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Starts, won't start, starts ???

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by pray4surf, Jul 16, 2016.

  1. Jul 16, 2016 at 4:41 PM
    #1
    pray4surf

    pray4surf [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 26, 2014
    Member:
    #132750
    Messages:
    492
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rick
    Oceanside, CA
    Vehicle:
    98 PreRunner conv to 4x4
    F&R suspension, OBA, Custom bed rack, RTT, rear frame plates, 4x4 conversion from prerunner, many other
    My 98 2.7l Tacoma has 225,000 miles and has been fairly reliable.

    This morning went for a drive and stopped at a buddies house for a few minutes, 10 at the most. Went to leave, turned the key:

    Dashlights came on along with the radio and fan.
    But nothing as far as starting the truck, no clicking - nothing.

    I've never had this problem with the truck.

    I poked around in the engine compartment, crawled under the truck, checked battery connections - even tried jumping it from my buddies 4Runner.

    About to give up and call AAA, and tried one more time. Fired right up, just like I've come to expect given its reliability.

    Went to the beach and went surfing, gone for maybe 90 minutes. Came in and the truck fired right up.

    Drove home and parked it.

    I'm stumped as to why this is happening.

    Park/neutral switch
    ignition
    starter
    ground

    are logical starting points - but if anyone has any suggestions, I'd like to hear them
     
  2. Jul 17, 2016 at 1:57 AM
    #2
    Wyoming09

    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Apr 24, 2015
    Member:
    #153833
    Messages:
    14,277
    Gender:
    Male
    New Tripoli Pa
    Vehicle:
    2000 Work truck 5 speed 4x4 3.4
    Super Springs
    Start with the easy !!

    Battery terminals clean and tight .

    Grounds removed and cleaned .

    You can`t just look and say good enough !!

    How old is the starter ?? Solenoid contacts do wear out .

    When it happened was your truck parked level ??

    Truck leaning to the side or front to back ??

    I have seen this cause ground problems
     
  3. Jul 17, 2016 at 9:18 AM
    #3
    skeezix

    skeezix Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 31, 2010
    Member:
    #45512
    Messages:
    2,330
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    1998 Limited
    Sounds like the starter contacts are shot. I had the same problem at about 70,000 miles. So have hundreds of other Tacoma owners.

    Parts from the dealer run about $20 to $30. If you have a dealer who is smart enough to stock 'em.

    You can pay a dealer to replace the contacts for $200 or so. Or you can replace them yourself for about 4 or 5 hours labor.

    Do the labor yourself and save some bucks. ;)
     
    pray4surf[QUOTED][OP] and KdF like this.
  4. Jul 17, 2016 at 4:21 PM
    #4
    CStoy

    CStoy mountain-top maniac.

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2015
    Member:
    #157225
    Messages:
    381
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    majestic gold 4x4... 1/4 million miles and counting!
    improved toyota goodness.
    mine did this off and on for about a week... replaced the starter relay a month ago and it hasn't happened again since.
     

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