Solenoid, relay or starter?

Need some opinions. Twice in the past month my Tacoma would not start. Basic issues: Full power in start position (lights, fans, radio, etc), new battery. Just a click sound. - Jumping does not help-

Got it to start the first time by tightening the nut on the positive battery terminal. The second time it actually took disconnecting the wires to the positive battery terminal, then reconnecting after a minute.

Does this sound like a relay issue (sticking) in the solenoid? The starter? Something different?

Thanks.

 

Sounds like worn out starter solenoid contacts. Common on Toyotas. If you pull the starter and open the solenoid cover to inspect, should be obvious.

 

A couple of tips:
1. After disconnecting the negative battery terminal, I would clean all of the electrical connections to bear metal including the grounds.
2. If not the solenoid contacts, I check the starter motor brushes. Light tapping the starter motor will sometimes reseat the contacts or brushes and allow the motor to temporarily work, but they will need to be replaced.