Sorry for being vague...

First off, my battery is in great shape, no worries there (tested one week ago). So, I thought there might be electrical connections between the battery and the starter to investigate.

Second, when I go to start my car, half the time it starts no problem. The other half of the time, either nothing happens (no starter starting) or the starter sounds weaker than the one that I replaced with a newly rebuilt starter (not my old one, this was from a parts store).

So far, it hasn't left me standed, but that seems like wishful thinking.

My question: what should I check before I go and pull the starter out?

Thanks much, Hugh

Check the all the connectins to and from the starter. Take off the terminals and clean them with a wire brush.

does it make a click sound? if so it points towards the contacts not making contact. if they are not making good contact then the starter will not turn over or possibly slowly.

But defintely check the connections first it could be that the nut came loose on the terminal.

let us know how it goes.

Well, it was a BAD rebuilt starter. Exchanged for another new rebuilt starter and now "good as new".

Hugh

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Yet another reason to simply rebuild the stock starter as opposed to buying a rebuilt. Nothing is better than the OEM starter.

I've also been told that you can put new contacts in the starter while its is still trapped on the vehicle. Just unbolt it, but don't take it off the truck completely. That way you don't have to move brake lines and dipsticks.

Newbie here, still learning my lessons <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" />

Turns out last time, I bought a cheaper starter than what was required. A mechanic friend told me today to get the Superior brand of rebuilt starter made in USA. The other one that failed was rebuilt in Mexico.

Thanks for the support <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/mrt.gif" alt="" />

--Hugh

Honestly, your better off going to a junkyard and getting a genuine Japanese made Aisin/Denso stock starter, and rebuilding it.

Crap, new starter did NOT fix the problem.

I'm 400 miles from home and it won't start (no click). Now, testing to see if the neutral safety switch is the problem. Zero current going to the starter, starter and battery good. Testing for juice through the ST relay to see what happends. Update soon...

Comments?

Hugh

Never, never, never get rid of your stock starter. It is always best to rebuild them. New and rebuilt starters are worse than what you pull out of your truck. Even if you have to replace windings. I've heard more problems stemming from new and rebuilt starters than the problems they were intended to fix.
Hope you still got the old one. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

Well, at this point, never never never won't work for this car <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" /> , but I still have two other Toyotas and a Ford diesel truck <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

My day started off stranded at the supermarket, no start, no tools, no ideas. AAA towed me to a local shop that charged me 1.0 hr labor to verify no voltage to the starter, starter good, battery good and all fuses intact. Shop called me back to ask for my diagnostic approval to do additonal work and I said, "no". I called my Toyota buddy and asked for help. He told us to check for power at the ST relay when the car was in start position. 1/2 hour of additonal labor approved, no power in the start position. Pretty sure at this point, that it is the neutral safety switch. So, I jumped the ST relay from position 5 to 3 and car starts right up. I will replace the neutral safety switch when I get home.

I love learning, I hate paying,

Hugh