my passport has some issues when i turn the key to the start possition, nothing happens, earlier i had some charging issues so i started from the battery and alternator and had them both checked. they were both good. i cleaned up the battery poles., and checked the wiring for the alternator, ended up that there was a loose connection on the alternator. so now the voltmeter reads what it should, but the starter still does nothing when i turn the key to start. I checked the relay and it was fine, i switched it with the horn relay <since they were the same>and there was no change. I pulled the starter out and hooked some jumper cables up to it and used a piece of wire to engage the cylinoid <spelling> and it seemed to work like its supposed to. we uses a block of wood against the gear to add drag and it didnt faze the starter. so i was wondering if anyone else has had this issue.. any help would be great...... thanks

btw... pulling the starter is a pain, i didnt raise the engine, or pull the exhaust or anything.. but i got it out in three pieces. im thinking ill pull the exhaust when i go to put it back in.

We had this same issue on a late toyota, seemingly the starter would start fine while out of the truck, but wouldn't start with it in the truck. Ended up replacing it.

Also, check your volts on the battery and alternator while UNDER a load, makes a difference on these trucks.