no start/click...cold engine?? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

mcx · 12-24-2008, 02:08 PM

new problem...the car has a no start/click when turning the key...the dash lights come on but nothing from the starter...some times it starts,other times not...the alternator is putting out 14 plus volts when its running and its a good battery...i read the sticky about hot condition no starts but this is when cold...any suggestions before i pull and replace the starter??

Mike Gerber · 12-24-2008, 03:02 PM

Sounds like the common worn starter solenoid contacts problem. Do a search on this forum for "starter contacts" and read up on the problem and it's cures. It has been covered numerous times.

Mike

mcx · 12-25-2008, 12:07 PM

thanks for the tip...i didnt realize our Toyotas has weak link!!...i might try to find a used one to practice on first.

Mike Gerber · 12-25-2008, 01:29 PM

You can confirm this problem first. Next time it doesn't start, have someone hold the key in the start position while you go under the hood with a small hammer or a wrench and tap the starter's solenoid. If it now turns the starter, you have varified this common problem. You didn't mention how miles are on the car. If it has quite a few miles, I would have the whole starter professionally rebuilt as long as you are going through the trouble of removing it and reinstalling it. Look in your local phone book for an auto electrical rebuilder. In my experience they usually do a better job of rebuilding than buying a rebuilt unit from an auto parts store. Just make sure the rebuilder replaces the solenoid contacts as part of their rebuilding process.

Mike

mcx · 03-06-2009, 06:57 PM

..i purchased a solinoid rebuild kit on Ebay and was able to install it today...its a very easy repair on the 2.0 engine...i removed the upper radiator hose for a little extra work room....so far its starting much faster but the real test will be when it gets cold.

Jimnist · 03-06-2009, 10:48 PM

So you rebuilt the starter solenoid instead of bypassing the starter solenoid windings?

Tell me how it goes

. This just started happening to my car yesterday. I turned it and nothing. Tried again and it fired up luckily!

mcx · 03-07-2009, 12:38 PM

..i should of taken pix....i still cant get over how easy it was to remove,fix and reinstall the starter.!!...no more delay when you turn the key!!!it spins fast again...i saved the old parts and will post pix's...the contacts are pitted bad and worn.

Jeoy Gunz` · 03-08-2009, 11:59 AM

they same thing happened to me a month ago. instead of changing the connections i grinded them down making them smooth. car starts right up in the cold no problem at all. MCX where r u in NY?

mcx · 03-08-2009, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeoy Gunz`

they same thing happened to me a month ago. instead of changing the connections i grinded them down making them smooth. car starts right up in the cold no problem at all. MCX where r u in NY?

Queens,NY

mcx · 03-13-2009, 04:50 PM

..i thought i'd contribute the pixs of the worn out contacts.