Starter issues?

Anyone out there have starter problems with the 3rd gens? I've had at least 10 occasions where the starter doesn't engage. When I hit the push-button start I get a grinding noise that continues till I depress the push start to stop the starting sequence. (Sounds like the typical bendix)

I contacted the dealership. They said if they can't duplicate the problem they can't change out the starter or do anything for that matter. I would hate for my flywheel to be affected by this. It's so intermitten I can't predict when it will happen again.

It was happening for a couple weeks then stopped for months, did it again today. Any advice would be great.

Thanks!!

 

Maybe you can record what happens on your phone and take that to the Dealer showing the issue.

 

Agreed. From now on, anytime I start the truck I have to hit record on the phone. There's no way to know when the starter will act up.

 

My auto starter does that only when it’s really cold. I hate it too just turning the egnushion for 10 min can’t be good. I have a viper auto start.

 

UPDATE!!

I left my truck at the dealership (they gave me a loaner). I told them the issue about the starter grinding intermittently they agreed to check it out. Dealer said leave it for a week we'll start it everyday and see what happens. Low and behold a week passed and the problem didn't replicate. I was pretty irritated. Went down to the dealership to pick up my truck. While at the dealership I was talking about the issue, and looking into buying a Sequoia when the sales guy feels my frustration and refers me to one of their "warranty specialists"- whatever that means.

He says, "I'm going to find this, and try to replicate it. I'm going to start your truck at least 10 times a day, Minimum!!" I don't know if it was the fact that they want me to buy the Sequoia from them or what, but the guy was persistent with it for the last week (two-weeks total).

Today he calls me up and tells me that he got it to replicate. The starter grinded! He signed off on it and sent it to his Toyota Master Mechanics to investigate.

Now I'm just waiting to see what will happen. I guess it's good that at least it's documented and something will be done. Any thoughts??

 

Chipped flywheel tooth?

 

I have no idea. The replicated problem happend today. I'll keep this thread posted when they tell me what is the problem.

 

Update: The truck was left at the dealer. The dealer had a specialist start it 10 times a day until finally after 2 weeks the problem replicated. They determined it was the bendix in the starter. They replaced my starter, and off I went.

Thanks to that dealership for sticking to it and believing a happy Tacoma owner.

 

WOW!!!! Guess it wasn't the bendix. It just did it again. Does anyonone know if our trucks have issues with the flywheel?? Anyone?