Why won't my truck start consistently?

Hey all, looking for advice.

I have a 2005 Tacoma with 142,000 Miles on it.

A few months ago I had issues with my truck starting, so i brought it to my mechanic.

Keep in mind this is intermittent, so it will work for a while then after a month or so, the issue will come back.

While at the mechanic I had the following done.

1. Checked battery, Good.
2. Checked battery ground to truck, good.
3. Replaced battery cable ends, and battery cable lugs (that fit around battery posts)
4. Replaced a bunch of cable wire that was corroded.
5. Checked starter- Good.
6. Checked solenoids, good.

At this point the mechanic and I are scratching our heads... After all of the above work was performed the truck would start no problems for a month.

Then the same behavior will come back which is

1. Turn the key, click nothing
2. Try again, nothing.
3. Eventually it will fire up like brand new.

So i brought it back to the mechanic, he found some more corroded wire, replaced that, checked all connections again, and rechecked everything again above.

Cannot reproduce the problem.

Fast forward another month, and the issue is back again.

Anyone have any ideas?

Last point. Today after i tried and got nothing 4 or 5 times, i got a half start, but then it died mid start before it turned over.

Tried it again after that and it turned over.


It seems to be worse after its sitting overnight, or after work all day. If the truck is hot, not as much an issue.

 

starter solenoid contacts are worn

 

so, would this warrant an entire new starter? Or can u fix solenoids that are worn?

The mechanic I have is solid, and said he checked the starter and solenoids.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV1t5-wcoOI no just replace the contacts the are $10 on EBAY or get a OEM kit

 

Ignition switch and starter relay are the next step to diagnose.

I would dissect the relay and inspect the contacts, then switch it with another of the same type. Best to switch with a non-critical relay.

If it continues after replacing the relay, I would test for the signal from the ignition switch to the relay. If thats good, its starter related.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwokxzjlYcQ

 

hmmm I think my 2.7l starter does

 

Didnt know 1GR's had serviceable contacts, defintely take a look at them.

 

this is from the 2005 FSM http://www.customtacos.com/tech.old...6toyrm/06toypdf/06rmsrc/rm2006ta/02200310.pdf

 

ST18 magnetic starter switch(solenoid)http://www.customtacos.com/tech.old.../06toyrm/06toypdf/06rmsrc/rm2006ta/022001.pdf

 

Thanks for all the help guys. If it does turn out to be the starter solenoid contacts, looks like a pretty inexpensive fix.

 

lots of video on YOUTUBE(part #) on how to change the contacts most DENSO starters use the same starter just do the SEARCH you can find much info, hardest part is to remove starter from truck, probably 20 minutes to replace the contacts. the contacts are under the magnetic solenoid switch cover(3, 8mm screws I think)

 

This ^^^^^ You can get all the parts you need at

https://www.nationsstarteralternator.com/Starter-Rebuild-Kits-s/37.htm

The kit is a little more $ but you also get a new plunger.

I did mine in 30 minutes.

 

Yes, it does, exactly like the video above.