Starting Issue - Click

For the electrical gurus out there:

About once in every 10 starts when I turn the key there's a click and everything goes dead. I then open my door and the car starts making the familiar "ding-ding" chime associated with having the keys in the ignition and the door open. The truck will then start normally. The battery is less than a year old and tests fine.

Does this sound like an ignition switch problem or is the solenoid in the starter going bad?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

Sounds like a poor connection at one of the battery cables, have you verified the battery cables are clean and tight?

 

Sounds like a bad ground to be more specific.

 

I think it’s the starter and more specifically, the starter contacts. The staters are able to be rebuilt and the kits are readily available at auto parts stores like Napa and on EBay or Amazon.

A search on YouTube will show you how to get the job done.

$13 053660-7120 Starter Solenoid Repair Rebuild Kit Plunger/Contacts Universal Motor Starter Solenoid Repair Rebuild Kit Replacement for Dodge Ford Isuzu Mazda Toyota

https://www.amazon.com/Starter-Solenoid-Rebuild-Contacts-Universal/dp/B0B1LVMBTW?crid=1JTOHT3HH0YYL&keywords=toyota+starter+rebuild+kit&qid=1684631477&sprefix=toyota+starter+rebuild+kit%2Caps%2C2287&sr=8-1-spons&smid=A3NC8V237YUEJO

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NOE6551143

 

I second the starter contacts, but yes check battery connections too. There are several threads on removing the starter motor to replace the contacts, it’s a bit finicky getting the motor out but a quick and easy job, and the kit is cheap. You’ll know if the contacts are worn, mine looked like the photo below.

I had the same symptoms as you, intermittent “click” every 10 to 20 starts. If it ends up not wanting to start on you at all you can tap on the starter motor with your lug wrench or something to get the solenoid/plunger unstuck and get you home. I did that for weeks on occasion, but the final straw was having to rapidly tap on the starter while a buddy turned the engine over, in the rain. I replaced the contacts the next day.

 

Single click no start is easily the starter.

Rebuild as mentioned.

 

Bad starter contacts shouldn't cause the loss of all electrical power.

 

Correct, but maybe he meant when you turns the key?

My power would shut off as the vehicle would crank, even when the starter didn't engage and did its single click.

 

Could be, maybe the OP can clarify.

 

Thanks for everyone's replies. When I turn the key to crank the engine, the entire car goes dead. Nothing works in the ACC position, no lights, car stereo, etc. It happened again today. Power was restored through some combination of opening and closing the driver's and front passenger door. Once the doors were opened and closed with the key in the ignition, the chime was restored indicating keys in the ignition. The truck started up as normal but I did notice that the clock had reset along with the all the settings on the aftermarket car stereo. When this problem first started months ago, I was able to restore power by disconnecting and reconnecting the negative cable of the battery (I have a quick disconnect). Now that I can restore power by opening and closing doors, I no longer need to pop the hood and adjust the negative cable of the battery.

I'll mention that I've done the "Big 3" electrical upgrade and also upgraded to the GM alternator. The battery terminals are all new. Based on everyone's comments, I think I need to check:

1. All grounds
2. Starter solenoid (I purchased a new starter)
3. Negative battery quick disconnect terminal (possibly defective)

 

Check the easy things first before pulling the starter . Even Terminals that look clean and tight can cause problems.

X2 a poor connection

Worn contacts I think you would have more then 1 in 10 failures to crank

 

Sounds like a ground issue, check the main ones, might look at the ignition too.

 

If you're thinking about replacing the starter contacts, check out Timmy the Toolman's excellent video and it shows every detail in removing the starter. However, when I replaced my starter contacts (which resolved my problem, BTW) I didn't have the total electrical shutdown that you are experiencing.

 

Just wanted to thank everyone for their input. I found one ground that had some play in it and also replaced my negative terminal quick disconnect with a standard battery connector. I've had 20+ starts without interruption since the changes and the truck sounds much stronger when starting now.

 

Glad you got it sorted out!