Starter issues or something else?? Any input?

I have a 99 prerunner, 4cyl, extra cab. For a little while now, been having a sporadic issue with it starting. I would hear a single click after turning the key. Usually took a few tries before it would turn over. If the truck was driven for awhile, then restarted, it wasn't an issue. If only driven for a brief period, it would happen again on restart, or first thing in the morning.

Was convinced it was the battery, so I replaced that 2 weeks ago, the problem seemed to go away, now it's back, and happening daily. It takes anywhere from 3 to 7 attempts to get it to turn over. Sometimes it will attempt to turn, but then stop. A few days ago, it turned over, but as the engine was running, it still kept trying to engage the starter. When I turn the key, the dash lights will come on, the dome light comes on, radio etc, and even the little built in alarm will deliver one beep, until it finally turns over.

From what I've read, sounds like the starter needs replacing. Anybody have any insight as to what else this might be?

 

I will assume the battery is ok, as it is new, however, you would not be the first one to get a defective new battery.
Check cables at battery. Tight? No corrosion?
Clutch switch?
AT tranny neutral/park switch? Wiggle the shifter
Starter solenoid? Bridge terminals.
Last, starter itself

 

Sounds like the contacts in the starter or plunger. I think some parts in the starter can be replaced. I remember fixing the starter on my '69 toyota corolla. Take a look at this thread.

 

It sounds like you need a solenoid switch replacement kit.

I had a 95 V6 2WD. This was a common problem for me. It seemed like at about 80k and 160k the starter solenoid would fail. I'd take the starter out, clean up the solenoid and put it back together just to buy some time to get the parts from the dealer. I got to the point where I could take it out, fix it and replace it in about an hour. When it happened the first time, all that was available was an entire starter. Over time though it must have happened to enough people that they made the replacement parts available.

 

Sounds like the copper contacts inside your solenoid are pitted or burned try a new solenoid.

 

Here's a good write up on the starter for ya.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...clicking-starter-2-7-liter-3rz-fe-engine.html

 

Your battery replacement and fresh cold cranking amps from that, "bandaided" the worn contacts in the starter. Now it is worse, meaning those fresh amps have further eroded the contacts.

New starter replacement time, but before that, make sure your cables are very clean with no green corrosion around the metal contact end or on the visible cable strands underneath. If you seen green corrosion on ANY cable or wire, you need to strip and cut it back until you see no more,,that's the only way to "loose" the extra resistance from that stuff. The visible tiny cable strands(if you can see them) need to be bright,,not dark or black. If they are,,strip and cut back again or replace the cable. You need a good solid ground cable and clean contact points.

9 out of 10 times for some of your symptoms, or all of your symptoms,,it is a bad ground. Always check/clean/replace those first before replacing starters. It's cheaper and easy'r.

The battery corrosion foaming cleaners that you can get at Napa or at auto stores,,only clean the visible corrosion, they don't snake up the cable and clean those high resistance areas that need it also. If in doubt, replace those cables also.

When I replace a starter, I replace the cables also. It's just a little bit more money to remove a potential headache, and your electrical system will thank you.

A good auto store should give you several options for the Kv rating (horsepower) for your starter. Go for the big Kv(hp) starter. When I replaced the one in my 99 4 cyl, I went for the big dog. the motor wings over happily now and it starts in about 2 revolutions.

 

There is also a starter relay in your fuse box that goes out sometimes, but it sounds like your starter to me

 

Very true,,and a slow cranking starter with bad contacts elsewhere that is pulling alot of amps (due to resistance) can strain that relay.

 

I cleaned the corrosion on the + cable and things seemed to be ok for awhile. It sat for over a week at the airport, and cranked on the first try when I got back. But then a cold front came in and temps in the teens, and in the morning, it just takes multiple times to crank

 

You seem to be ignoring 5 of the responses. Pull the starter and replace the contacts (rebuild kit less than $30), or the entire starter (about $300).

 

Nice new expensive warm battery should make it wing right over in the teens.