I have a '97 Tacoma with 124k miles on it. Sometimes when I go to start the truck it decides that it doesn't want to start on the first turn of the key. I may have to sit there and turn the key 10-20 times before it cranks up. It doesn't do this every time though, sometimes she starts right up, all I can say is that it's random. Now, if I hit the Clutch/Start Cancel button sometimes it'll start right up after I've tried to start it a few times but this doesn't always work either so it may be coincidence.

I took the truck to Advance and got them to run a diagnostic test on it and the results came back pointing to the voltage regulator on the alternator. They said the battery and starter were fine. So I replaced the alternator. When I tried to crank the truck up the first time it did the same thing but then seemed to crank right up after it finally cranked up. I even took it back down to Advance to make sure everything was looking good and it was. Well it cranked up for about two weeks with no problems, even if I cranked ten times a day or left it sitting for 3 days. Then one day it decided to start having the same problem again.

If you've got any ideas let me know because I'm really not sure. The only thing that I can think to check is my clutch to make sure that the switch is being depressed when I mash the clutch down.

Thanks in advance!

That's where I'd start; make sure the switch is engaging the way it needs to. Also take a look at the clutch bracket while you're under there; if it's misaligned, that could contribute. If the clutch makes noise when you push it in, then DEFINITELY give the bracket a good look.

I have the same exact thing and I believe that it is the starter contacts. It always eventually starts so I have been putting off checking it out but someday I will take the starter out and replace the contacts I think that it ends up being pretty cheap. So check that out but also I had the clutch button on the floor behind the pedal pop out before so that it didnt recognize that the clutch was depressed when trying to start, I guess make sure that is alright too. Good luck.

Somewhat common sympton for a dirty MAF (tempermental starting), try cleaning that also. Especially if you have installed a K&N cold air, the oil on the filter tends to bake onto the hot wire for the MAF. Remove unit, spray brake clean down onto the two wires and blow dry with compressed air. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I would just use electrics cleaner for the MAF because that is what it does. Just spray it on and it cleans it up and then evaporates quickly. It is useful for a lot of connections that can get gunked up.

Thanks for all the replies suggestions. I'll try them out starting with the clutch button and cleaning the MAF. I do have a K&N so that also makes sense.

This morning on my way to work I found another problem, apparently I didn't tighten the belts enough and it started slipping which is bad because the truck shuts off. Luckily I wasn't on the interstate yet. After tightening the belts it still does the same thing.

I'll let you guys know what I try and how it works.

Thanks again!

its the starter i had the same problem my truck that shits a ***** good luck

You have not mentioned a very inportant detail for us. Does it click when you try to start it but not turn over the engine? And if it does, does it click only one time or repeatedly as long as you have the key cranked over? If there is a single click, you will need to pull the started and replace the contacts inside the sylinoid; they are cheap and easy to do. if it clicks repeatedly, then you have a weal battery or a bad connection between the battery and the starter. If it makes not clicking at all, I'd start with the clutch switch under the dash, some times they get gummed up and some WD-40 or contact cleaner will fix it.

Speaking of the starter rebuild does anyone have a quick link to that. I have been putting that off for far too long. Is it only the contacts because I have seen kits that do the plunger and some other stuff as well, how far do I have to go?

This might help:
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/starter/