no start problem

[98-4runner]

I have a 98 4Runner. I am having a start up problem since 2 weeks ago. When I was starting it up, I just hear a clicking sound, the starter doesn't turn. all warning lights are up. battery is just 4 months old. some time i have to try 3~4 times. Once the starter up and running, the engine will be started within 2 seconds. it won't have any problem during the driving. unless i shutdown the car and restart again. I tried to press the starter reply firmly. the problem still occur but not all the time. can anyone have an idea for me?

[Brian R.]

Probably your starter solenoid contacts.

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

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

[forest_grump]

It is starter contact points it sounds like....visit my previous posted help topic on this subject "10 dollar *clicking* starter cure" at this link... http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic324609.htm

[98-4runner]

I just called my dealer. she said Toyota usually don't replace the contact but the whole starter has to be replaced. i am still waiting for the quote. i believe it will cost me a lot because she said 2 hours of the labour will be invoked. i wonder how come some "non-professional" user can replace the contact within an hour but the "pro-toyota tech" has to spend 2 hours?

Originally Posted by forest_grump

It is starter contact points it sounds like....visit my previous posted help topic on this subject "10 dollar *clicking* starter cure" at this link... http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic324609.htm

[Brian R.]

Superman can pull your starter and replace the contacts in an hour, no one else that I know. I think the hour figure is for either a 4-cylinder Camry, or just to replace the contacts once the starter is out of your truck. Pulling the starter in your truck is a pain in the butt. Search this forum for help. We have talked about it within the last 6 months.

[98-4runner]

The dealer just replied to me. they are asking for $500 to replace it. is it a fair deal?

Originally Posted by Brian R.

Superman can pull your starter and replace the contacts in an hour, no one else that I know. I think the hour figure is for either a 4-cylinder Camry, or just to replace the contacts once the starter is out of your truck. Pulling the starter in your truck is a pain in the butt. Search this forum for help. We have talked about it within the last 6 months.

[4Wheel]

NOPE, Not Fair! The dealer sells kits for both sides of the solenoid they are around $15 each. The starter is not that hard to remove with a couple of long 3/8" extensions and one small wire push on connector and the battery connector.
Remember to disconnect the battery first.
This is IF its the contacts, don't open them until your sure Toyota "stocks" these because there is such a demand for them.
Once the starter is out connect it up and see what happens.

[Brian R.]

Originally Posted by 4Wheel

The starter is not that hard to remove with a couple of long 3/8" extensions and one small wire push on connector and the battery connector.

Not according to this discussion:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...d.php?t=253687

The first link I provided above is a topic by a guy who also sells starter contacts. Get them there if you have any trouble.

[forest_grump]

Of course the dealer won't sell you just the contacts lol...they want to sell you a brand new 375.00 starter.You should be able to find a starter and alternator rebuild shop to purchase those contact points in a big city/town....most Toyota's like yours I can replace the contact points and start back up in about 1 1/2 hours...cept I am very experienced with such and do not take starter out to do it.
Easiest way is to disconnect pos battery cable,drop skid plate if 4X4 and then unbolt pos cable and pull off energizer(small) wire from starter,unbolt starter,unbolt or *split* idler arm so you can get stater out front,unbolt starter from engine....when you go to drop it down you will encounter some cables and lines...you will have to massage line carefully to side and squeeze starter out there and forward thru opening created by droping draglink out of way when idler arm was dropped or seperated.....next take starter with you to match up to new ones and replace them,reassm and bench test (jumper cables and a jumper wire or battery charger on quick start works great)to make sure it works before installing....

Or you could........just find a rebuild shop and offer them 40 bucks to install new contacts and give it a visual inspection and bench test....Best way to find a rebuild shop is in a large town and listed as starter/alternator rebuild shop or listed under automobile parts/used and rebuilt....


Here is an older post that tells how to replace the contact points if I remembered correctly... http://www.automotivehelper.com/topic324609.htm

[forest_grump]

grrrr...I missed part where you said you have a 98 and am assuming it is a 3.4L if a V6 by year and missed part where you might have said if a 4 or 6 cylinder or if a 2WD or 4WD model (you might want to include this info as well as if Auto or Std transmission...jesus christ lol)

Anyways look from under and from front to back of engine with skid plate removed and see if it looks like from the way I described might work and in mean time I will look under a friends 2000 2WD 3.4L V6 A/T model and see how tough it is.

[98-4runner]

Originally Posted by forest_grump

grrrr...I missed part where you said you have a 98 and am assuming it is a 3.4L if a V6 by year and missed part where you might have said if a 4 or 6 cylinder or if a 2WD or 4WD model (you might want to include this info as well as if Auto or Std transmission...jesus christ lol)

Anyways look from under and from front to back of engine with skid plate removed and see if it looks like from the way I described might work and in mean time I will look under a friends 2000 2WD 3.4L V6 A/T model and see how tough it is.

i just came back from a gargage. they shown me where the starter is. it is located in a very tiny space. i wonder how can i take the starter out if i don't have anything to jack up the car? can i just work from the top of the car, or must be work under the car?

the gargage offer me $250 to replace the whole starter with a refurb. starter. it is so scary if i fix it by myself and turn out the car can't move anymore cause i am an IT guy, but not an Auto-pro.

[98-4runner]

i think i forgot to tell is my car is 98 4Runner - 4WD - V6 Limited. Thanks for everybodys' help!!!

[Brian R.]

See my link

[forest_grump]

Forgot to look at friends 2000 4runner today(sorry) after knocking down 2 does(deer) during last week of extended season and going over there and frying up a bunch of backstrap with redeye gravy mashed potatoes and bisquits and having to work too lol

Yes that one is a 3.4L V6 and not as easy on labor dept. to remove and install.....might call up a rebuild shop that offers the labor of removing and re-installing part and ask them just to replace contact points as everyone in this line of work knows the contact points are typically all that needs to be replaced for first 2-3 rebuilds on this type of starter....just say you will not ask for a warranty and just want it fixed this way...even with 2 hours labor it shouldn't cost over 150-175.00 and that reman will have nothing more done to it short of a new paint job than will have to be done to yours and at least you know the history on yours.....goodluck

P.S. Look at the link Brian was kind enough to post (ty Brian) as it should shed more light on the subject of doing the labor yourself.

[98-4runner]

last time the garage shown where the starter is. but i am not sure the exact location of the starter. can any one tell me which one is the starter?