Taco won't start until it does...

Hey everyone it's been a long while.

My Tacoma has developed a strange issue I'm hoping someone could help me identify.

Sometimes, randomly it will refuse to start. I turn the key to the battery on position and the dash lights illuminate, the headlights will not, however, if I turn them on. Turning the key further to start will result in sometimes a click from the engine, sometimes nothing. Eventually after trying for a while it will start right back up again without any trouble at all.

Has anyone seen this before?

 

I'd start by checking the health of the battery at an auto parts store... Then check the battery cables and connections. Could be corrosion on the terminals, or corrosion inside the cables themselves.

 

I should have also mentioned that the battery is fine, I've already tested it. It's new so there's virtually no corrosion on it at all as well. I'll take a closer look at the cables themselves though.

 

Does it make a difference if the motor is hot or cold?

When was the last time you changed your spark plugs and wires?

Any issues with the fuel system? Might be fuel pump failing.

 

If the headlights aren't coming on, that rules out starter relay, which is a common *key turn-click* issue.

If battery is new, that eliminates that.

I'd guess corrosion / loose connection on positive or ground wire OR the ignition lock cylinder mechanism is worn down, which can sometimes present similar issues.

 

It could be the starter motor too. You can check the continuity between the battery and the starter. It could be the contacts in the starter and not making consistent enough contact to engage the bendix in the starter. How many miles on the starter?

 

I believe it's the factory starter so almost 170k. But could that cause the the headlights to not illuminate during these episodes?

 

Probably not. Sorry, I missed that tidbit.

 

No worries bro it happens.

By the way thanks for the quick replies and help today, everyone. When I get home from work tonight I'll be taking a look at the ignition mechanism and cables and I will provide any updates I can.

 

Next time it doesn't start, give the starter a few hard taps. I used to use the butt of my maglite to do it. This will shake up the starter solenoid/break up any buildup on the solenoid contacts. If this works you'll want to rebuild your starter solenoid. Or just keep a maglite handy.

 

Batteries can be intermittent. Not a fuel or ignition problem. Good luck