starter issue

I have a 2000 Prerunner 5VZFE. Been getting periodic issues with the truck not starting recently. When cranking, I get a constant clicking sound and occasionally it will not start at all. Battery is brand new, so my best guess is an issue with the starter.

Any way to confirm or check this before trying to work on it?

 

It could be something different, but what you’re describing is exactly what my 1999 with a 3400 V6 was doing. The culprit was the starter. Take a look at the link below and start reading at post #4. From what I understand it’s better to rebuild your original Toyota starter then replace it with a new aftermarket starter.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/starting-issue-click.801953/#post-28748034

I found this video very helpful.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV1t5-wcoOI

 

I read through a few of those threads as well, just trying to double check my suspicion regarding the starter versus something else.
Also watched this video from Timmy in preparation.
This issue has only recently started, but does not happen all the time.
My best guess was the starter is beginning to die, so might work on pulling and repairing before I get stuck out somewhere.

 

If your savy with electrical you can test for a constant voltage every time you turn the key to start with the solenoid wire disconnected . Ground your Meter to the case of the starter. Finding a helper can be a pain.

Being your truck is a 2000 it never hurts to think about upgrading your battery cables

I bought a reman Denso starter from my dealer a very good price.

Then rebuilt the core I kept.

 

Local dealer wants $250 for a starter.
Looking at rebuilding the unit with new plunger and terminals.
The part numbers listed in Tim's video seem to be the same fitment according to Toyota Parts Deal.

 

Go for it! The hardest part is pulling the loose motor out. I pulled it out from the top and put it in from the top. When you get frustrated, like I did, review the video. You'll see that Timmy got frustrated too, but managed to get everything out and back in again with not a lot of to-do.

 

OP,
You have a good plan IMO. I wanted to have a spare starter on hand anyway so bought and installed a new, not rebuilt, Nippondenso starter for my '97 3.4L V6 Taco from Rockauto for approx. $100 shipped IIRC: More Information for PURE ENERGY 17672N (rockauto.com). It is the higher output 1.8kW Cold Climate Pkg. starter (vs 1.4 kW) & has been working just fine. Will rebuild the original high-quality OEM Denso starter after this weather cools off and I find the time.

 

I saw one video on youtube where a guy pulled the starter out from the bottom on a 2WD.
My truck is 2WD so not having the front dif in the way may be a bit easier.
Just ordered a rebuild kit online, should be here next week.
Coincidentally, since I ordered it have not had a single issue with poor starting.

Tim pulled his starter from the side in his video.
Did you find it easier to go from the engine bay?

 

You have a Prerunner, your combination is super easy to pull via the wheel well

Rebuild it

Its easy on a Prerunner auto or manual, as well as a 4x4 manual

Most difficult configuration is a 4x4 auto, and even that wasn't difficult (had to do it myself)

 

Best news I've heard all day.

 

I pulled the starter up and out from the top of the engine compartment and before I watched his video. Seems like I had to position it with the back towards the front of the truck, then tip it up to a vertical position. Can't remember if the starter gear pointed up or down though. I followed what I did but in reverse order when I reinstalled it (at least 13 years ago).

 

Parts came in and I tackled the starter this afternoon, took about 1.5 hours in total.
Lots of crap to get out of the way, getting to the bolts that hold on the starter is definitely a pain in the ass.
The contacts on the old starter were very worn down, replaced all the hardware and plunger inside.
Bolted everything back up, replaced the starter and everything else, truck fired up stronger than ever.

The parts I used were as follows:
28235-55050 (plunger)
28226-22050 (contact)
28226-74070 (contact)

old starter


rebuilt starter

 

Good stuff!

Told ya it was easy

 

One of the copper contacts was worn down significantly more than the other.
Any idea what would cause that or if it matters to the starter functionality?

 

Don't matter, mine was the same way.

Think I had about 260-270k miles on mine when I rebuilt it.

 

I just hit 258k, about the same time.

 

Inspect the wiring harness from your fuse box to the starter.

Amazingly, no one ever suggests this yet it is a common point of failure and, crucially, takes little effort to evaluate.

Edit: I am responding from my phone. I have also been drinking. I noticed that you rebuilt the starter. Sorry for the superfluous comment above. Happy you fixed the problem!

 

Might just be manufacturing tolerance differences.

Just curious did you do lots of deep water crossings or was the truck in a flood?

I have never seen that much grit and dirt inside the starter.

 

No water crossings or flooding, but I live in a wet climate in the SE US by the water and it rains a lot.
The rubber gasket sealing the inside wasn't in the best shape either.

 

Quite possible just lots of water splashed into the area.