My vehicle: 99 4runner SR5 V6. Miles 78000 (original owner). West Coast LA.

History: About 5K miles ago, I did some preventative maintenance to replace a leaking water pump and changed the timing belt also. Battery replaced and the same time.

Problem: Over the last month, I had problems starting in the morning. When I turn the ignition, sometimes it took two or three tries to turn over and start. When it did not start, it was not a lazy start; there was no sound. It was like it didn't make contact.

Last night, I started it and it made a loud whining noise. When I tried to turn the ignition off, it still kept running. I had to disconnect the ground from the battery for it to turn off.

Diagnosis? I'm not a mechanic, but I thinking the starter needs to be replaced. I'd like some educated guesses before I take it in.

Thanks for your help!

Hhinojosa@yahoo.com

 

It's definitely the starter. Mine did the whining noise as well and had to replace the whole thing. Should look at replacing the starter contacts as well since you'll have the starter off anyway. Welcome to the board, BTW! You'll find this board with a lot of helpful folk without all the needless flaming. Post some pics of your rig of ya got 'em too!

 

Im in the so cali area.

I just replaced my starter about 3 weeks ago. I went to wondries toyota and the starters there was frickin expensive like $280. Go with pepboys or replace the starters.



- kevin

 

Did mine 2wks ago. 160 at cheker auto. it would click(kick out the gear) but wouldnt turn the gear. 2wks before that it did the same thing and when I had it tested it was fine. I came to this conclusion depending on how old and how many miles you have on your rig, might as well replace the problem and not try to patch it, you'll just do it twice in the long run.

 

The original posters problem is due to worn starter contacts. This is a well known symptom. In his case, the starter solenoids plunger had become stuck to the contacts, which left his starter running until he disconnected the battery.