Sometimes it starts right up, most times it won't. This started about 3 days ago. Went to start it in the morning, opened door, chimes and lights come on normally, turn key, *almost* nothing. No cranking, maybe a starter solenoid click on first key turn-unclear if the solenoid click was heard. All dash lights work; chime sounds are strong. Try a couple of more times to start, nothing save for faint electrical "fizz" sound. Noted corrosion on terminals; tried to jump-no improvement. Left it for later.

Three hours later, tried again to start-started like normal-fired right up. Turned off, turned on, no problems. Cleaned terminals anyway as good as I could with wire brush, tried to start-no problem. Starts strong, no weak cranking.

Next morning, first attempt no-go; second attempt fires right up. Used all day. Never shutting off.

Next morning try to start-only electrical "fizz" sound, but strong dash lights and chimes. Try several more times-same "no result."

At this point, I'm going to try replacing the battery… But is there anything I'm missing?

I'd be more confident of the battery being bad if I could hear the starter solenoid click, but it is not audible.

I am also thinking of a loose battery cable...

This has been a pretty reliable vehicle since we purchased it in 2009.

Ideas or suggestions before I go crawling in the snow and cold?

Thanks!

I had a 1998, and it did the same thing. The starter was good, but the solenoid was bad. I replaced both, and never had another issue. Before you remove it, inspect the connections to the starter for loose / damaged wiring. That would cause the same issues.

Possible neutral safety switch. Next time it doesn't start, push the shifter forward.

My guess is the starter solenoid or starter solenoid contacts if the battery is good. These are usually the weak link in the system. If you can find a real denso starter solenoid repair kit it might be worth while. Most all of the other aftermarket starter parts for toyota are junk. Toyota usually won't sell a kit. If that is the case I usually by a remanufactured starter from toyota. I would not touch an aftermarket rebulit starter as they don't usually last and the starters are not fun to change.

Sometimes the brushes wear down so there is not much left. They will also hang up and not touch.

So the next time it happens, tap on the starter to dislodge the brushes to see if that is the problem.

Also the battery cable can get battery acid into the wire strands of the cable and cause resistance.

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1998 Tacoma w/5 Speed & 3.4 Liter had intermittent starting issues, especially when cold or wet. I replaced the solenoid with Denso repair kit and it worked for about 2 years. Finally last year, it started acting up again so I just put a new Denso starter from NAPA in it and have been happy as a clam. Not something I would like to do again, so next time it goes, so does the truck...at least that's what I keep telling myself .

99% it's the solenoid. There was a thread on a 4Runner forum about this. Your starter is probably still good, but the solenoid is shot. I'd replace the whole thing personally (starter).

It's about time for the starter contacts to go out in a 2003. You Runner likely has a Bosch starter which is a very good piece. Solid performer. Those starter have copper contacts that get worn down over time. Eventually they get thin enough that contact becomes spotty. I buy them from an online source like ebay or some such. The last set I bought for one of my Toyotas cost me like 1.50 for each. There are two. Shipping was nominal. I think he charged be a couple of dollars. Got them delivered to my mail box for under 6.00. It takes longer to get the starter out than it does to replace the contacts. To be safe you might need a plunger too, but I've never had to. Anyway, there are write ups galore on the 4wheeler sites dedicated to Toyotas.

Thanks for the info, guys. Now I've got to digest.

A quick video that might be of help to you.

This sounds like the classic starter solenoid contact failure, common to the Denso reduction gear starter. You can replace just those, but you still have to take the starter out and partially disassemble it. Loose/corroded battery cables are another possible cause. The ground cable connection on the lower left side of the engine block is subject to loosening and corrosion.

quote:

Originally posted by Jelly:
My guess is the starter solenoid or starter solenoid contacts if the battery is good. These are usually the weak link in the system. If you can find a real denso starter solenoid repair kit it might be worth while. Most all of the other aftermarket starter parts for toyota are junk. Toyota usually won't sell a kit. If that is the case I usually by a remanufactured starter from toyota. I would not touch an aftermarket rebulit starter as they don't usually last and the starters are not fun to change.

It can be these things or a loose ground wire, follow the ground wire from the battery and check the condition of the connection at the other end.

Well, the cables are tight. Terminals are clean. I think I pretty much killed the battery. Towing it to the shop. Took a look underneath there at the starter, no way I'm gonna work on that! Taken to the shop.

Put a Denso in it. Even rebuilt. They are better than the other chinese shit. Worth the extra cost.

quote:

Originally posted by bcereuss:
Well, the cables are tight. Terminals are clean. I think I pretty much killed the battery. Towing it to the shop. Took a look underneath there at the starter, no way I'm gonna work on that! Taken to the shop.

So you just can't "see" yourself working on it?

Sorry, just a poor attempt at humor.

Good luck to you on the repairs, I hope you have a good independent mechanic.

Solenoid, relay, ignition switch.


Or, for a really off the wall chance. Crankshaft position sensor.

egregore has it, replace the contacts and plunger in the solenoid. This will fix the issue. I have replaced several, the starter motor itself is very stout.

quote:

Originally posted by bcereuss:
Well, the cables are tight. Terminals are clean. I think I pretty much killed the battery. Towing it to the shop. Took a look underneath there at the starter, no way I'm gonna work on that! Taken to the shop.

Get everything worked out yet?

Starter and solenoid replaced; but working unpredictably. Have to take it back to the shop. When we go to try to start it, sometimes it spins and spins without the solenoid engaging, sometimes fires right up. Maybe we got a bad rebuilt. At any rate, it did appear to be the solenoid (at least).

quote:

Originally posted by bcereuss:
Starter and solenoid replaced; but working unpredictably. Have to take it back to the shop. When we go to try to start it, sometimes it spins and spins without the solenoid engaging, sometimes fires right up. Maybe we got a bad rebuilt. At any rate, it did appear to be the solenoid (at least).

One of two things. The Bendix is bad in the starter (bad rebuild).

Other is you have a bad electrical connection or wire and the starter is not getting enough juice to kick the bendix out. You really need to start OHMing all of the wires.