Starting System Problem

[btdaffe]

This is my first post so here goes:

I have a '88 FJ62 and last night I went out to eat, came back to the car and...........nothing. The only noise I could hear when I turned the key was a "click" from the passenger side floor board area (there are a few relays behind the plastic panel).

I've had the battery checked...it's good.
I removed the starter unit and had it checked....it's good.
I cleaned all the contacts at the battery and to the starter.

What should I check next? I really appreciate any help you can give.

Thanks

 

[dd113]

Battery terminals, batt cables, fusible links

 

[Cruzerman]

If the battery terminal and cables all look clean and in good condition, I would suspect the starter contacts. Common problem and easy (and cheap) to fix.

_____________________
Cruzerman
'85 FJ60
'78 FJ40

 

[archie]

another thing to check is the ignition switch on your steering column.
don't forget to make sure there isn't any corrosion on the cables/terminals going into the starter.

 

[lovetoski]

If the battery terminal and cables all look clean and in good condition, I would suspect the starter contacts. Common problem and easy (and cheap) to fix.

This gets my vote.

 

[btdaffe]

We'll I checked and cleaned all the battery terminals, cable ends, ground connections and put everything back together last night......and what do you know it actually WORKED! And I was this close to taking it to the shop.

Thanks for the input!

 

[zcruiser]

Funny thing, I just had this same problem tonight when I went out for a run to the local big box.

Will be checking the starter contacts tomorrow morning...

{Search is a wonderful thing!}

 

[zcruiser]

Problem wasn't at the starter at all but at the battery terminal. The terminal post on the battery was fine, but realized there was another set of connections under the red rubber boot that was fairly corroded which is where the starter cable (and everything else) is connected. Took it all apart, wire-brushed and sanded everything, sprayed on some Tweak and everything is now working beautifully!