Starting Issues - 3FE

[82much]

Hey all, Im going to try and explain this the best I can. I have a few intermittent starting problems.

1. About 85% of the time when I start my rig I have to hold the key in the crank position for a few seconds (sometimes 2 sec and sometimes 5 sec. it varies) then it will turn over and start.
a. I get the same problem 50% of the time after the vehicle has warmed up.
b. All dash lights light up like they are supposed to.

2. Second issue is sometimes it will Not Start at all after holding the key in the crank position.
a. All dash lights light up like they are supposed to.
b. Battery voltage is ok.
c. This issues seems to happen more often if my rig is parked on an angle. (driveway, hill, etc..)
d. Getting a jump fixes the No Start issue.

Note: Battery has been replaced, but right after I replaced the battery I did not have any issue for a few months. Current battery is less than a year old.


Any suggestions???

 

[TomOsborne]

lol another one... There are quite a few folks that have encountered this in our age group. I have a 91. Sooo start here.

3FE 80 Series click no start

Okay, so after a decent amount of searching I have come to the determination that more than likely my starter solenoid lugs are bad. However I don’t have the time or money to dedicate multiple repairs that don’t solve the issue, so I won’t to confirm my theory with the group prior to throwing...

forum.ih8mud.com

The great @jonheld contributed on this one. I posted on it yesterday matter of fact.

 

[TomOsborne]

... in the mean time while diagnosing what you think it may be, you can build a jumper wire from the solenoid to the battery so instead of needing a jump you can pop the hood and connect the wire to the positive battery terminal therefore cranking the starter. Key still needs to be in the On position.

 

[SUMMIT CRUISERS]

Try this and yes here we go again...

94 delayed cranking. Starter, ignition switch, or other?

Just wondering if anyone has experienced and solved this issue. This morning I tried to start my son's 94 and I turned the key several times and no click but the instrument panel lit up with each swing of the key. I tried with the shifter in Neutral and still no crank. I then held the key in...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Randy88FJ62]

Sounds like a dying starter or an old ignition switch that acts up sometimes. Given that a jump solves it I am going to go with a bad starter.

When my starter was dying a tap on it with a mallet would get it to turn over.
Check the small wire coming off the starter. If it is corroded or coming apart the signal wire from your ignition will not work well.

Some people rebuild their starters with new contacts and plunger but if the armature is dying a rebuild kit won't help as it doesn't replace armature.

 

[82much]

Sounds like a dying starter or an old ignition switch that acts up sometimes. Given that a jump solves it I am going to go with a bad starter.

When my starter was dying a tap on it with a mallet would get it to turn over.
Check the small wire coming off the starter. If it is corroded or coming apart the signal wire from your ignition will not work well.

Some people rebuild their starters with new contacts and plunger but if the armature is dying a rebuild kit won't help as it doesn't replace armature.

I was kinda thinking the same thing..the starter and/or the ignition switch.

 

[Technician1985]

So no crank no start or cranking and no start?

 

[82much]

No Crank , No Start. After a many seconds of hold the key in the crank position then I get a start.
It comes and go's

 

[Technician1985]

CEL on when the key is turned to start or no?

 

[jonheld]

CEL on when the key is turned to start or no?

Not relevant to the starter circuit.
Very likely starter contacts or a build up of old grease and crap inside the solenoid bore. This is extremely common and has been discussed many times before.
If you are hearing a good solid "thunk" when you turn the key to start, then the solenoid is pulling in, but not making good contact.

 

[82much]

Not relevant to the starter circuit.
Very likely starter contacts or a build up of old grease and crap inside the solenoid bore. This is extremely common and has been discussed many times before.
If you are hearing a good solid "thunk" when you turn the key to start, then the solenoid is pulling in, but not making good contact.

I figured this had been covered before but I did a search and could not find anything specific to my issue.

And Yes, Some times I notice a thunk.

 

[jonheld]

I figured this had been covered before but I did a search and could not find anything specific to my issue.

And Yes, Some times I notice a thunk.

As previously stated, if you hear a "thunk" then the solenoid plunger is pulling in, so the logic side of the starter circuit is working properly.
In this case, either the contacts are worn or you're not getting a good +12 from the battery to the large terminal on the starter.

 

[Michael Hanson]

Hi, Ours frequently do this when they sit for long periods. Sometimes it gets better. When in doubt replace the starter. Toyota or Denso. Mike

 

[kg22]

I am having a similar issue. Don’t think it matters for mine whether it’s parked on an incline. I’m going to check the wiring to battery and to starter this weekend and will see what happens & update my post with results.