I've been experiencing some ignition problems here n their and am trying to locate the starter relay,so I can replace it and see if this solves my problems.
1990 Yota 4runner 3vze,automatic,all options,212,000miles.
Sometimes when you turn the key,it won't start. I then turn it back to the off position,try again,and it will start.
Other times,when I try this method,it won't start. I either have to jump-pack it or get a jump,then it starts. A few times it didn't even start then,but with a lot of swearing,it finally did. But that situation is rare.
Battery is 3 yrs old,alternator 1yr old,battery cables look good and are 3 yrs old.
At times,when turning the key,their is a delay from the time it goes into "ignition" mode on the switch,till it actually starts. About 3-4 seconds delay,rather than firing right away.
I have a Chilton manual,and an online download of the factory manual,called the stealership. They all say,starter relay is under the hood,driver side. Books say it could also be in the junction,at driver kick panel. Stealership gave me the part # so I'll know it when I come across it...if ever!
#28300-16010
I have looked everywhere. Tore the dash apart,found every relay and none of them the starter relay. Books say that it will say "starter" on it. I still cannot locate it. I had one fellow tell me that "automatics" don't generally have a starter relay".
that really confused me. Is anyone knowledgable in this area,that they could shed some light on me finding this gremlin part?
Thanx!
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Dutch welcome to the board!

You might also rule out the ignition switch and the starter contacts; articles are here by way of the Toyota Section above in the header above.

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

Doubtfull that the relay is bad.

9 times out of 10 its the solenoid on the starter. This can be fixed by replacing the $12 starter contacts inside the starter. Write up can be found on the link Kewlynx gave.


First thing I would try though, is cleaning up your battery connections with a wire brush. Most important is the cable going from the starter to the battery. Clean both ends really good until you see shiny copper. This may fix you problem for good, or possibly for a short time if your solenoid contacts are getting worn out.

Check the wires going to the starter. I had one that was half-assed on there and on somedays would cause the solenoid to just CLICK!

mine does that and it the iginition switch, instead of replacing, I just added a push button to the starter, five dollars, and it makes a great anti crook switch

OK.Thank you all for the welcome to this site/forum. Nice to know greetings are still abound in the world. Thank You all.
Yes...I have cleaned the battery cables,both ends and all contacts pertaining to the cables. The starter end and the block ends of the cables were greasy. I cleaned them very good. 2 days later,had a no start that I need a jump and happened several times since the cleaning. So, that's not it. With my milage,Im sure the starter could use a rebuild.
Maybe I'm just nervous to do it. I'm a schooled auto mechanic,so doing it isnt the problem. It's being unsuccesful that worries me. This is my only ride and it can't sit for more than a weekend at most. Ive read the link on the rebuild. Do I need to rip it apart and measure the old contacts or can I just call parts store and feel confident of the right contacts they supply?
Ive been leaning towards rebuilding the starter for some time now, guess I just need to do it.

Not really answering my original thread question?
WHERE IS THE STARTER RELAY LOCATED ON THIS RIG?
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If you really are a mechanic, then you should have absolutly no problem at all. "rebuilding" the starter sounds like more work than it is. Did you read the write up and look at the pics? Removing the starter takes ten times as long as the actual rebuild of the starter. Once you have the old contact out you will know if it needs replaced. Basically, if its worn down more than half way, you found your problem. Dealer will stock the part. I gave the part number in the write up. There are 2 contacts in the starter, only one actually needs replaced in most cases. Dealer has them, 4crawler has them, and some parts places stock them. No worries about getting the parts.

Theres no reason for the truck to be down. Worst case scenario, you take it apart, and the contacts are fine. Bolt it back together and reinstall. From what I've seen, contacts usually last about 150k miles. Or around 10-12 years.

1993 FSM says the starter relay is located in the number one junction block on the driver side. (fuse block in kick panel) Peek your head under there and see if you can find it. Doesnt say anything different for auto or manual.

On my 88 V6 5 speed, the starter relay is on the passenger side fenderwell. Its clearly labled starter relay. Its silver in color. Bolted with one bolt to the inside of the fenderwell.

The part # on the relay should be 28300-xxxxx.

Yeah, I don't think rebuilding the starter is an issue for me. I have done them before,but it's been many years since I've had to. Guess,it's like riding a bike.
Yeah, I have read the entire article and viewed the pics of the Yota starter rebuild. A very informative write up and I will definetly refer to it,when I'm ready to yank this thing out.
As far as the junction on the driver side kick panel. I actually had that panel removed several times looking for this starter relay,as the Chilton manual says it could be their. No such luck. The manual and the dealership both say that the relay will say "starter" on it,but like I said. No such luck in seeing it behind that kick panel.
I'm still on the hunt for it though. It has now turned into a mission to find this thing :>)

904runner2dr...
Yeah, the actual full part number I got from the dealership.
You must have missed that part,I wrote inmy initial thread. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />