Intermittent starting and clicking noise ?

Hey guys I’m having an issue with my truck it’s a 4 cylinder 2014. When I try to start it it does nothing the first or second try and then the next try will start right up. Then tonight I went to start it and it took a few tries then started and it started making this weird fast clicking sort of noise like if you put a credit card in your bicycle tire spoke clicking. It happened for like a minute then stopped
I’m assuming it’s the starter or relay or alternator but any advice where to start would be greatly appreciated

 

We have a thread just for diagnosing that problem

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-information-diagnostics.784008/#post-28042155

 

How are your battery connections?
Sounds like a bad connection or weak battery.

 

Battery should be good, just got a new one like a year ago. Connections look good

 

Might be the connection at the starter too.
But the link above will get you there.

 

Thanks I just checked that out. I’m not very mechanically inclined so I’m not really sure how to read all that I’m sorry.

 

I think I’m going to replace the starter today. Any suggestions?

 

Don’t buy the cheapest one.
I’d recommend a Denso if you can find one.

 

Okay thanks I’ll look for one

 

Went and got a denso starter and swapped it out. FIXED ! Thanks for the help guys

 

Good to hear.

 

Glad to hear you were able to do it yourself. I had same problem back in 2019, replaced it myself with a rebuild. Only 2 bolts that attach to the transmission bell housing, but the upper one was a real PITA , very tight workspace and little room to move a ratchet in. Last fall was at a Costco parking lot and starter just would not pick up when turning the ignition key. Whacked the case of the starter with a surfcasting sand spike to reach it, and a hammer and it picked right up. This time i let my mechanic replace it, starter I bought in 2019 from Auto Zone had lifetime warranty so no material cost for the replacement starter. Usually the starter relay contacts internal to the starter housing are the point of failure.

 

Ya that too bolt was no joke, had to use an extra long wrench with a swivel head that helped a lot to get a good angle