tacoma won't turn over

Hi,

Recently my 2009 tacoma 4 cylinder has intermittently not been turning over when I turn the key in the ignition. It doesn't do this all of the time. When I took it to the dealer it turned over fine for them and they said everything checked out fine on the computer. Has anyone had this problem?

Thanks in advance.!

 

What happens when you turn the key? It won't crank at all or it'll crank, but not fire? Or are you just getting clicking noises? Also, does it seem to not turn over after sitting for a bit, but then starts fine if you've recently driven it?

If it is either of the last two, it's likely a battery issue. Get it checked at AutoZone (or other parts store). More than likely it is charging fine, but it won't hold the charge, which causes it to seem fine but not start the vehicle later on.

If that's not the issue, your starter could be going out. But that's only if nothing happens when you turn the key. If that's the case, crawl under and tap it a few times and see if that works. If it does, it's time for a new starter.

If it cranks, but doesn't fire, you likely have some sort of fuel issue. But, I feel like this is the least likely based on the information you have given.

 

How many miles on your truck? What's the amount of cycles you're putting on the starter over the last 11 years? I'd start with that first. Isolate the starter and see if it's the problem.

 

Hey there and Welcome to TW.

 

You might get more help over here

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/2nd-gen-tacomas-2005-2015.5/

 

Thank you everyone for the welcome and the quick responses. I'm just getting the clicking sound.

 

Also the truck has 115,000 miles on it.

 

I just edited my comment above. I'm going to say it is the battery.

 

Thank you RedWings44 . I actually took it to Oreilly and they said the battery and alternator were fine. I can tap on the starter next time and see if that fixes things.

 

It is still a possibility though. If you're getting it to start by jumping it, the battery is really the only thing it can be. Get a battery tester and try it yourself if you can.

The battery is probably charging pretty good, but losing charge faster than it should, which would cause the intermittent starting issue. Depending how far you had to drive vs how low the charge was, it could have easily been topped off by the time you had it tested and thus Orielly's would have shown the battery was still fine.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome aboard new member

 

Any updates?

 

I checked the battery. It seems to be all right. I did some more researching and it seems like it is the starter. I think I am going to pick up a remanufactured one from the autoparts store and try and replace it tomorrow. Hopefully this works.

 

Welcome!