91 4runner starting problem

[jberg57]

I have a 91 toyota 4runner automatic trans..6 cylinder...a couple years ago the starter acted like it was broke..just clicks when you turn the key..i replaced the starter..not an easy job..bought a new battery..initially it turned over and now it is back it its old tricks..i have to jump it to get it started...my neighbor says there is a switch in the shifting console that may be broke...i'm outta ideas..any suggestions..thankx

[ZAchole]

When you turn the key, what happens?

[jberg57]

When i turn the key the selenoid just clicks...it's a brand new starter..did the same thing before i replaced it thinking that was the problem..one in awhile it will turn over and if i jump it the starter turns the engine over...that starter is buried next the the block and that makes it difficult to get to and check with a meter...thanks for the reply!

[ZAchole]

It sounds like the contacts in the starter soleniod . But, it's a brand new starter? Or is it the one you put in a few years ago?
I'm not thinking it's the neutral safety switch, that should cause it to never work, or start while in gear.

[jberg57]

yea..when this began a couple years ago i replaced the starter...not an easy job..it's a 91 with over 350,000 miles...it worked fine for a couple days..the weirdest thing is that it would start then i'd drive it 20 miles come back and all i'd get is a click outta the solenoid...i'd have to either jump it or after awhile of turning the key it would finially start...could it be a bad ground or hot wire to the starter?...bought a new bat too...thankx for your time...jeff

[ZAchole]

I replaced these: http://www.thepartsbin.com/catalog/?...rter%20contact When mine acted up. Haven't had a problem since.
But, yes you could have an issue with your ground, or supply line. Check the primary ground where it bolts to the block. And do a voltage drop test on the Pos. battery cable to your starter.
Just for kicks, have you tried to turn the key over and over again? Typically when the starter contacts are bad, eventually it'll start.
Look around online, and you can probably find a Factory Svc Manual.

[hoe_nah]

check all your wires pertaining to your ignition. starter relay, check for bad grounds this is a common problem also, after you checked those 2 and still nothing post back and maybe someone could have other insight on it.

[jberg57]

I've checked the bat with an ohm meter..it's good..ran another ground to the block it still sounds like the solenoid is bad..that's why i changed the last one...i'll have to crawl under it and get my neighbor to turn the key while i test the pos on the starter..i'm guessing at this point but it could be the hot wire down to the starter...if i jump it the engine usually turns over..i'll let ya know what i find out..thankx..

[Tremaine]

Originally Posted by jberg57

I've checked the bat with an ohm meter..it's good..ran another ground to the block it still sounds like the solenoid is bad..that's why i changed the last one...i'll have to crawl under it and get my neighbor to turn the key while i test the pos on the starter..i'm guessing at this point but it could be the hot wire down to the starter...if i jump it the engine usually turns over..i'll let ya know what i find out..thankx..

I *just* had this problem on the 91 4Runner I'm rebuilding. Battery is brand new and tests fine, pulled the starter and cleaned it up.. and discovered one of the connectors wasn't plugged in. Even after fixing that though the problem continued.

Turned out to be the wiring from the battery to the starter that was at fault - a previous owner had done a seriously bad job of splicing on new wire to the battery; lots of corrosion etc.

Cleaned that up, and problem solved.

For good measure, unwrap a few inches of any tape on the battery cables to ensure the connections are still solid and clean off any corrosion there as well. Also clean off both the posts on the starter, as well as the connector ends so you'll be sure you're getting good contact.

Good luck!

Got video and pictures up on my build thread at CT4WD if you want something for reference -

91 4Runner 22RE storm chase build

[jberg57]

Yea it starts with a jump...it must be in the wires or connections..looks like i'll be taking the starter out again..gonna replace the hot from the battery for sure..it acts like the solenoid is bad..just clicks..throw some jumper cables on and it gets that little bit of extra volts to kick over...i'll let ya know what i find out..thanks for the suggestions..!

[ZAchole]

While your starter is out, replace the contacts, they're cheap, and bound to wear out.Save you some work later on down the road.

[Runner Rider]

man i have had the same problem with a couple other parts. most likely your problem is that the "new" starter is not really new but a remanufactured. i would be willing to bet that you got it from one of the discount autopart stores. most of those stores have a lifetime warranty. your best bet is to take it back and demand your money back. you will have to put up a fuss but eventually you can get it. then go to either a dealership or one of the higher end dealers and get one that is of better reman quality. you will have to pay a little more but should have little to no problems from it.