Tacoma Starter probs.....

[Nonprophet]

'99 tacoma w/ 92k. In the past few weeks when I go to start the truck and turn the key, nothing happens (well, the LCD clock on the dash dims.....lol) Sometimes it works just fine and cranks right up, other times I have to keep turning the key back and forth to get it to "catch". Sometimes, it will start to turn over, and loose the connection while the flywheel is turning.

I live out in the boonies, and cross 3 streams to get to and from my place. I though maybe the contacts were just getting wet, but this past weekend I checked all the connections and everything is tight and dry.

The problem seems worst in the mornings when I try to start it cold--though even warm it does it too sometimes.

I had the battery checked out--it's supposed to be ok, and the alternator is doing it's thing too.

I've heard (on TTORA) about the "clicking starter" problem (which means you need to replace the contacts....) but mine really isn't "clicking."

Anyone else have this problem and/or have some advice?


Thanks!


NP

 

[DaveInDenver]

Seems about the right age and mileage to start seeing problems with the contacts. Search around for it, it's a few dollars and generally the problem with old Toyota starters.

For example, at Roger Brown's website:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml

 

[Clutch]

Solenoid, maybe?

Or a bad ignition switch. Check for power at the black/white wire at the starter connector and see if there is power there with the key in the START position.

If not, check for power at the white wire at the ignition switch in the START position. If there is no power there, then you have a bad ignition switch. If you do have power there and not at the starter, then I would check the Starter Relay and the Clutch Start Switch.

If you do have power at the starter connector with the key in the START position, then the starter itself is no good

 

[Nullifier]

Sounds like the contacts in thte starter for me. get a toyota dealer to sell you contact replacement kit. A few hours and your back in buisiness.

 

[viter]

well, as far as I know clicking sound comes from a relay, so if you do not even hear any clicking, perhaps that relay does not get power sometimes or is malfunctioning. I think that relay is in the fuse box in the engine bay and a replacement one is probably like $5 so it might be easy to check.

 

[cruiser guy]

I'd say 99% of the starter problems with a Toyota is the contactors in the starter solenoid. These contactors get a buildup of copper or other stuff on one side and the other side wears down faster and before you know it the disk doesn't make contact across both sides any more.
Buy the contacts and you're probably OK, add the plunger and all will be well.

 

[Bergger]

I agree with the comments on the contacts. My first Tacoma, a 1995, had problems with the contacts at about 90k.

 

[offroad_nomad]

I had a similar problem with my 4Runner, however it turned out to be the battery. Have you checked yours?

* * * Edit * * *

My bad, I just saw you had the battery checked.

 

[Grim Reaper]

Test the battery cables. Ignition swtiches are known to give issue as well but like others have said...Solonoid contacts are the most common cause.

 

[Dave]

I would agree with the contacts diagnoses. This happened to '02 Tacoma this past fall while out in Utah. Only 60,000 miles on the truck when it happened.

It's not really a clicking, just more of a single click when the key is turned. I originally thought it was the starter relay. When I called the parts counter in St. George and asked for a relay, the guy told me they didn't have one and then explained verbatim the symptoms my truck was showing. Obviously it was not the first time he's had a similar conversation.

Some good info here and here.

 

[offroad_nomad]

Roger Brown has alot of info on his website regarding replacing Toyota truck starter contacts and he even sells them too:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml#WhichContacts

 

[Nonprophet]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their help in getting my starter fixed! :wings: I finally got around to pulling it today and putting in new contacts and a plunger--it now works like it's supposed to!!

For those of you who may also need to do this one day, here are a couple of tips:

1. Don't buy the contacts and plunger from the dealer! My local dealer wanted $20 for each contact and $36 for the plunger--a local auto electric shop sold me the contacts (which are just stamped copper) for $1.88 ea. and the plunger was $11!! The contacts from the dealer do include a new rubber o-ring, nut, and plastic spacer, but you really don't need that stuff--just re-use it from the old contact unless it's broken.

2. It's virtually impossible to know for sure which contacts your starter will have until you actually pull it and look inside. Even the local Toyota dealer admitted that it could be one of four different contacts for a Tacoma starter, even cross-referencing against the truck's VIN number or even the part number off the starter. Because I live in a remote area and don't have a second car, for $8 I just bought all four possible contacts, and 2 of them fit.

3. Pulling the starter is pretty straight forward on the 2.7 4cyl--two bolts accessed on the real side of the bell housing. The lower bolt it pretty much a piece of cake, the upper one is a bit tricky and requires a long extension and a swivel to get the socket on the bolt head.

4. Once the starter is unbolted, it's easiest to pull it out through the driver's side wheel well, you may have to slightly bend/move a brake line but it's no big deal if you're careful.


Thanks again for all your help--it sure is nice not always having to park on a hill anymore!!! :gunt: LOL



NP