Tacoma suddenly having issues starting, but will start eventually.

So about a week ago an issue suddenly started where the truck (2007 Tacoma 4.0) would not start. You can hear the starter, but won't run. The battery tested fine. All electronics work. After running around to get a code reader and coming back and messing with the truck trying to get codes (no codes were found).. the truck suddenly started right up and ran as normal. The truck turned off and started back up plenty of times after that. Come today when I try to start it up the issue has returned. I don't know what it could be. Any ideas? Thanks.

Edit - four warning lights are on the dash. Engine, battery, oil, and tire pressure. All appear when this problem occurs.

Edit 2 -
I fixed the issue. Apparently my battery connections were corroded JUST ENOUGH for the starter to not work. Unfortunately, this was realized after trying a new starter and so now I have a brand new starter at 160k miles. Thanks for all the help.

 

Starter fully cranks the engine? I'd be checking spark and fuel

 

PS, welcome to TW! Sorry trouble brings you, but glad you joined!

 

@TnShooter

 

All the starter does is click until it finally works as if there was no trouble at all.

 

Sounds like you need a starter then. I had this happen intermittently for 6 months before it finally died. Sometimes went weeks without happening, just spinning the wheel of fortune and gambling on not hitting the dead spot.

 

I just find it odd that all four lights I mentioned (oil, tire pressure, engine, battery) come on when the issue occurs. Did you experience the same? Makes me thing it's something else that affects the starter.

 

That's just the startup sequence, they turn off once the truck is running. if there are no codes (active or stored) then you're fine in that regard. Replace starter and report back.

 

Okay, will do. Thanks.

 

If you don't mind my asking, where are you located?

 

Near Baton Rouge in Louisiana

 

Ahh okay. Check out some of the local/ regional threads on here if you're in need of assistance or a recommendation for a shop.

 

Okay, thanks.

 

My pleasure, good luck!

 

First thing I’d do is check the battery voltage when this happens.
Then check it while trying to crank the truck.
That way we can be fairly sure it’s not an intermittent battery problem.

Here is a video on the process.
https://youtu.be/Km6MNRYeEEY

If the battery checks good, I’d move on to the Starter.
The first place to look is at the battery to starter wire, the big one.
Make sure it is CLEAN, and the battery terminals.

The clicking sound would indicate the solenoid is likely getting power.
There for the problem is likely in the starter.

If it were me and, I want to be sure before I threw a starter at it,

I’d make sure the battery is good.
Check that there is power to the starter. Big wire.
And then see if I’m getting power to the solenoid.
(The clicking make me fairly sure you’re getting power to the solenoid)


My opinion is: It is the starter. (If the battery is good)

 

Starter drawing to many amps, overloading the solenoid, breaking the circuit. AS stated above, seems to be the starter.

 

Your problem is the starter solenoid contacts are burned. You can replace them in an hour or two for less than 40 dollars.

The click you hear is the starter relay engaging, but the solenoid doesn't make contact so the starter doesn't turn.

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

 

I fixed the issue. Apparently my battery connections were corroded JUST ENOUGH for the starter to not work. Unfortunately, this was realized after trying a new starter and so now I have a brand new starter at 160k miles. Thanks for all the help.

 

We need a mod to change your username to TACOMAFIXEDNOW haha

 

Post nunber 15 should have helped, oh well, new starter at 160k isn't a terrible thing.