Won't Start, but get a single click each time

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So, I just had the dreaded click-click again. I replaced the starter with OEM in November 2008 (@76500), now I am at a whopping 96k, and battery replaced about a month ago. I am going to go clean out all the cables just to verify, I hope I don't have to do it again so soon. Anyone else get such poor mileage out of a starter?
 
I learned a lesson this time around, and consistent with Dan's (spressomon) experience/discussions: rebuilt staters often aren't rebuilt very well. In my case, I took the re-built Denso to a trusted shop in the area and they discovered the plunger was original and in very bad shape, and there was no evidence of bench testing.

I spend an extra $80 (on top of $220 for the rebuilt Denso) to ensure it was done right. It pissed me off that I had to do this, but short of screwing with an out of state supplier on a part that was keeping my truck sidelined, I decided I had little choice.

So I would advise checking that re-built starter very carefully before installing this time.

Good luck
 
I replace my starter about 2 years ago with a genuine Toyota starter and new battery at the same time just in case. That starter just went out last month. Only 1 year warranty. I went with oreillys starter with a lifetime warranty so next time ill at least get my $80 back.
image-3765884522.webp
 
I am about to go buy a new starter from Napa, at least they claim its a new one. Lifetime warranty as well They have 3 different ones listed:
Rebuilt $99 ($85 core)
Premium Rebuilt $114 ($85 core)
New $184 (no core charge)

Has anyone else went with the Napa ?
 
slimbuddha said:
I am about to go buy a new starter from Napa, at least they claim its a new one. Lifetime warranty as well They have 3 different ones listed:
Rebuilt $99 ($85 core)
Premium Rebuilt $114 ($85 core)
New $184 (no core charge)

Has anyone else went with the Napa ?
Click to expand...

Interesting. Toyota dealer parts can't get new Denso starters - they have been supplying rebuilt only for some time. Looking at the NAPA 'new' description it sounds like a rebuilt:

Bushings: 100% New Bushings w/ Extreme Temperature Grease.
Commutators Are 100% New & Precision-Machined & Electronically Tested.
Drive Assemblies: 100% New Springs, Rollers, Covers & Extreme Temperature Grease.
Solenoids Are 100% New.
All Brushes Are 100% New High Quality Brushes.
 
I lucked out, there was one in town at the warehouse, I pick it up tonight. Talked to a salesperson, here is the difference:

Rebuilt (only the broken part replaced, likely the contacts)
Premium (all internals replaced)
New -> completely new.

So I am going with the new one.. I think it is less than I paid 4 years ago from Toyota, and it will include a lifetime warranty. Even so, since I won't have to replace the core, I'll look at getting the bad one rebuilt as a spare.
 
Having same issues. Called toyota and quoted me $450 called 2 local shops and they do not replace contacts just whole starters.... I find this odd
 
I'm guessing that the location of where the starter resides is driving their decision to provide a new starter and not just to the contacts. You can always pull the starter yourself and replace the contacts.
 
that makes sense. I am wondering though, While they are already in there should I just have them replace the starter? I get that its another few hundred dollars but I would rather pay more up front than have to pay labor again for the starter to be replaced in x number of years/months
 
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