FJ not cranking

New to forum and have a question about the FJ. I have a 2007 and the starter won't turn the motor over. The starter drive engages but won't turn the motor. Have checked battery and it's in good shape. My opinion is it's the starter gone bad. When turning ignition key I can hear the starter drive engage in the flywheel but then nothing. Anybody on here ever experience this and it turned out to be the starter? If so, how hard is the starter to take off and replace?

 

First thing to do is see if it starts with a jump. A weak battery will produce the same symptom.

That being said, a bad Toyota starter will generally act like this. 2007 seems too early for a bad starter......mileage?

Normally you can just replace the starter's solenoid contacts and be good to go. Just helped a buddy do this with his 4Runner recently.

 

Thanks for the info. Mileage is around 150000. Changed out batteries and still wouldn't work. Also tried jumping off but no go. Still think it is starter.

 

I think you're right.

An interesting thing to note: if you carry the starter into an auto parts store and have them bench test it, it will likely work just fine, since there is no load on it in that situation. It's pretty simple to remove the solenoid cover from the starter and inspect, once the starter is out of the truck.

 

Thanks for the responses. I think I'll be removing starter and checking it out tomorrow. I'll post after to let everyone know. Someone else might run into the same situation and could use the info.