Starting Problems

[Fire82]

HI all,

Hey I'm a long time reader and this is my first posting so here goes. I have a 97 lx450 that has been giving me starting problems the last couple months. It will start fine most of the time but I'll get in it and just get a click sound. Full power and I've checked the battery terminals and there tight. A few times I did wiggle the wire loom behind the battery and did get it to start, thus thinking it was a wire short or loose wire. Recently all I have to do is move it into neutral and it will start. I can leave it in park and just flex the shifter a little and it will kick over with no problem too. It is getting worse as time goea by. Any ideas? Some times two weeks with no problem and sometimes one day.
Thanks for any help. Chris

 

[alaskacruiser]

Welcome! You need to replace the starter contacts / plunger- contact cruiserdan via PM for the best price on parts. Search / look in FAQ for more info. How many miles on your rig, BTW? (It's a good idea to include your rig's info on your sig line...) Mine failed at around 70K mi. but it has seen mostly city use.

 

[cruiserdan]

Starter contacts. Replace them and the plunger, before the contacts "weld" and make a big mess.

 

[Fire82]

Hey thanks for the quick reply. Cruiserdan do I take the starter out and just replace the parts listed? If so is this a rookie type mechanical job?
Thanks

 

[TX_TLC]

You got it! Replace the guts and you're good to go...The FSM is helpful but there are great write ups on Slees site and if you search Mud you will find this beaten to death.

Not to scare you but this isn't something to put off. Guys have had their engines catch fire from this problem...

 

[cruiserdan]

It's a small fire though........

 

[RedmondCruiser]

It is a pretty easy fix. I did it a few months ago. The entire process took a few hours (probably should have been faster but a few of the bolts were hard to get out). You need to remove the starter, take it apart and replace the contacts and probably the plunger. The easiest way to do this is thru the US driver side wheel well. I found all the steps I needed in this forum. (use search) You might also want to buy a FSM (Factory service manual) PM Cdan ..he is the best person for parts.

Good luck

 

[MLX450]

While you have the starter out do the PHH at the same time. lol

 

[flintknapper]

Oh man!

While you have the starter out do the PHH at the same time. lol

While you're doing all of that.. replace the fuel filter as well. All of these things are in the same general area and pretty much require the removal of the US drivers side Tire/wheel and loosening of plastic splash guard. Its a little tight in there and if you tackle all three....please post back here with your impressions.

 

[Brentbba]

Do what you're being told ASAP! I waited the second time around knowing what was going on with the clicking. I waited too long and fried the alternator as well! Don't make my mistake - PLEASE.

 

[Cobra Jet]

just curious - how much does a starter run for these vehicles? Suppose one takes the time to replace the contacts and such, isn't there a possibility that a high mileage starter could take a crap after spending the time doing the above?

?

 

[TX_TLC]

just curious - how much does a starter run for these vehicles? Suppose one takes the time to replace the contacts and such, isn't there a possibility that a high mileage starter could take a crap after spending the time doing the above?

?

Possible? yes....does it happen? yes....did it happen to me? yes. Well kinda. I knew I needed to address my contacts...ordered them from Dan...installed them and it didn't fix my problem.

So I called Dan and got a reman starter...the rule of thumb is if you can fix it for $30 instead of $280-something or other...why not?

My kick out gear was shot but replacing just the contacts fixes starter problems 90% of the time. If you would feel better about it...sure replace the whole thing...

 

[MH_Stevens]

There is a THIRD way. Unlike here in southern California where everything is a rip-off, when I lived in Texas there were plenty of shops that would rebuild a starter and get it back to spec for about $80.

 

[IdahoDoug]

Michael,

Once you've gone to all the trouble of removing your starter (98.765% of the work and time), then you have two choices:

1) Drive to a shop (with another car) and wait a day and pay them $80 to put noname parts in your Toyota starter.

2) Take 15 minutes to open it yourself and slap Toyota parts in it that you spent $28 for.

Heck, you could take your girlie to dinner with the extra money, and spend the time saved getting a workout or something productive!! I've done this twice and it's a no brainer.

DougM

 

[TX_TLC]

I am curious...Dan might chime in or Jim...what is involved in a complete rebuild? I would guess changing the contacts and plunger is 70% of a full rebuild?