Starter problems?

[camry314]

I have a 94 XLE V6 and I am starting to have an issue that seems to be a Toyota issue. My friend had the same problem on his 87 Toyota P/U, but when I go to start the car, the first turn of the key will yield the click of the starter solenoid but no starting of the car. The second turn of the key will start the car. On my friends P/U, he chased wires, replaced the starter, ignition switch and still wasnt able to fix it. I am really hoping to not have to go that far. Any suggestions? Anyone else had this problem? As far as I know the starter is orginal.

[Mike Gerber]

I believe what you are hearing is the click of the starter relay. Current is probably getting to the starter's solenoid but not to the starter itself. This sounds like the common starter solenoid contact problem. Numerous turns of the key eventually allow the current to go through the solenoid's contacts and turn the starter. Do a search for "starter contacts" on this forum and read up on the problem and it's cures.

Mike

[toyomoho]

Start by bypassing the starter solenoid, ign key, starter relay, gear lockout switch, etc.

Run 12V to the contact on the starter solenoid where the ign wire hooks up, this will bypass the stater circuit.

If now OK the issue is in the starter circuit.

If still a problem jump the starter motor itself with a jumper cable from the battery to the motor terminal (not solenoid input).

If OK the issue is in the solenoid, if not check out the motor.

The starter relay would be inside a plastic box in the engine compartment.

Many times it is the solenoid contacts. A TN history search will turn up posts on this issue.