I have a remote start installed, so I usually am not there when the car actually starts.

However the one time I changed my air filter, I started the car by key, and the starter started to crank the engine (and didn't sound weak), then just stopped dead. There was no sound of struggle or anything. The dashboard lights were still on and all seemed fine. So I switched back to on, then tried start again; this time there was no sign of the starter even trying at all. The battery was at 12.36; it's usually closer to 13. So I put my head down for a few seconds (oh no! what do now?). Tried it again, and then it started perfectly fine! I got it home and charged the battery just in case. That was about 2 weeks ago.

Now today I get gas. I turn off the engine. Fill it up. Get back in, and turn the key, and nothing at all from the starter. All the dash lights were on, but the starter wasn't doing anything at all. I tried again, still the same. And none of the lights dimmed to indicate an electrical strain. I turn on the stereo (900 watt system between the two amps, 4 speakers, and 2 subs), and the stereo worked fine even at high volume... basically it wasn't the battery. I was about to push it to a parking spot, but again after putting my head down for a few seconds (oh no! what do now?), I try again and it works fine!

I am thinking it could be starter relay or a loose wire from the ignition switch (probably from the remote start install I did almost a year ago). I was wondering how I could possible diagnose this problem since it is very intermittent. I can't just sit there and crank the starter until it doesn't work then figure out why, ya? Should I just deal with it and wait til it's completely broken or broken more often? Or is there something I can test now while it's still working for the most part?

Thanks :)

Most likely the contacts in the starter solenoid.

I agree, contacts need replaced. Read FAQ at the top on how to do your on repair. Your old battery is likely OK to use. Starter contacts are easy to replace and you can buy them at your toyota dealer and most automotive electrical repair shops. Take the old contacts with you because there are several types.

Here's the link to the thread on repairing your own starter with this click/no start problem:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=166530

Mike

Thank you all for your responses. I did look at the FAQ, and I started to think it was the solanoid contacts as well. I just wanted to be sure, since I am not really experienced. They usually seem to say that you hear one click and then nothing. In my case I don't even hear a click; does that mean anything?

When I do go to buy the parts, should I just get the contacts themselves, or also new bolts to hold them in place? And should I replace the plunger as well? I saw some sites say to clean the plunger, if I don't replace it, how do I clean it? I didn't see information on that, I may have missed it.

Thanks again.

Take the contacts out first and you'll know if you need to buy anything else. Most likely just the contacts are needed. I cleaned the plunger with just a mild/soft scrub using steel wool, I think it was 000 steel wool. I then sprayed the parts off with electical contact cleaner that I purchased at an automotive parts store.

You might be right. There may be a loose connection in your remote starter system or in the ignition switch. Although the solenoid contacts are by far the most common problem with starting you may have, I have never heard of any car with bad contacts starting and then quitting in the middle of cranking. Your starter is easy to get to, so it's worth a try to clean or replace the contacts, but I'm betting on a bad connection.

Thanks again. I just replaced the contacts. They were pretty worn down, at least half-way through. The starter sounds a lot better now (I didn't even realize it sounded a little weak until I put the new contacts in). One of the studs for the cruise control actuator nuts snapped off :-X The other 2 are in pretty tight tho, should I be really concerned about replacing the mounting piece? Or can I just drill a hole through the stud and replace it with a machine bolt?

Also, the gear on the starter looks like it's starting to get worn away a bit at the outside of the gear (toward the trans, not motor). Is this normal wear? (I imagine from it engaging the flywheel)

And if so, is that gear easy to replace? Most of the gear was in tact tho, so I probably don't need to worry about it for a few years.

Thanks again! :-D