2009 Tacoma 2.7, 2 wheel drive, TROUBLE STARTING

About a month ago, I began having trouble starting my Tacoma. I replaced the battery which was 12 years old. It started great for a week and then it wouldn't start. I disconnected the terminals and cleaned them and I moved and jiggled the battery ground to the fender. At first, it still didn't start. The next day it started. I went to Autozone and Napa and had both places test the new battery, starter and alternator. All were good.

I took it to a garage and was told they can't fix it until it stopped starting again. For the next 10 days it started fine every time. Yesterday it stopped starting again. I would love to fix this myself. Is this a ground issue? A fuse issue? There is a remote starter I had installed 3 years ago. No other additions. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

When it doesn't start what do you hear?

One small click and then nothing?

Then after several attempts it will start and sound normal for a bit.

If so then the starter solenoid has worn burned contacts and can be repaired in an hour or two for less than 40 dollars.

You can buy the contacts and plunger new from Nations Starter and Alternator for about 30 - 35 bucks. Much cheaper than hundreds for a rebuilt POS from Autozone etc.

https://www.nationsstarteralternator.com/Starter-Rebuild-Kits-s/37.htm


Check this video for rebuilding the solenoid on the starter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwokxzjlYcQ&feature=emb_logo


If there is a Large clicking sound that continues clicking loudly or grinding noise that usually indicates a poor power connection to the starter from the battery, a weak battery or a defective starter bearing/bushing.

 

As Jimmyh said, bad solenoid or it also may be a flat spot in the starter. Next time it doesn't start, try getting a hammer/mallet/stick and whack the starter (hard enough to matter, but not hard enough to damage it). If the starter has a flat/bad spot, the vibration might move it off the spot and allow it to "catch." Testing such a starter can be hit/miss because if it's not on the bad spot, it will spin up fine.

 

Disconnect the remote starter. Try for a week. If the problem persists then you need to dig into the start system. If the problem is eliminated, then the source is in the remote start system.