intermittent starting problem 1999 5SFE

[DrXenon]

Sometimes I have to turn the key 3 or 4 times to get my 1999 4 cyl 5SFE to start. There is no rapid clicking; I turn the key and not much happens.

I have read elsewhere that this is likely to be the solenoid contacts. I am aware that there is a shop on ebay that sells kits, but the shipping takes too long and I'm afraid I'm going to get stranded, so I'm looking to get a new starter or solenoid from RockAuto.com.

RockAuto sells starters from several manufacturers, but also sells solenoids on their own. If I buy a starter, does that come with a solenoid?

[eyeball96]

Starter Contacts, where to buy them

I did a search for ya, and found many posts on the subject. Even a DIY, but the pics are gone!

[DrXenon]

Yeah, I found that DIY too - it's heartbreaking that the pix are gone! It's unfortunate that I can't get shipping of one of those kits to my location in a reasonable time.

The RockAuto lady swears that the reman Bosch and Denso starters don't come with a solenoid but I think she's wrong, so I was just wondering if anyone who's replaced this part can confirm one way or the other.

[eyeball96]

I had the same problem on my former 96 5sfe, (the wifes old car) and we took to the dealership for the repair...it wasn't much for them to fix the starter..less that a 100 bucks if I recall correctly.

U might PM CorcamrySE, he's a mechanic at a dealership in MD...he could give u an idea what the going rate for that repair is now days..He's a MOD here, and posts mostly in the Gen 5/6 section.

[Chris Crash]

I believe that lady is right, I don't think they do come with the solenoids.

I'd say just buy the solenoids and do it yourself.

[DrXenon]

I ended up calling Bosch and they confirmed that their SR3274X part includes the solenoid, so I ordered that from RockAuto.

I called the local Toyota dealer just to get a price and they said they weren't familiar with this repair and would just replace the whole starter after charging me a diagnostic fee.

The part was $300 shipped, but they'll deliver to my door and I can install it at my leisure after work - if I dropped the car off at the dealer it would be a $60 round trip cab fare to work plus the inconvenience. I'll get an $80 core charge back assuming I can find an economical way to ship the old alternator back to the USA.

The job seems to be two bolts plus some electrical connectors, so I don't think it'll be a big deal.

Thanks for the responses.