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Start up issues

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by SnowmanSR-5, Mar 24, 2017.

  1. Mar 24, 2017 at 5:14 AM
    #1
    SnowmanSR-5

    SnowmanSR-5 [OP] New Member

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    Good morning,
    I have 03 Tacoma having start up issues when I turn the key nothing no noise nothing Lights are bright radio works, if i keep turning it over back to back it will crank up and runs normal.

    Thanks
     
  2. Mar 24, 2017 at 12:40 PM
    #2
    Malek

    Malek Well-Known Member

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    FL Panhandle
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    5spd Swap Blacktop Blower
    I had similar issue a few years ago with my MR2. It turned out to be a bad/dying battery.
     
  3. Mar 24, 2017 at 12:46 PM
    #3
    mwrohde

    mwrohde Well-Known Member

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    Matt
    Sugar Hill, GA
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    I just went through this with my daughter's Honda Civic. There are quite a few things that can do this. Bad battery. Bad connection to the battery. Bad starter (which is what it was with the Honda), or a bad ignition switch.

    I'd start by testing the battery and cleaning the connections. That's free and easy.

    The starter can be bench tested, but you'll have to get it out first. That's free, but not as easy.
     
    wilcam47 likes this.
  4. Mar 24, 2017 at 7:31 PM
    #4
    Timmah!

    Timmah! Well-Known Member

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    If it eventually starts and starts strong, it's not the battery that's bad but it could be a bad connection. Like suggested above, clean up your battery connections, any ground connections you can find and check the power connection at the starter. At the starter, it's the power cable that's attached to the side of the starter with a nut. You can see the connection by looking through the passenger side wheel well. The connection at the starter might have a plastic cover over it and that just pulls off and snaps back on.

    Also, like suggested above, your starter could be the culprit. But, do not get rid of your OEM Denso starter. Most often, it's just worn out contacts that causes the starter to fail. You can buy aftermarket contact and plunger kits for fairly cheap and fix it yourself. Like this kit:
    http://www.ebay.com/itm/STARTER-REP...ash=item5668924978:g:US0AAOSw0e9UtUrS&vxp=mtr

    Here's a video I made of pulling the starter on my 3rd Gen 4runner, replacing the contacts and plunger and reinstalling it. I used an OEM contacts and plunger kit but learned there's much more affordable options like the link I supplied above.

    <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WV1t5-wcoOI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #4
    Dalandser likes this.
  5. Mar 24, 2017 at 7:34 PM
    #5
    joes06tacoma

    joes06tacoma Well-Known Member

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    Central Coast, CA
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    LEER Shell with dome lights operated with 3 way switches, aux backup lights with relay and 3 position switch, modified wiring to compass/temp display and clock to include switch that disables dimming function (poor man's DRL solution), Scan Gauge 2
    This.

    I've been involved in a couple of Denso starter repairs. If you get the kit with contacts and plunger it goes pretty quick once you have the starter out of the truck. The motors themselves last forever.
     
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    #5
  6. Mar 24, 2017 at 8:18 PM
    #6
    ghs57

    ghs57 Well-Known Member

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    Chops
    Catskill Mts. NY
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    Pretty much stock right now
    X2
     
  7. Mar 25, 2017 at 10:07 AM
    #7
    DFDUBTACO

    DFDUBTACO Member

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    parts guy here: 100% sure its either your bushings on the starter or the battery. i always sell these for the 3.4's and ill be doing mine soon!
     

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