Starting problems...something must be going

by **FLASH** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 7:57 pm

Hey all,

First time in 10 years I have a mechanical problem. My Solara is having a hard time starting after a few days of not using it. (I only drive it on weekends) I turn the key and get a single "Click". Then I try it again and the engine starts to turn and stop. Then I try again and it usually starts up.

All lights are bright, don't dim, and work all the time, so I don't THINK it's a weak battery, although my Optima is probably close to 4 years old now.

I'm thinking maybe the starter. After it starts, it'll start up with no problem the rest of the day. The next morning, it may act up, but usually not. After about 3-4 days of sitting, the problem starts all over.

Ideas, suggestions??

by **gnegroni** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 8:01 pm

Clutch switch?

by **camry_101** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 9:12 pm

1 click = starter

by **FLASH** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 10:00 pm

I forgot...it's been a while since I've been active on here, so I should specify, it's a V6, Auto.

I was thinking starter too. Any possibility it could be fuel injector related?

How much to replace the starter, anyone know?

by **ToyoSolV6** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 10:55 pm

Yeah should be the starter, same problem happend to a buddy of mine with his tacoma.
Not sure on the prices man, but it shouldnt be too much i beleive.

by **CorCamrySE** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 10:59 pm

sounds like a starter to me...

by **Dawgz** » Sun Jan 11, 2009 11:19 pm

ur choice of color for the text is REALLY annoying.

by **Eye8Pussies** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 6:03 am

^ I agree

and it sounds like the starter solenoid is going

you can either pick up a toyota solenoid repair kit, or just replace the entire starter.

I picked up a rebuilt starter a couple years ago back in Toronto to replace my original one for 100bucks with core exchange

by **soccerfan** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:30 am

Starter Contact Points....

less than $20 DIY and about an hour including cleanup.

Good luck

by **solara90** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 9:36 am

ha sounds like my old ford.. use to have to crawl under and beat on the starter and then it'd start :-)

by **FLASH** » Mon Jan 12, 2009 10:45 am

If I can DIY, I'd like to try. Anybody got instructions or tips on how to fix it?

by **soccerfan** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 9:00 am

Although this isn't the same vehicle, the procedures are the same with regard to the internals of the starter.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/

This is really a simple fix and would be a good starting point if you have ruled out the battery. Simply as a PM item this would be worth the time and $.

by **gnegroni** » Tue Jan 13, 2009 12:21 pm

Those are heavy duty looking contacts. Unlike Ford, that seems like a good design and good DIY.

Starting problems...something must be going

Starting problems...something must be going

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