1996 Toyota Tacoma Starter Problem

[NLamb1978]

I have a 1996 2.7L 4x4 Tacoma. About a month ago I had a problem pop up. I went to start my truck and nothing happened. All the dash lights came on(i.e. e-brake indicator, airbag light, check engine light) like they were suppose to when you turn on the key. I heard the fuel pump come on and the starter relay click, but the starter did not activate. My first thought was bad battery because it had the original from when I bought it used. So I replaced it. Thought problem was fixed, but it reappeared. Checked all the starter wires and alternator wiring and they all appear to be fine. Truck started fine for a week after I had inspected the wiring. Then the problem came back.Then I replaced the starter thinking maybe the solenoid was bad. Once again the truck started fine for a day or two then the problem resurfaced. I thought maybe the starter relay had a bad contact in it so I replaced that, with no luck. Then I replaced the ignition switch thinking maybe that had a bad contact in it. Once again no resolution to the problem. The final piece to the puzzle is that sometimes if you keep turning the key over and over the thing will start and other times it refuses. I have run out of ideas and would appreciate any help offered!

[penguin221]

Is it a 5 speed? If so, the clutch link cable may be bad.

[NLamb1978]

It is 5 speed

[flarkysmoo]

I have the same problem on my 1998 toyota tacoma ext cab 4x4. I use the clutch starter disable button, and crank her over, but sometims it just clicks and nothing happens. Sometimes it works...sometimes not. It is really frustrating ....Soetimes it can take up to 15 mins to get the darn thing started. I'm out there working on it right now, getting ready to pull the starter off to replace it. but you did that and it didn't work. hmmmm....someone said something about the ground on the starter being loose or a bad connection for intermittant problems. This sucks....any suggestions or luck since you last posted?

[Brian R.]

flarkysmoo - NLamb1978 probably has a different problem than you do. Take the easy solution first. Replace your contacts. There is no easier or cheaper fix unless your batter terminals are dirty. Even then, it is unlikely to be so intermittent if the battery terminals are the problem.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=166530

This is a know and common problem with these starters.

[flarkysmoo]

Well, the contacts on the battery are in excellent condition. Are you talking about the contacts on the side of the starter? There are two wires going into the side of the starter which i was wondering if they could be loose...I tried to tighten them, but they are snugg. I'm wondering if there could be teeth broken in the starter?

[Brian R.]

No, I'm talking about the contacts in the solenoid. See the link I posted.

[TRD2000]

i had that happen... turned out to be the starter motor.

[flarkysmoo]

well, aparently the solenoid is a problem with all tacoma trucks. the dealer told me they will last about 2 or 3 yrs. and I'll have to replace them again. but the starter, the dealer says, should last 2 or 3 hunderd thousand miles. I've got everything back together and it works like a beaut No problems at all. No clicking. Just a very solid powerful start. every time. anybody else having this problem, try replacing the contacts that go in your solenoid. it's only like 28 bucks . easy to replace, i'm not very mechanically enclined. but everything works swell now. good luck to ya lads...

[scubar]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

flarkysmoo - NLamb1978 probably has a different problem than you do. Take the easy solution first. Replace your contacts. There is no easier or cheaper fix unless your batter terminals are dirty. Even then, it is unlikely to be so intermittent if the battery terminals are the problem.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=166530

This is a know and common problem with these starters.

Link does not work. Do you have the correction?
Thanks,
Ron

[Flash75]

This should work.
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/

Clifton

[Brian R.]

Clifton's link is for a 2nd generation 3VZE engine. Here is the link for a 3.4 L V6 (5VZ-FE).