I'm Back.... With a Problem....

[AMMO]

Hey Mud Family,

So, it's been awhile since Ive been active on the here. But I'm hoping the forum can help me diagnose an issue I'm having with a new to me Tundra. I've never posted in the Tundra forum, years ago I was very active in the 80 series board. I've recently "adopted" my wife's 2010 Tundra 4.6 after she bought a new car. Exciting for me to have a new project, however shortly after parking the Tundy we started to have some issues, its like the rig had hurt feelings. The truck sat for about two weeks and showed signs of a dead battery, a quick jump start and a few weekend drives around town and everything was fine. I ordered up a battery tender and set it all up to keep the battery at top condition while it sits since it's not a daily anymore. About two weeks went by and earlier this week I went to start the rig and got nothing. Well I got something, listen to vid attached. I can hear what I think is the relay click (drivers side) and then a louder (ting) from the passenger side and a buzz like something is energized.

I tested the battery, I've smacked the starter, I've checked fuses... I'd hate to drop the $$$ on a starter if that's not the issue, so I'm here hoping someone with more Tundra knowledge can point me in the right direction. I did search BTW, but didn't find much aside from all the things I've already done. Good to be back on MUD, hope someone can help!

-Ammo

 

[gnob]

sounds like the starter is pushing the bendix but not turning

 

[AMMO]

sounds like the starter is pushing the bendix but not turning

Thanks for the reply, so bad starter?

 

[gnob]

i would say most likely. possible short killing the battery while sitting.

 

[CRZR45]

Clean battery terminals very well( wire post cleaner brush) my guess is bad connection at terminal if battery is 12v or battery could have a bad cell and show 12v but when draw drop to 6-8volts.

 

[Jgrauman]

What's your resting voltage on the battery?

 

[AMMO]

Clean battery terminals very well( wire post cleaner brush) my guess is bad connection at terminal if battery is 12v or battery could have a bad cell and show 12v but when draw drop to 6-Ba

Clean battery terminals very well( wire post cleaner brush) my guess is bad connection at terminal if battery is 12v or battery could have a bad cell and show 12v but when draw drop to 6-8volts.

Battery terminals are spotless and connections good. I took the battery back to Napa to test and they said it checked out good, said they would put it on the shelf as if it was new. But not sure I believe that. Battery shows 12V resting and drops to 11V when trying to start. I have the battery back on a tender. I’ve also tried to jump the rig off my Cummins running high engine idle with the same results.

 

[AMMO]

What's your resting voltage on the battery?

12V, drops below to 11V when trying to start. Battery on tender now, I’ve tried to jump without any luck, all lights bright and work, heater fan blows strong.

 

[Jgrauman]

12.6 is a good battery, below that you probably need to replace. Not saying that's your complete issue, but it's step 1

 

[AMMO]

12.6 is a good battery, below that you probably need to replace. Not saying that's your complete issue, but it's step 1

Well, I’ve had the battery off the tender now for about a week with multiple tries at starting, so I expect it’s down a bit. Thanks for help, just hate to drop $200 on a battery or starter to only find it’s something else.

 

[AMMO]

Related or unrelated... So topping off the battery and still trying to get the rig to start without any luck, but when I turn the key to run, and then leave it in that run position I hear a loud "buzz and old modem sound" from the top side of the engine. I thought it was the starter but sounds like its up high by the intake... Related, or normal on these trucks. Just something getting energized?



Thanks,

Matt

 

[AMMO]

Ok, a bit more. I've ruled out the starter relay by jumping the pins. Same result that would lead me to think it's the starter, what a PITA as I see they are not easy to get access to. Man I miss my 80... . Ok, headed down the path towards a OEM starter, any one have a good online factory Toyota retailer to point me towards. Seems most of my saved Toyota Parts links are no longer in business.

Thanks!

 

[panamacruiser]

Sounds like when fuel pump is trying to fill the fuel rails...it should not, you have air on system, as it should not make that sound unless you unplug the battery, but then, after it starts it will stop...now...about the starter, replace it, Bendix attacks, but no spinning as someone else mentioned above...also...get a Techstream (around $50 on Amazon) and check that fuel pump, it may be failing already (known) and it will not give any codes

 

[AMMO]

Sounds like when fuel pump is trying to fill the fuel rails...it should not, you have air on system, as it should not make that sound unless you unplug the battery, but then, after it starts it will stop...now...about the starter, replace it, Bendix attacks, but no spinning as someone else mentioned above...also...get a Techstream (around $50 on Amazon) and check that fuel pump, it may be failing already (known) and it will not give any codes

Thanks for the insight!

 

[AMMO]

Here is a bit more, I've narrowed down the "ping" to be coming from the starter. I think its safe too say the starter is toast or stuck. I've tried to get a few good wack's on the back of the case without any luck at a different result.



The buzz seems to be the throttle body opening for starting, verified by unplugging it.

-A

 

[joseywales]

It’s never “fun” throwing money at a problem you’re not 100% on, but often that is the nature of electrical issues. Not cranking like you are experiencing is 90+ percent of the time going to be battery or starter. If one or both are original, 14 years is a good run and they likely will benefit from a refresh no matter what. I have a 4.7 and 5.7 but haven’t worked on a 4.6 at all. Where is the starter? Hopefully not under the intake manifold like others are.

 

[LandCruisinMy93]

@AMMO Welcome to the club...it sure is different over here, LOL. Try a known good battery first. You may have voltage without the amperage. Ting sounds like the bendix, whine from the TPS/ actuator is likely from poor electrical signal due to the system as a whole not having adequate power.

 

[AMMO]

Just an update for the archives: This was the starter, replaced and GTG now. Build coming soon. Thx!