Hello all. I am new to the forum so thanks everyone for their patience.
We have a 1989 Toyota 4x4 that my son who is 14 wants to start working on for his first ride. We have had this truck for a few years and have put low miles on it. The problem is that sometimes ( more times than not ) it will not start. I get in to turn it over and get just a click . The battery was replaced as well as the battery cables gone through and tightened down. When we purchased the truck it had the problem and a new starter was put in. Any ideas as to where to start on this. We luv the truck put it is kinda un-reliable. A friend of mine mentioned maybe gears on the flywheel ??? I'm not mechanically advanced by any means, but would like to figure this out. My extent is routine maintenance when it comes to trucks. Just trying to help the boy out with a reliable ride.

Thanks for the help ,
BG

is it one click or many, sounds like a Solenoid problem to me

Check out 4Crawlers Toyota starter troubleshooting page:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml

Check out 4Crawlers Toyota starter troubleshooting page:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml
If he's already had the starter replaced, it may be something more.

I had a truck that did this once, and it was wiring in the steering column.
Take off the cover under the steering wheel and inspect the wires there for any that are burnt, loose, corroded, pinched, etc.

Does the truck have an alarm?

is it one click or many, sounds like a Solenoid problem to me
It is just one click. It will sit for a few minutes then sometimes start. ????

If he's already had the starter replaced, it may be something more.

I had a truck that did this once, and it was wiring in the steering column.
Take off the cover under the steering wheel and inspect the wires there for any that are burnt, loose, corroded, pinched, etc.

Does the truck have an alarm?

It doesn't have an alarm but the previous owner had two kill switches installed on it. There is a chip insert under the steering wheel over the pedals, as well as a kill toggle switch under the seat.

I will go take a look at the steering wiring right now...

Thanks

Check out 4Crawlers Toyota starter troubleshooting page:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml
Thanks ...I will take a look at this.

do all the lights cut off too it could be a loose batt term or corroded cable, could be many things inspect the wiring first

Thanks ...I will take a look at this.

If you bought a new or good starter, then this should not be the problem.
I imagine one of the taps in the ignition wiring for the prior kill switch could be faulty with a poor connection.

However, if that starter was not new or is old, then definately rebuild the contacts. You'll notice the battery side will have a rough surface and be worn down. That's the only one you need to replace and you'd be good to go.

Good luck.

If you bought a new or good starter, then this should not be the problem.
I imagine one of the taps in the ignition wiring for the prior kill switch could be faulty with a poor connection.

However, if that starter was not new or is old, then definately rebuild the contacts. You'll notice the battery side will have a rough surface and be worn down. That's the only one you need to replace and you'd be good to go.

Good luck.

There's info on 4crawlers page for isolating the problem to wiring or the starter. It's not just about replacing the contacts.

There's info on 4crawlers page for isolating the problem to wiring or the starter. It's not just about replacing the contacts.

Ah, you're right. Always loved 4crawler and his work. :smokin:
Thanks.

what battery do you have in that truck? it should be a group 25 (if you kept OEM size)... thats for the v6 or the 2.4L

22-re?

Starter. Put it in yourself. Because they pulled it, tried it, and it worked.
Actually, make your kid do it. Its cool, there is a "manhole cover" you need to remove and all that.

If it is an auto could be the neutral safety switch on the tranny. Was the problem with my T100. I just tapped into the wire from ignition, bypassing switch on the tranny. Saved me major $$$ over the new switch and now it's a kewl push button.

Its either the solinoid on the starter or the Starter relay on the fire wall. The Click gives it away.