Truck won't start. Rapid clicking noise.

Hey all,

I've got a 2003 Tacoma PreRunner SR5. Has just under 100k miles on it. Never had any problems with it until now. What is happening is that when I try to start it I just hear a loud rapid succession of clicks. The engine doesn't turn at all. As far as I can tell the battery is fine. The lights are dimming when I'm cranking it. Is this definitely the starter or solenoid?

Hoping to get this figured out! Thanks!

 

check the battery.

 

low battery

 

yep. not enough juice to crank the beast. jump it.

 

X2 ^

 

Sounds like the starter solenoid is bad. I haven't looked at a Toyota starter in some time, but the last I knew that the solenoid is attached to the starter. You can remove the starter and have it checked. If it's bad, I would replace the whole unit for the warranty and peace of mind. Confirm it's not the battery first. Good luck.

 

Test the battery.

 

yea the battery is dead, if the lights are gettin dim when you turn the key and it wont crank then that is def. the battery.

 

Okay I'll check the batter and get back to you guys. Thanks for the fast responses!

 

im not sure.. bump for a response?

 

Just tried jumping it. No dice. When I said the lights dimmed I mean just in the normal way that they dim for a second when you start any car. Someone else told me to check for this, though I don't know why. That's why I mentioned it. The headlights shine brightly on their own.

So where do I go from here, ya'll?

 

smack the starter with something. hammer or a wrench or somethin

 

Get the starter tested.

 

x2 its not a joke

 

battery?...lol

 

Okay where exactly do I find the starter (or where can I find out where it is)? And can I do this by myself or do I need to be turning the key while someone else bangs on it?

 

lay under the truck and look bolted to the side of your transmission. it looks like a coke can with a little thing hanging on the side of it. ill try to find a picture.

it will look kinda like this

 

Okay thanks I'll give it a try.

 

Test the battery. Sometimes it can be too far gone. If it tests out fine then move to the starter.