well made and can be gotten for under $140. Again, use the search engine and you will find someone just replaced their OEM with the Koyo and like it.

 

b0n3- I her like truck, my wife loves it. I love MY truck

J2F42C-Thanks, I'll look into the Koyo

 

The ignition switch may not be springing back to the "RUN" position like its supose to causing the starter to spin during engine operation and driving range burning it up. Could be a dirty ground. Clean battery terminals and grounds. Starter contacts. <--Clean and or replace as needed. If the starter is "burned" up replace again BUT get a good starter and quit going to autozone and el cheapos. Go to peep boys or napa or a good parts place. Go OEM Toyota if you have to.

 

[Q quit going to autozone and el cheapos. Go to peep boys or napa or a good parts place. Go OEM Toyota if you have to.[/QUOTE]

I purchased this truck NEW as my wife's 25th anniversary gift. Tranny seals went within the 1st week along w/ the starter issue. I'm BIG Toyota fan and and learned to use OEM timing components after 'quick' failure of aftermarket timing chain kit (my truck) but I've had pretty good luck w/ starters from the'zone plus they're warranted for Life so I pay for the 1st one and get the replacements at no cost (except for time and aggravation).

 

read the 4crawler.com website regarding the starter contacts.

Koyo radiator A1998 we just replaced into my friends 01 Limited on Sunday and it was so easy. $106 on ebay I believe. GO PARTS.com I think it was.