1987 Pickup Intermittent starting problem

Late 1987 Toyota pickup (auto trans) w/1988 22R engine.

Sometimes will not start. Usually if I try later (half hour to next day) it will start. Has power (all lights, radio, etc. work) but starter does not engage at all (no solenoid click, nothing), just like would happen if truck were in gear. If I hook another vehicle up to jump start, always starts without fail, if I use a jump start booster it will not start. Have checked several things: Cables seem to be good, all connections are corrosion free (including ground). Not a linkage issue. Have tried a new battery.

Any suggestions on where to go next are appreciated.

TIA

Hey , I'm having the same problem only I have a manual tranny . I'm leaning toward the starter relay.

thibods

Things to look at with a multimeter. Measure resistance and verify voltage.

starter relay
connections to the starter, connections must be clean and shiney
battery cables, check resistance and the terminals on both ends of each cable
engine to chassis ground strap

Does tapping the starter with a hammer make a difference? Worn bushings in the starter can cause it to bind, requiring more power to turn the starter. Check the contacts in the solenoid. They're known for burning up.

There's a common problem in the 80's trucks, both 1st and 2nd gen, 2wd and 4wd, with the starter circuit wiring. I've had it in 3 of my trucks, and seen it in many others. The wiring between the ign switch and starter goes flakey. It's a PITA to troubleshoot, so my solution in 2 of my trucks, and what many, many others have done, is bypass the starter circuitry with a manual push button. You still need the key to turn ON, but use the push button to START the truck. Just a little info that may help.

Thanks fourwd1 , do you have or know of a schematic to do this ?

thibods