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Starter Clicks, No Crank

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by venturemaster_nate, Jul 28, 2017.

  1. Jul 28, 2017 at 11:04 PM
    #1
    venturemaster_nate

    venturemaster_nate [OP] New Member

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    I got an LED light in the cargo area
    Alright, so today I changed my battery terminals and the wire from the alternator fuse to the positive terminal on my '99 cause they were all corroded. It also is now a 6g wire instead of what looks like an 8g wire. I also got a new ground wire on there. Now the truck has power everywhere, nothing doesn't work but when I turn to crank it I just get a click and nothing. Tried jumping it and same results. Everything is put back the exact way that it was before so I'm completely stumped now. Hoping that someone on here can help. Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Jul 29, 2017 at 12:15 AM
    #2
    jtdashark

    jtdashark New Member

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    Do a voltage drop test and come back with a response
     
  3. Jul 31, 2017 at 12:51 AM
    #3
    larramo

    larramo 3ed gen faithfully

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    3" lift but mostly all stock not a scratch on it it is pristine condition amazing for being 19 years old.
    sounds like your bendix spring it's not disengaging or engaging pull the starter out take it to autozone and have it checked its free. my guess is the bendix spring.might just be your solenoid they are cheap and easy to replace. LARRY B.
     
    Last edited: Jul 31, 2017
    BearBio likes this.
  4. Jul 31, 2017 at 1:45 PM
    #4
    v_man

    v_man New Member

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    Gently knock on the starter while someone cranks the truck. If it catches and turns over then your starter contacts are worn out.

    Very easy fix after pulling the starter.

    I've never heard of the spring or plunger in the starter failing, it's always worn contacts. Don't buy a new starter, just replace contacts.
     
    Foreigner likes this.
  5. Mar 8, 2018 at 11:36 AM
    #5
    Mountain Top

    Mountain Top New Member

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    Sounds like you/ve got a faulty connection on one of the battery cables.
    A starter that just clicks is a indication that the starter is not receiving enough electrical current to do the job.
    Check your new battery connections again, plus the one on the starter.
    Also, put a multimeter on the positive and negative battery posts and watch it when you're trying to start the truck.
    Does the voltage drop significantly?
    If so, is the battery well charged?
     
  6. Mar 29, 2018 at 12:35 PM
    #6
    mlkovacs

    mlkovacs New Member

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    If you didn't do any changes to your battery terminals or the wire from the alternator fuse, I would have directed you to the contacts on your starter. I've replaced them 3 times on my Tacoma and 4Runner. When you turn the key, this sends voltage to the starter. Inside the starter is a solenoid that drives 2 thick pieces of copper together to create continuity and your starter turns the motor. Over time, the thick copper contacts wear out. You'll notice that it'll click once or twice, and then start. As the time goes by, the contacts wear out more and you'll get more clicks before it starts. Eventually, after clicking 20 times, you're driven to fix it.
     
  7. Apr 11, 2019 at 10:30 AM
    #7
    oogiebear

    oogiebear New Member

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    Have you tried to get a jump start?
     
  8. Jan 15, 2020 at 9:03 AM
    #8
    JustBadLuck

    JustBadLuck New Member

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    I have a 1996 4Runner and have the same problem (I think). All electrical comes on but the starter just clicks.

    My battery is about 6 months old. I don't think that is the problem. I put a new starter on it 4 days ago. It started fine for 3 days and now it is doing the same thing again.

    I tracked my negative battery cable to where it bolts onto the frame, underneath the engine block. It was caked in thick oil/grease. I cleaned it off but it is a very tight connection. I can't imagine that could be the problem (?). It did crank up after I cleaned it, but the problem has been intermittent. I have a sneaking suspicion that the problem will occur again the next time I try to start it.

    So..a (fairly) new battery and a brand new starter, yet it just clicks when I try to start it (intermittently).

    Any suggestions?
     
    BrownR263 likes this.
  9. Jan 15, 2020 at 10:13 AM
    #9
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    JustBadLuck, do you get white/green corrosion at your terminals?

    I would check your terminals at the battery. Pull it off and flex it and see if you hear it crackle inside or see lots of corrosion. Cables rot from the inside out and often you can't see it.

    A click from the new starter is an indication that the circuit is not able to supply the current.
     
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2022
  10. Jan 15, 2020 at 10:24 AM
    #10
    JustBadLuck

    JustBadLuck New Member

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    Thanks negusm, I do appreciate the information. The last thing I want to do is have to replace that starter again. I've done a ton of work to my 4Runner over the years, but that was by far the most aggravating job yet. Everything that the switch-out involved required two hands, but only one hand could fit...in any direction.

    Anyway...I will check the cables. The terminals haven't really had time to corrode, as the battery is fairly new.

    I'll keep the thread informed.
     
  11. Jan 15, 2020 at 12:36 PM
    #11
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    My key wore out after twenty years. But it was more of a lock/unlock ignition problem with getting the key out. Got a new key cut at the dealer and good to go....
     
  12. Dec 26, 2022 at 4:12 PM
    #12
    BrownR263

    BrownR263 New Member

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    I have this very same problem and I'm at a point I can't figure it out. I installed a brand new starter and new starter relay, I checked the battery and it's 12.14 volts, no corrosion and brand new terminals. I even charged it and jumped it with another 4 runner and it still just clicked no crank and no start, I don't know what else to check. JustBadLuck, we're you able to figure it out? Or anyone can assist? I'll take any suggestions right now. Thank you for the advice
     
    Last edited: Dec 26, 2022
  13. Dec 26, 2022 at 4:15 PM
    #13
    RumHamRunner73

    RumHamRunner73 Dead on with a zero

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  14. Dec 26, 2022 at 4:36 PM
    #14
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    I just paid $400 for a new starter install. Non OEM, I got 15 years out of my last non OEM. It’s tricky to install.
     
  15. Dec 26, 2022 at 4:55 PM
    #15
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    I sprayed a bunch of WD-40 in the key hole? Didn’t seem to affect it.
     
  16. Jan 9, 2023 at 11:51 AM
    #16
    StPaulieGirl

    StPaulieGirl New Member

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    I am literally going through the same nightmare right now. I’ve got nothing past accessory. Just pulled the battery cables. I’ve gone down the list and now it’s onto wiring.
     
  17. Aug 15, 2023 at 5:57 PM
    #17
    rolledrunner

    rolledrunner New Member

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    Having a similar issue with my 94 3.0

    I just finished a complete rebuild of the engine, new crank, one new rod, all new gaskets and seals, and reloomed the wiring harness (it looks great). But I have gotten to the point where I can try to crank her over for the first time in months and I get nothing past accessory power. I have removed and verified start relay is good, I have cleaned off terminals on for battery, cleaned off terminal on starter, so lost. Need to get this thing on the road and feel like I am going to be stuck for a while on this. Any advise is welcomed!
    Thx
     
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  18. Aug 16, 2023 at 9:47 AM
    #18
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Well...did you test the starter?

    Put car in NUETRAL or PARK. Put ebrake FULL on. CHOCK the wheels. Take a jumper and go straight from the positive battery post to the positive starter terminal and see if the starter tries to turn over the engine. If it does, your starter relay probably isn't getting activated.
     
  19. Aug 16, 2023 at 2:24 PM
    #19
    StPaulieGirl

    StPaulieGirl New Member

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    Yep, all to familiar. Test the battery and then the starter relay. Any power at the starter solenoid? Lightly tap on that starter while you are down there. Play the park to neutral to park key jam game, then go buy a neutral safety switch and just replace it cuz that’s probably what’s wrong with it.
     
  20. Aug 23, 2023 at 5:16 AM
    #20
    Deltaman

    Deltaman New Member

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    I have a receipt where the previous owner purchased a second key, but there is no second key to be found! And he's passed so I can't ask him. Is a worn out key something that just happens?
     
  21. Aug 23, 2023 at 6:11 AM
    #21
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    Yes, but it’s more “you can’t get the key out off ignition”. Starts hanging up.
     
  22. Aug 23, 2023 at 7:43 AM
    #22
    Deltaman

    Deltaman New Member

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    I know pop a lock has tried to sell me a key twice when I got locked out of my f150. 300 bucks for that key.
     

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