bad starter (I think) / 95 v6 auto

[toyomofo]

95 1mz auto 146K. I think my starter went out. The past couple days it has been starting rough, and today nothing. The car has power, and there were no idle/driving problems the past couple days. I was wondering if you guys could point me in the right direction with verifying a bad starter, and which brand I should look for a replacement.

Thanks
Paul

[Stillrunning]

Originally Posted by toyomofo

The past couple days it has been starting rough, and today nothing.

Define "rough". Was the engine turning over properly and it just did not start, or were you having problems getting the engine to turn over and now it won't even turn over? If it won't turn over the first thing I'd do is remove and clean the starter cable connections and battery cable connections. If that doesn't work try charging the battery to get it started then take it to a Advance/Auto Zone or a shop to test battery and starter circuit. I think Advance and Auto Zone will test the starter on a test bench, so taking the starter off and having them test it is also an option.

[bigbird]

check in this order, battery terminals, then battery, then the starter. sounds like the starter, ur symptoms sound like mine when my starter went, and around the same milage as u. dont pay someone to replace it, its actually a pretty easy job.

[toyomofo]

By rough I mean that there were a couple starts where it took 2-3 attempts and it wasn't cranking over nice and even either. The last time it cranked over yesterday sounded like that was it. Now it just clicks a little. Thanks for the responses.

[Mike Gerber]

"Now it just clicks a little."

What type of clicks? This is important. One click usually indicates a bad starter or bad starter solenoid contacts. Multiple rapid clicks usually indicates a weak battery (bad battery, defective alternator, or loose alternator belt), or corroded or loose connections at the battery or starter.

Mike

[toyomofo]

Well, the first 2 attempts there was just 1 click and humming while the key was turned forward. The 3rd attempt it actually started. I shut it off after a few seconds. Took another 2-3 attempts before it started again followed by a grinding noise for about 5 seconds, then I shut it off.

[Mike Gerber]

"Well, the first 2 attempts there was just 1 click and humming while the key was turned forward."


That 1 click is most likely from worn starter solenoid contacts. Do a search for "starter contacts". It has been covered many times on this forum.

Mike

[toyomofo]

Thanks for the info.