2000 4runner Starter Problem Help Please

[oklahomadave]

Hello everyone,
I have a 2000 4runner and we just got back from vacation. This morning, I started the car but the starter won't disengage. It just keeps going. I had to d/c the battery to get it to stop. Has anyone else had this problem? I called the service dept. and they said that it could catch on fire because of the wires overheating. They said to start it and d/c the battery and try to drive it over but when I do that the motor dies. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you, David Martin

[Brian R.]

Easy stuff first:
Remove the starter relay from the box by the battery and test continuity (with an ohmmeter or circuit tester) on the two opposing pairs of contacts on the relay. One pair (parallel pair) should have continuity and the other (perpendicular pair) should not have continuity.

Apply battery voltage across the two opposite leads with continuity. Now the other opposing pair should also have continuity. Remove the battery voltage. Lack of continuity should return to the unpowered pair. If something doesn't fit, replace the starter relay. That was your problem. If the starter relay is perfect, post again.

[steak57]

Dear All.
I had the same thing happen on my 99 4 runner.
I had turn off by the key few time to make the starter stop.
but, before this happen, the starter need started few times in the morning or cool weather, and if the car is still warm (during the day) it is ok to start at one time.

[Brian R.]

Did you eliminate the relay as the problem?

[ToyotaTech]

your starter contacts are fused together inside the starter housing just pull the starter out and replace the contacts

[ToyotaTech]

we never have problems with the starter relays in toyotas

[Brian R.]

Thanks for the information

[roam396]

I currently have this EXACT problem with my 2000 4runner. What was the solution??

Thanks

[Brian R.]

Starter solenoid contacts needed to be replaced.

[roam396]

Thanks!!