95 4-runner won't start

[Anthony.wall85]

Tested starter passed. Changed starter relay. Replaced wire going from positive battery terminal to fuse box. Cleans battery terminals and charged still won't start. This truck is a toy and I was pretty rough on the 4-wheel drive the last time I used it. It sat for a week and now won't start any suggestions.

[Brian R.]

What happens when you turn the key? Does the starter click once? Many times rapidly? No sound at all? Engine turn too slowly to start?

What engine and transmission do you have?

More information please.

[Anthony.wall85]

It is a 3.0 not sure of trans 4-wheel drive. Was doing more research on starter testing and found out that it is supposed to eject drive and spin. When I did my bench test it ejected the drive but did not spin so I am going to try replacing it. I thought it was good because it passed the test at auto zone but it was a bunch of kids that also didn't know. Just trying to get time off to work on it.

[Crvett69]

need to have 2 wires hooked up for it to spin, one to the large post on the solenoid where the battery cable goes then one to the single terminal on solenoid, it should kick the bendix out and spin, will not spin if you just touch the small terminal. if you have both hooked up and it doesn't spin then starter is bad, replace it as a unit. does your engine spin over when you turn key or just click?

[Brian R.]

Forget the bench test. See post #2

[Anthony.wall85]

It only gives one single click like the bendix is in gauging but that is it. When I did the bench test I put negative cable on body of starter, positive on threaded terminal and a jumper to the plug. The bendix comes out but does not spin. Hope this helps you help me. Thanks.

[Crvett69]

sounds like a bad starter, replace it

[Brian R.]

It is most likely the solenoid contacts. The single click is a sign of bad contacts.

You can replace them for less than $40. The solenoid contacts are a known weak point in the Toyota starters. You don't need to buy a new starter, just a pair of contact kits.

See this post here: http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...86&postcount=4

and here: http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...html#Update-II

[Crvett69]

and if its a flat spot on starter you just wasted the $40 and time to fix it, i hate having to redo stuff so i always just replace unit, if one part is worn other part usually is too but its up to you

[Brian R.]

It is almost always the contacts. If you have money to burn, get a starter- otherwise, buy the contacts. Toyota (DENSO) starters will last forever if you replace the contacts when they burn out.

[Crvett69]

rebuilt starter is $72 or less, your choice

[Brian R.]

Good luck with that $72 starter. My advice is: Stick with the factory starter and rebuild it with new contacts. Take it for what it's worth.

[Anthony.wall85]

One last thing is that last time I took it out the transmission got pretty hot. I read that heat can burn up the solenoid on the starter. Any thoughts. Thanks.

[Brian R.]

Never heard of that kind of heat affecting a starter. However, it is most likely the solenoid is the problem. Either replace the contacts or install a different starter.