truck wont occasionally won't start

Hey all,

I've been having a weird problem where my truck won't start at all. When i turn the the ignition, absolutely nothing happens. I don't hear a click, no chugging, its absolutely silent. I know its not the battery (it's clean and no indicator light) because everything turns on, radio, headlights, everything. I usually give it a few tries and nothing happens, but eventually, it'll just start. I'm due for my 60k maintenance, sadly, I haven't gotten around to it yet, but everything coincidentally seems to want to fall apart. Anyone have any ideas?

 

I'm gonna guess Ignition Starter Switch.

 

Clean and tighten your electrical and grounding connections between your battery and starter.

 

Ive got the same problem. got to where it wouldnt start at all. I was basically stranded and ended up smacking the ecu with a rock, once. fired right up. havent had a problem since. nobody has a clue what it could be.

 

Test your battery. I had the same problem. Add distiller water if you have the original battery from Toyota and it needs it. Pop the plastic tabs off on the top of the battery and you will see the water line and a mark for where it should be. I had to get a new one it was so fried.

 

Starter contacts==In the starter.
To Test--leave the key in the start position(when it will not start) Smack the starter with a tool-If it starts--thats the problem.
Replace the starter contacts--pretty simple in older trucks.
New starter will cost $$$$$--just buy the contacts at a repair shop and fix it yourself.
I am sure there is a write up about "HOW TO"

 

shade and fuballs, i'll check both of those out when i've got some free time.

newertoy, thanks for the info and how to check. my trucks been behaving for the past 2 weeks, so I'll keep something blunt and heavy in the back for when it starts (or doesnt) acting up, heh. The odd thing, though, is that when it doesn't start up, its dead silent, nooo clicking sounds.

if it is the contacts, I found this

I've a 2nd gen, but I would think it's all the same, right? I'm automotively illiterate so this is all trial by fire.

 

It sure sounds like the starter is not engaging. everything else works fine and the truck will not start..
If you can get the starter out-replacing the contacts should be EASY.
If you do not feel that you are capable of replacing the contacts--take it to a repair shop--much cheaper than replacing. Call around to find the best place.
Contacts should be about ten bucks--of course it has been a while since I have repaired one.
Another thought--Manual transmission?--Clutch switch?
You can use the clutch cancel switch on the dash
OOPS see you have the auto!

 

Yes -that is the write up. Normally you do not need the plunger. Just clean it with some FINE sandpaper. Take off any carbon and your good to go.
Keep it simple-lets be sure that it is the starter!

 

This happened to me once (no start, no click).
It was the starter relay. Rule that out before working on the starter.
After that, I'd look at the starter switch, like steves104x4 pointed out.

 

Most probably an oxidized or corroded electrical connector contact or a loose connector.

 

FIXED?????? what did you find??