This morning I went out to start my 4Runner. I stuck the key in and it tried to start it. When I removed the key from the ignition my 4Runner was still trying to crank over. I had to remove the battery cable in order for it to stop. Does anyone know what the heck is wrong?

Over the last couple of days it has been a chore to start. The battery is fairly new....Maybe it has a mind of its own...haha

 

some possible causes of a sticking starter are:

1. faulty plunger in magnetic switch
2. damaged pinion or ring gear
3. faulty ignition switch or control circuit
4. binding ignition key

 

i was thinking about just pulling the starter and having it rebuilt.

 

Rebuild it yourself! Its not rocket science...there are lots of writeups on how to do it including your factory service manual

 

Taking the starter out is by far the worst part. Once you're that far, you might as well finish it yourself.

 

Ive have a similar problem with my truck. We had just gotten a new battery about 2 weeks ago and my mom was drving it around and it conked out on her down the street from our house. Me and my uncle had to go down and get it. He ended up just banging on the starter a couple of times for the truck to turn over. I dont why that simple move solved the problem but it did.

 

thats a dead starter not a sticking one...totally different problem

 

I'll do some research to see what I can find on rebuilding it myself. Thanks for the help guys.

 

cleaned up the starter myself for $10 bucks. Replaced spark plugs and fuel filter also while I was at it. It does seem to start a little easier....Now I might be leaning toward the ignition switch itself.

 

I had a 1998 4 runner and it did the exact same thing.... It was under warranty... but they said it was the selinoid. They said they had to replace the starter. They said it was all one piece. I never saw the starter.

 

How did you clean up your starter? Get a set of contacts from the dealer. Wire wheel the plunger and slap it back together. If the problem continues, you will need a new starter

 

nah...went to a small electronic shop to pick up the contacts. I went to the dealership and those guys were freaking morons. Yeah I cleaned up the plunger really good...it was really suprising how much different it looked.