1995 V6 Pickup starter problem

[DanS HJ-45]

So, my sister has a 1995 4WD V6 pickup.

It needed a new clutch (and pilot/throwout bearings!!!), so I replaced all that for her like a good brother (seriously, I rule).

Anyway, get it all put back together and it won't start. I got it to start by push starting it, and after driving it around a while to get it warm and jostle the starter around a bit. After that, I was able to start it with the starter maybe 50% of the time, but it's still nowhere near reliable, so I've got to do something.

Now, this has never, ever done this before (not before I took it apart to replace the clutch--and it only sat for a week and a half for the work, although it was parked pretty consistently for about 2 months).

So, do I replace the starter, or does it just need some TLC? Even if I can consistently get it to spin by using the swing press, I don't think my sister would enjoy having to carry a hammer around...

Also, why could I not have know this BEFORE I put it all back together?!?! I mean, it would have been one thing to replace the starter when I had it out of the truck anyway, but geez!!!!

Dan

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

If it's the original Denso, hold on to it like it's gold. It may just need some new contacts inside.

Here's a bunch of reading:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml

First I'd set up a switch (or even just a wire) right from the bat to the starter (the small wire) if it turns right over every time, then the problem lies in the wiring, not the starter. If the problem is the same, then probably the contacts.

And if the hammer makes it go, then it's probably the contacts....

 

[underthehood]

a click with a no crank is almost definitely the contacts in the starter solenoid. very easy to replace and cheap.
once you take the cover off the back of the solenoid you should be able to tell if thats youre problem. if not then its either a loose/bad connection between the battery and the starter or an internal starter problem. theres other possibilities but not likely. neutral safety switch, ignition switch. if a hammer starts it every time then its definitely a starter problem. good luck.

 

[Mike C]

Getting the starter out is not a easy task on the V6... I just helped a Friend with his last week. Only one of the contacts was worn out, pretty thin. Total job was about 2 hours, his skid plate was removed which made the job easier. Removed the wires going through the passenger wheel well. Removed the front bolt, going through the front of the truck, where the skid plate would be. And the back bolt from under the truck. weaseled the started out of the wheel well.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Yeah, it's a click, then a whine while the key is in Start.

I guess I'll have to pull the starter out just to get to the stupid contacts.

Did I mention that I'm no fan of this thing? The V6, the air conditioning.... Mine is MUCH easier to work on....

ih8complexity

Dan

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Update:

Replaced the contacts, but decided to replace the brushes, bearings, etc.... Complete rebuild of the starter, just because it was out.

Anyway, get it back in and it needed a quick rock to get it to start, but then started 100% of the time on the test drive (15 minutes, 10+starts). But when I park it back in the shop, it won't start.

It has a Viper security system installed, and it has the cheapest wire and connectors I've ever seen. The worst part is that I can't get any documentation on the system. I can't even tell if it grounds out the starter or applies power to it (yeah, I'm too lazy to cut the wires so far to check).

Either way, it's going to a car audio shop to get that crap taken out. I can jump right to the starter, and it works every time. I can troubleshoot the Toyota stuff, but this undocumented junk with cheap wire and connectors is infuriating.

Rgh!

Dan

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

Burn it!!! I hate PO garbage.....

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Yep. Aftermarket security system. Turns out there were TWO anti-theft systems installed, and the one nobody knew about was inhibiting the start most of the time.

Ridiculous.

Dan

 

[kd4runner]

Sucks that you found that after you rebuilt the starter, had you known before you might have save alot of effort on your part. Atleast now you know she wont becoming to you for starter problems anytime soon.