1990 pickup starter motor problem?

[hopalong]

i finally got the truck of my dreams!
we were running great for the first month, and now have run into a small problem.
starting the truck is inconsistent,
turning the key sometimes produces no results, the engine doesnt even turn over, but i do hear the 'click'.
battery seems fine, as my stereo still runs and all the lights power up (and battery indicator shows ample)..
sometimes with multiple tries (stressing the multiple), i'll be able to get it started, if not, it has to be a rolling start & popping the clutch.

any suggestions?

[Tercel GTS]

the contacts in the soleniod are worn out, look in your phone book for an alternator rebuilder in your area and take it there. Tell them you ONLY want the contacts replaced. Shouldn't cost more than $20.

[riverview]

Before you put any money, get some jumper cables. Jump the neg at the batt to starter ground. And see if she starts. If so remove starter and clean mounting area and bolts and re-install. Or make a new jumper ground?

[Edgeman]

then change that fuel filter while you have the starter off. I had to pull the starter just to reach the fuel filter.

That was the one that that left me scratching my head on why the Toyota engineers put it there. For such a simple thing, it was a bee-otch to reach.

[csxmoose]

two words... star der

[instantninja]

you don't even need to replace the contacts if they were like mine, I tore the starter apart, cleaned up all the contacts with a dremel and put it back together, didn't cost me a thing, other than a couple hours of my own time.

[wheelinchick90]

hey hopalong*

i have the same problem
sometimes my truck wont start
it wont even turn over

maybe our trucks are related

mines a 90 also
:/

[TNRabbit]

The VERY FIRST thing you need to check is both posts on the battery; remove them completely & clean them up with sandpaper. Make sure you remove ANY corrosion from the contact points. If that doesn't solve your problem, get your battery tested. After that, I would check starter contacts at the starter. Next, replace the starter contacts. Do it in that order to minimize your costs & headaches! That's the order I've found these problems to be in, plus you're not removing the dang PITA starter before you rule out other problems.

[JSTMoto]

i agree with everyone else, its the start solenoid contacts. They are only like 5-10 bucks and you can do it yourself.

Go here:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml
or here:
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/
both have great info to replace the contacts

-ja

[ScoobyRoo]

I really hope after 4 years this guy managed to figure that one out...

[TNRabbit]

Duh...good call....I have to start looking at the dang post dates!

[csxmoose]

ahahahaha, i figured i'd be a smartassby hittin up the last post possible


just see'in who's payin attention