Starter switch/possible key problem

igor49 · 10-12-2005, 11:22 AM

The other day I tried to start my T-100 and I had to turn the switch several times before the starter engaged. The battery is fine. The starter and solenoid work fine. It seems to be in the switch. It takes 3-4 key turns before it starts. I noticed that my key was worn so I tried a new key. The new key works a little better but it still doesn't start on the first key turn.
Do I need a new switch? How difficult and expensive to replace? Anyone have experience with this?

tr918 · 10-13-2005, 01:14 PM

Switch should not be too expensive. Search the truck forum. There was someone in there that had a similiar issue. That thread may help.

tr918 · 10-13-2005, 01:19 PM

I found the post. Here it is: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t57084.html

igor49 · 10-13-2005, 01:45 PM

I will check out the switch. I was wondering if this intermittant problem might be bad contacts on the starter? I will check that out too.

tr918 · 10-17-2005, 07:18 AM

If the key is turning and all other power items are coming on then your switch is probably fine. I had a problem with my starter motor like this. I would turn the key a few times and nothing would happen and then mysteriously when I would turn the key one more time the starter motor would engage and the truck would start. After some trouble shooting I found out that the starter was going bad. When the truck does not start have someone sit in the cab and turn the key. Go under the truck and listen for the starter solenoid to pull and the starter to engage. I could hear my soleniod pull the contactors but the starter motor would not spin. Hope this helps.

igor49 · 10-17-2005, 05:54 PM

Hey, you were right on with your observation! Your experience was exactly like the one I had. I tapped on the starter while my wife turned the key, and it started. So it is the starter not the switch like I thought. This forum is a great help.