Starting Problem

[dbow]

I am new to the forum and have been reading quite a bit, lots of info here and seems like a nice place.

I am wondering if any of you can help me diagnose a problem I am having.
I have a Toyota 94 4x4 pickup.
Recently I have had some trouble starting the truck.

Basically I press in the clutch and engage the ignition, I get a loud click then nothing, I can hear the low pitched spinning noise of what I assume is the starter motor as long as I keep the ignition engaged but the engine does not turn over.

I can release the clutch pedal then press it in again and the engine will start. The bypass swith on the dash is also intermittant as I can press it and get the same click and spinning motor but no engine. Turn off ignition and try again and will start right up. Sometimes it take as few tries.

Today I experienced the worst time trying to get it to start, after about 5 or 6 attempts it appeard to start the engine however the engine never fully started, I got a very loud whine from the same area as the low spinning noise. When I tried to turn the ignition off it did not respond and kept trying to start up. I finally engaged the ignition again and the engine slowly fought its way to start up.

I did check for diags but got nothing but a constant flahing light on the dash, no codes.

I assume this is going to be a starter replacement but with the last incident I am confused.


Any help would be appreciated

Dbow

[Hermit]

Sounds like the starter drive (pinion) is bad. I would replace the starter.

You said that you could hear the starter turning but it would not engage? Then in another incident the starter stayed engaged even after the motor was attempting to start?

If these are your complaints then I would definitely go with a starter replacement. It sounds to me like the starter pinion is sticking.
Hope this helps you out!

*HERMIT* the T-Tech
"OH WHAT-A-FEELIN"

[smasheromalley]

Agree with Hermit - replace the starter.

Just something to add... It sounded like you had an instance where the starter kept running even tho you had returned the ignition key to the off position?

If so I had the same thing happen to me with an old ford car. Used to turn the key to START and even after the engine had started and the key had returned to RUN position I could still hear the starter motor whirring. The only way to make the starter motor stop running was to turn the key to START again and release. Turned out to be the ignition switch (NOT the ignition lock cylinder!) Ignition switches used to be located down near the base of the steering column... I have no idea where it would be on a toyota.

But start by replacing the starter

[dbow]

I replaced the starter and seems to be working fine now.
Only problem was the guy at autozone gave me the wrong part. Part turned out to have the wrong pin connector. Of course I did not find this out until I had bolted it in. Took it out and went back to the store to get another one.
They said they did not have the same model with only a 1 yr warranty. So I ended up with a more expensive one with a lifetime warr. , they gave me 10% off.

Guy tried to make it sound like I made the mistake, when he looked it up in the computer again I noticed the part number on the first one was one digit off.....lol.

Well it is installed now and working fine.
Thanks for all the help.

Dbow

[Hermit]

EXCELLENT! Glad to hear everythings fine now.
I'll tell ya what, I like to walk around auto zone & advanced auto parts stores. They do have some pretty neat stuff on the shelves and there a great place to go when you need something basic or something for a quick repair. But when it comes to a motor part or even some chassis stuff they always seem to give me the wrong shit. I usually go to the local parts store thats family owned and been around for 40 years when I need any major repair parts. Saves gas and the headache from making multiple trips.

Good luck with your truck and thanks for letting us know how you made out! SUCCESS!!
*HERMIT* the T-TECH
"OH WHAT-A-FEELIN"
91 toyota 4x4 DLX v6 5spd