Hey everyone. I've never had any starter issues with my 4-runner 3.0 before and I went outside the other day to start it. Turn the key and nothing. I could hear a relay inside the truck click and a humming noise under the hood when i held it in the start position but no clicking noise like the starter was trying to engage. I tried again the next day and same thing. I go out the third day and it starts right up like nothing was wrong and today I've started it several times with no issues. I bought a starter but I'm starting to think its something else simple like a bad connection or starter relay? I've read the forums on starting issues but was looking for any fresh ideas. Thanks.

PS I elminated the neutral switch as a possibility

 

mine was doing the same thing. i could hit it with a hammer and the starter would work. i replaced the starter and have not had anymore problems.

 

yeah i figured i have a remanufactured starter in hand for 150 bucks but im being real cheap and im thinking about taking it back hoping it is something else....maybe ill look into new contacts

 

install a Painless HotShot from summit racing. They are $25 and they will solve the problem. Trust me. Let me pull up the thread

EDIT: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f120...otshot-115097/

 

interesting, i think im going to look into that

 

No doubt it's your starter contacts. Pull the starter and replace them. $15 dollar fix!

 

Before spending money, do a quick voltage test:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest

Will point you in the direction of the problem.

 

I followed Roger's advice years ago and added a relay to my starter system. 3 starters replaced in 3 years became 0 starters replaced in 5 years. I spent a grand total of less than $30 for a 30A relay at Radio Shack, some 8awg wire and connectors.
If your starter is already out - have it tested by a quality auto electics shop. Avoid the chain stores and even the stores that will warranty a starter without testing just because they know you wouldn't go through the hell of pulling the starter off a 3.0 if you didn't have a problem.

 

pardon my ignorance but what does adding another relay to your starters electrical system do? I took the starter back to advanced auto today and got my money back and im going to order some contacts or possibly that relay.

 

If you read the web page I posted a link to earlier, you'll see. Basically bypasses all the stock wiring and gives the starter solenoid direct power from the battery:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...l#OtherOptions

As you can see below, the OEM starter relay gets power through the ignition switch, so you are dealing with voltage drops through the switch (and all the OEM wiring) plus the drop across the OEM relay contacts. Another repair option is shown below:

 

ahhh i get it, thanks for the explaination, i ordered a starter rebuild kit and we're gonna pull it out of there and have at it