Click when I turn key to start

Hey guys, got a problem that started today, when I turn the key to start my taco (4 cyl. 4wd 5spd.) I get a single click and if I play with it some it will eventually start. I stopped by advanced (my first thought is the ignition relay b/c it is cheap they only had the starter relay??? Isn't that on the starter? ) it was either that or the ignition switch) so my question is what should I do next?

 

Sounds like the starter, or a dying battery.

 

do you wheel the truck at all? I had a similar problem a while back after some pretty sever offloading and it turned out to basically just be crud in the connections at the starter... not exactly likely but it's worth checkin sense it's free! just crawl under there and pull off all the connections, clean em up and put em back on

not gonna promise it'll work this but ya

 

This is actually about a weeks after wheeling some deep mud out here I will check that now, Not the battery I checked that, it is good about to check the starter...

 

Did you check the battery cable clamps. I get this all the time. Toyota cable clamps are known to corrode. Wiggle the clamps if you can and it starts right up.

 

This!...

 

cable clamps are definitely worth checking too, probably faster than checking the starter connections too lol

 

The battery cable clamps and battery are good both a year old. I did check them though. The truck will start after jiggling the key a couple times. When it does not there is only a single click.

 

2TR-FE Starting
Starting System: Parts Location, System Diagram, Inspection
Starter: Components, Removal, Disassembly, Inspection, Reassembly, Installation
Starter Relay: Inspection
Ignition Switch: Removal, Inspection, Installation

 

^x2, sounds much more like a problem back around the ignition

 

Thanks!!!

 

The click is coming straight from the starter... pretty sure that is it... gonna try to clean the connections...

 

Just remember, in any system that is composed of many parts, electrical is always the weakest link.

Always start simple. Check the big connections first,then move to smaller and more complex parts next.

 

I cleaned the connectors to the starter and it seems to be working fine, if it acts up more then tomorrow night I'll drop the starter and take it apart and clean it up..

 

damn.. now i really gotta get on my brother... as a true mechanic he told me "that can't be it! connections just won't get THAT dirty from one dip in the mud", lol