1996 4runner won't start

My car won't start just makes a clicking noise. I know the battery is good because I took it out and took it to NTB where it was good and fully charged. The battery light and alternator light both come one when I try to start. How do I determine if the alternator is working? A visual inspection? Any other ideas?

My car won't start just makes a clicking noise. I know the battery is good because I took it out and took it to NTB where it was good and fully charged. The battery light and alternator light both come one when I try to start. How do I determine if the alternator is working? A visual inspection? Any other ideas?


You can test the altenator by starting the vehicle, and taking the positive battery cable off, if it still runs then the altenator is good. IF it dies its time for a new altenator. Hope this helps.

If the battery was fully charged, then the alternator is not your problem. The only way your battery could get charged is by the alternator charging it.

It is very likely that it is your starter solenoid contacts. Try rapping on your starter solenoid with a small hammer or wrench and see if that temporarily solves the problem. If it does, then it is the solenoid contacts.

See the following links:

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

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

http://www.off-road.com/toyota/tech/starter/

could be wrong, but I've heard that pulling off the batt. cables while running is not a good thing...dunno 4 sure...good luck

Personally, to check my alternator, I would measure the voltage from the hot terminal of the alternator to ground with the engine running.

@sdowny40: Don't worry about the alternator. It is the least likely source of your problem. Those lights coming on when you try to start is normal. Focus on determining why your starter isn't turning over your engine. Most likely and cheapest solution is replacing your solenoid contacts as in the links I posted above.

the 'remove the cable' method works great... you don't have to have any special tools, or even knowledge of how to use a multimeter...

I've used it for years... if you have to get jumped, good idea to try it while the other car is still around. : ) Esp. if you are driving a car that is hard on alternators (cough - chevy - cough).

i had the same problem w/ my 91 buick regal, all i heard was a slight clicking noise

had it towed, and they replaced the starter engine, runs great now and makes a cool high-pitched noise when i start it =D

oh and how does the removing hte pos. cable thing work in this situation? dont you ahve to have the car running? if its the starter that died, it wont even turn over w/ a jump
lol

Sorry, but I don't have an opinion on whether that method would work or not. I have never tried it and won't unless I drop my voltmeter. After a jump is a good time as Angella said. The downside of that method is that many people would easily damage the battery post by wrenching the cable connection or beating on the clamp to get it back on. Using a voltmeter is less likely to damage the battery. There are + and - to both methods.

hey snow, I guess I was the one who started all of the disagreementsand now regret posting my statement. It was just simply something that I thought I had heard before in automotive class (mostly referring to newer cars)........anyway, I have used the same method in the past, and was not trying to flame or disagree with you, I just posted something that I suppose I shouldn't have since I wasn't sure about it. Simply put...I mean't to offend no one.

Hey no problem. I appriciate it though. And no apolgy is needed at all. If anyone should be it should be me. lets all just get back to learning. Brian has far more experience than Iam sure anyone of us could hope for. I need a smoke. lol

While there really hasn't been anything completely out of hand in this thread, may I remind you guys to keep it clean and friendly.

If you can't post something helpful, rather don't post.

Don't ya wish life was like this, undo some of the things we wish we could "do over"?

lol, I know thats right. Allright I got to get to bed mann, so i can fix that hub lol that was good. thanks 4wheel, and sorry for the hassle, you are allright.

Yeah Otay here man, You must be on the east side, it's only 7:30
Take care