Intermittent start

Hello all

I’ve recently picked up a 2000 tacoma V6 and manual transmission. Had it for a month and now sometimes it wouldn’t crank or click when I turn the key. Most of the times it’s would start right up. Is it the sign of starter going bad? Just want to get on it right away before I’m stranded somewhere. Thank you

 

More like poor wiring connections. Check and clean wiring connections especially grounds.

 

Agreed on the connections. Look for corrosion on terminals and also take a look at the starter which has 2 connections and make sure the contacts are clear.

I bought 3.4L a few months back and the first things i had to replace was the battery(thinking this was the culprit for same starting issues as you) and then the starter. The starters can be rebuilt easily and should hardly ever fail for the life of the vehicle, i opted for the rebuilt one from Rock auto for $90 to be done with it. They sent me the big one below which is a cold weather version which is a biatch to fit, otherwise the original was pretty beat up and covered in oil.

If you're stranded keep a mallet and block of wood in the car, pop the hood and give the starter a good wack. Will start up like a new truck for another few days..

 

That thing is a beast next to the one removed! Curious, does it spin over faster or do you notice any difference??

 

Noticed no difference. Think I need a better cold cranking battery than Autozone brand.

 

I would have lost that bet. That's actually the first "non cold weather" version I've seen on a 3.4L.

 

Since you are manual, might check the clutch start safety switch. Easy to test if thats it. When it doesn't want to crank, push the clutch start cancel switch with the ignition on till the light comes on. If it cranks after that, its likely a bad clutch switch, which is down by the clutch pedal/arm.

 

I tried with the switch too and it didn’t start. I’ll check the grounds and report back

 

Yeah haha. Was a Georgia car, so the frame is clean but had the starter the same size as a yaris!