01 rodeo starter problem ?

[Smiff 24]

Whenever I try to start my engine the starter will only click,
after 5 or 6 tries it will engage and start !
it has a new battery, 650 cca
anybody help would be appreciated.

[trooperbc]

it could be the starter (solenoid), but first check all the wiring and connectors starting at the battery terminals, clean all shiny, on to the wiring connectors and wiring at the starter, and especially the ground connector (follow from the battery), remove it and clean everything shiny.

if that doesn't solve your problem, then your starter is going, and you need to replace it with a *quality* rebuilt (remanufactured) unit. i would recommend from good experience one rebuilt by bosch, not one from the thebigboxpartsstore noname bin. (this applies to alternators as well).

btw, it's also possible it is the starter relay going intermittent, but probably not, imo

start reading up on how to do this here...


//bc

[Cat Fuzz]

It's the solenoid contacts in the starter. That can be replaced without replacing the starter but if you've got the cash just replace the starter since it's quite the job to get it out.

[vltjr]

The problem described in this thread is exactly what I'm experiencing. I've cleaned up all the grounds that I can find (don't have a diagram or description of all that could possibly affect the starting system), and also replaced the starter relay.

If, as seems likely, I have to replace the starter or solenoid can anyone direct me to online illustrated instructions that I can access or download for free (or at minimal cost)?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Cat Fuzz]

You can't replace the solenoid, it's part of the whole assembly. You can replace the solenoid contacts, though and that is what your problem is. Usually it's best just to replace the starter unless you're on a tight budget and doing the work yourself. I don't know of any illustrated instructions but try doing a google search something like, "Denso solenoid contact replacement".

[vltjr]

I found a $26 solenoid repair kit which contains new contacts and a plunger (yes, money is an issue). Judging from the instructions this should be a doable job, although it will be the first time I’ve repaired a solenoid. If anyone knows of any surprises I might encounter, please let me know about them. I’m hoping that I don’t end up regretting this decision. Also, is it necessary to replace the gaskets for the section of exhaust pipe and cat that it appears I’m going to have to remove to pull and replace the starter?

Thanks to everyone who has posted in this thread. It’s been a great help to me (and hopefully others).

[Cat Fuzz]

Get some PB Blaster and soak the exhaust bolts repeatedly with it or you'll end up breaking them off. The PB Blaster might not even help but you have a better chance saving the bolts than with nothing. Note that I did say PB Blaster and not WD-40.

[Gizmo42]

I didnt have to replace the gaskets on mine, but the flange from the y-pipe to the cat has been leaking every since. Thats only because my bolts were way too rusted and had to cut the heads off (couldnt get them to break off) so I just have that flange clamped together. Its only a small leak, some day I'll take care of that.

Even with the pipe out of the way its still a really tight squeeze so it takes some muscling and patience.

Didnt say if yours is 2wd or 4wd. Apparently there is enough room on 2wd to get the starter out without removing the exhaust. No way to do it on 4wd.