Starter issue on new truck

I just picked up a 95 Tacoma (V6, 4x4). I started it several times during the test drive process, and once after getting home--each time without issue.

Now when I try to start it just clicks once and nothing happens. All accessories come on, along with the headlights, so I don't think it's the battery.

Any ideas on where to begin fixing this issue?

 

Try tapping on the starter with a hammer.

 

Tried it; no go. As far as I can tell, wiring all looks okay. Tested the battery and it's showing 12.8 V.

Is it normal for a starter to fail suddenly?

Are aftermarket starters decent enough or should I be sure to replace it with an OEM (no idea what's currently on it).

 

Sounds like a bad connection. Make sure the terminals are clean and tight on the battery. If they're good, start tracing wires to the starter, looking for bad connections along the way.

 

Go to NAPA auto parts and buy new plungers and brushes. There are 2 different ones, buy both, their cheap. Standard and cold weather starters.
Disconnect the battery, pull wires then starter. Change parts with ones that match.
Much better than any aftermarket starter and a WHOLE lot cheaper than OEM from Toyota.

 

Start with reading the Voltage at the battery .

Something loosen up battery Terminals Ground connection

Mileage ?

The charge light does light with the ignition on??

Dealing with Automatic or Manual? either of these safeties can be cranky at times.

Private sale or from a Lot not uncommon to put a junk battery in that will hold a charge for a few days.

 

Good morning

Hope it starts for you today

 

I bought it from a private sale. The battery checked out okay. I checked all the connections and didn't see anything off. I think I'll try disconnecting and cleaning them all just to be sure. The charge light comes on when the ignition is on.

It's a V6 manual. I don't think it's the safety, since without the clutch in there's no sound when I turn the key. With it in, there's a single click. With the hood open, I can hear a faint whirring sound too, only when the clutch is in.

There's about 250k miles. Allegedly, the engine was rebuilt at around 160k miles, but that could just be a myth passed down from the last couple owners so I'm not counting on it being true.

 

No luck. I was hoping the cooler morning temperatures would have worked some thermal expansion magic and fixed it, but no luck. I'll try to find the rebuild kit today, and maybe even pick up a new starter in case there's an aftermarket one in it now, and swap it out this weekend. Hopefully that fixes it and I don't have a money pit on my hands. :\

 

I just recently had this issue. If i violently shook the truck while trying to start it it would normally turn on. I had to buy a new starter to install and i haven't had the issue since.

 

Could be just one of those freak things that happen though the timing is not good.

I just hate to see people fix the wrong problem although new solenoid contacts and plunger never hurt.

 

Yeah, I'm worried that it's just the relay or a bad connection or something, but I'm about to dive in and replace the starter. But it'll be fun. This is fun. This is what fun is!

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...cking-starter-2-7-liter-3rz-fe-engine.178029/

 

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WMXENKujYtc
Do this and report results

 

Well, you just saved me a lot of time and a lot of money. There was a disconnected wire. Little one coming out of the fuse box, the other end had slipped inside the conduit and I didn't notice it until I started really poking around in there.

If I'd gone ahead and replaced the starter and later discovered this I'd probably have invented some new swear words.