Newbie Help! 97 Lx 450 Wouldn't Turn Off

[FRONTLEFT]

I just picked up a 97 LX 450 and today when it started, it had an extra background ringing sound that wouldn't staop. When i turned the ignition off, it kept turning over as if the starter was engaged, so I'd turn it back on...all the while the display lights were lit as if the car were not started.

After a few times of turning it off, it finally caught and acted like a regular start and ran correctly. A slight fuel smell persisted afterwards and I drove it around during which it performed just fine.

During the past couple of days it has also exhibited the single "click" that others have described when trying to start. I haven't a clue where to look or what to suggest to the repair man.

Any suggestions? How serious an issue is it?

Thanks for all your help.

 

[clownmidget]

A search will clearly nail this as classic symptoms of the starter contacts and possibly the plunger going south in a big hurry. You need to contact Dan (American Toyota - banner on top of page or check under Vendors) and order a starter rebuild kit consisting of new contacts and plunger. Then rebuild it! Good luck and welcome.

 

[MTNRAT]

Clown hit the nail on the head. An easy fix. Do a search IIRC the fix is documented.
And welcome.
Cheers,
Sean

 

[firetruck41]

Ditto to starter contacts, cheap parts and a little work to replace...

 

[FRONTLEFT]

Thank you all for your quick replies. It really helps ease my nerves. I've wanted one forever and I've only recently been able to pick one up and then I'm greated by this.

From other post, it seems to be pretty common. I really do appreciate your advice. Great community and I'm glad to be a prt of it.

 

[sjcruiser]

While this is a fairly easy fix, it's not recommended to drive it for safety concern (read fire) till the issue is addressed.

 

[Tools R Us]

If it's the starter stuck on, do not start it until it's fixed. The engine is driving the starter much faster than it's designed to run, there is a big chance of the starter coming apart inside and shorting out, this can cause a fire, not a good thing!

 

[NorCalDoug]

Starter contacts...like everyone else said.

IF YOU ARE NOT MECHANICALLY INCLINED...spend the extra money and get a new (rebuilt) starter.

If you are mechanically inclined and want to replace the contacts yourself...you'll find plenty of write-ups if you search the archives. I think it might be in the www.sleeoffroad.com tech section too.

 

[trinitony]

Starter contacts...like everyone else said.

IF YOU ARE NOT MECHANICALLY INCLINED...spend the extra money and get a new (rebuilt) starter.

If you are mechanically inclined and want to replace the contacts yourself...you'll find plenty of write-ups if you search the archives. I think it might be in the www.sleeoffroad.com tech section too.

Or pay a mechanic to do it for your...mine charge me 1.5 hours which came out to just over $100.