I have a 1988 Toyota 4x4 pickup. I have been troubleshooting an ongoing starter problem. My truck will start fine for two or three weeks with no problems. Then suddenly Ill turn the key over and the starter does nothing. I have replaced every component in the system. The key cylinder, clutch start switch, brand new die hard battery and even the starter. I repaired a loose wire previously that i thought fixed the problem, but did not. I removed a wire harness to the key cylinder and had it tested for continuity, all checks good. When the problem occurs i check the volts at the battery and the power is fine. Right now since the starter is under warranty im going to replace it. I'm thinking the solenoid is not working properly. If this does not fix it, i may have to put the truck in the shop. I am hoping someone in here may have had some problem and can help.
Intermittent Starter Fail
- Thread starter 88Toyota4x4
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Had similar problems with the 4.3L I have in mine. Ended up installing a Ford style solenoid on the fenderwell to get it away from the engine heat. Fixed the problem. Not the same I know but..
Check to see if there is a heat shield available for your starter, or make one and see if that cures it for you.
Check to see if there is a heat shield available for your starter, or make one and see if that cures it for you.
Have you tried to start it by directly powering the solenoid? Put the truck into neutral, set the parking brake, turn the ignition on, but not over to start. Take a jumper wire and run it from the battery (+) to the solenoid positive terminal on the starter. When it connects the engine will try to start if the starter and solenoid are working.
Take a look at the wiring diagram in the FSM. In the FAQ thread at the beginning of this forum, look for links to Field Service Manuals. You may not find a FSM for your specific year, but one from a few years before or after will often work as Toyota doesn't change things unless they really have to.
There isn't much between the battery and starter. Check the fuse contacts, fuses and wiring if a replacement starter doesn't work. I'd also look at the main ground from the battery to the engine. In the engine compartment fuse box there is a big fuse, 80 Amps or so, and the AM1 fuse, 40 Amps or so. Both are critical, and you may have an intermittent open in the wires to and from them area. From that 40 Amp fuse the wire goes directly to the ignition switch.
Another question is does the starter solenoid click when you turn the key? What is the voltage from the battery ground to the engine block? Should be only a few millivolts. Voltage from battery positive to starter power terminal? Should also be in the millivolts. Those two readings are to rule out bad cables.
Take a look at the wiring diagram in the FSM. In the FAQ thread at the beginning of this forum, look for links to Field Service Manuals. You may not find a FSM for your specific year, but one from a few years before or after will often work as Toyota doesn't change things unless they really have to.
There isn't much between the battery and starter. Check the fuse contacts, fuses and wiring if a replacement starter doesn't work. I'd also look at the main ground from the battery to the engine. In the engine compartment fuse box there is a big fuse, 80 Amps or so, and the AM1 fuse, 40 Amps or so. Both are critical, and you may have an intermittent open in the wires to and from them area. From that 40 Amp fuse the wire goes directly to the ignition switch.
Another question is does the starter solenoid click when you turn the key? What is the voltage from the battery ground to the engine block? Should be only a few millivolts. Voltage from battery positive to starter power terminal? Should also be in the millivolts. Those two readings are to rule out bad cables.
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starter fail cont'd
I pushed started the truck and drove it home. Now I can turn off and start fine no problems 20 times in a row. If it's a sticky solenoid and I try the testing the solenoid now with the wire, It should work anyway. I can successfully start with the ignition fine.
I am wondering if the solenoid is getting to hot, but i wait for the truck to cool down and it doesnt go away until I push start the truck. then it works fine. I m going to check the engine ground, but i dont know where that is exactly.
Im wondering how the starter is grounded. I only have one power cable going to it. I put a meter on the power connection at the starter and had 12.6 volts.
I pushed started the truck and drove it home. Now I can turn off and start fine no problems 20 times in a row. If it's a sticky solenoid and I try the testing the solenoid now with the wire, It should work anyway. I can successfully start with the ignition fine.
I am wondering if the solenoid is getting to hot, but i wait for the truck to cool down and it doesnt go away until I push start the truck. then it works fine. I m going to check the engine ground, but i dont know where that is exactly.
Im wondering how the starter is grounded. I only have one power cable going to it. I put a meter on the power connection at the starter and had 12.6 volts.
I know that you said that you have replaced everything but I am going to say it could be a bad component. If so it is likely the starter. I had a very similar issue for years. A crude method to see if it might be a sticking solenoid is the next time it happens, take something and reach into the fender and tap on the side of the starter and then try to start it again. I had two parts store starters and the second one did this for years. Go for a while no problems, then click, click, get out tap tap tap, start right up. I still have it in the garage and the case is beat to h#&& after years of beating.
I finally got one from Denso direct and no problems since. Just because it is new doesn't mean it was rebuilt properly.
Just my $.02
I finally got one from Denso direct and no problems since. Just because it is new doesn't mean it was rebuilt properly.
Just my $.02
The next time it fails, jump the battery straight to the starter as suggested above. If that works, buy and install a Hotshot starter relay from Painless, or make your own, and forget about your starting problems.
The starter is grounded by direct contact to the transmission bell which is grounded by direct contact to the engine block. The engine block is grounded to the battery by a cable from one of the engine mount bolts to the battery.
I used to have a similar problem that I never did figure out. I think the solenoid wore was bad somewhere.
I installed a push button start and never looked back.
I installed a push button start and never looked back.
I did read up on this back in may or june here in the fourms Because i had the same problems Someone was saying its 2 copper connectors that wear out quickly and or a wire that connects to it Since theres a big list to fix on my "project" i haven't really taken out the starter yet to get a good look at it but I did try to start it one day "nothing" and then put my hand in there and jiggle around the wires with a tap and it started .. it also starts after 4 or 5 turns afterwards