2000 4Runner won't crank

[W Mike S.]

Turn ignition key to start, get single "click". Repeat... same result. Turn ignition off, turn headlights on. Good light beam. Turn lights off and retry start. Engine now cranks and starts as usual. Several days later same experience. Replaced battery (although less than 2 yrs old). Two weeks later same experience: engine won't crank. Turn headlights on then off, engine cranks and starts. What's going on?

Follow up: I elected to replace the entire starter assy. 2000 SR5 with 163K miles. local mechanic charged me $335 for a new Denso starter (dealer wanted $550). If I can get another 11 years and 160K miles for $335 I'm a happy guy! Thanks for the input...

[kball]

Sounds like the starter contacts. It's a common problem with 4runner starters once they get up there in age.

You don't need a new starter. Your toytota starter is better than any aftermarket piece of junk. All you need is about $15-20 in parts and the time and tools to get that starter out.

Here's a linky for ya

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...tml#post530199

Oh, forgot to mention I think the headlight part is just coincidence. If you keep trying the key sooner or later it will work. Shoot try opening a door and closing it and then crank the key. The vibration will probably do it.

You don't want to put this off too long though. They have been known to get stuck as in starter keeps starting even after you release the key...

[W Mike S.]

Thanks kball... I'm on this today. I'll post my experience later...