2000 Tundra will not start

I have a 2000 tundra that when I turn the key to turn engine over it does absolutely nothing. The interior clock goes dim when I try to crank truck but headlights do not. It has a brand spanking new battery. I had issue with stereo and interior lights not working. We found that issue but now it will not start. That same day I cranked it 4 times then later went out and it would not start. All the dash lights come on when the key is turned on. I'm lost other than 2 things, Starter or ignition switch?

 

Hmm...my dad always checks the alternator too, so I would check the alternator too if the battery is new. Maybe have someone cranking the key and you knocking on the alternator with a hammer. It has worked sometimes, and if it does work, you may need a new alternator. I do not know if this is the best way at it, but it does work sometimes

 

Well we pretty much know the Altanator is working because we had checked it before new battery to see if it was putting out which it was like 14v.

 

Fuel pump or starter?

Its cranking but not starting? Or, not cranking?

 

It's not even turning over. I turn the key and theres silence inside the truck. You can here something under hood when you turn key but not sure what that is. But inside it doesn't even click

 

Sounds like starter. It click click clicks lightly, but no start? Sounds like starter. How many miles on the truck?

You said alt and battery are good so no worries there.

 

150k on it. I would hate to go through all that trouble to get to starter (especially where it is) and that not be the problem. But how in world would you know

 

A computer tester OBD tool.

 

I've already hooked up an OBD it's not throwing any codes.

 

Is it a quality OBD? Or, basic? Some have better diagnostics.

Not sure how to help from here.

 

I guess it's just a reg obd nothing real fancy

 

Also something kept draining the battery down but we think that was the Short in the electrical I was talking about

 

Tow it to an electrical service shop. Better than throwing money and time on a starter. Good luck.

 

Tough call. The starter will have to be replaced eventually. Worst case you have the starter replacement done and have to keep digging. Best case, it solves your problem. 19 years is a good run for a starter.

 

Another thought. I know it's a brand new battery but have you tested it? Could something have malfunctioned and drained the battery?

 

My battery tested fine but I had a shorted cell that would only sometimes cause problems, just for shits and giggles throw a different battery in and see what it does.

 

Check the battery voltage.

Clean and tighten the battery terminals.

Could be the starter but you must be 100% sure of the above before going to that route as if either are just 'sort of' okay it will mimic a failing starter.

 

Have already checked battery with volt meter. Also have even tried Jumping it off with another vehicle with still the same results

 

Already tested, its clicking fine. I know all the easy stuff has already been checked unless I'm overlooking something

 

I have heard someone say if you have heavy keys it can wear on the key ignition cylinder, and to try pushing the key up when you try and start it.

Just throwing out wild things to check.

 

Dad knew about that too so done been tried. I'm just lost for what else to do. Just trying to dodge putting in shop. We in process of buying a house.

 

If the starter relay is clicking then its not the ignition cylinder so you can cross that off.

Starter clicking but not turning over can only be caused by bad battery terminals. (on the battery or the starter) a bad battery, or a bad starter. If you are sure the battery and terminals are good then its your starter

Or I suppose a seized engine but I don't see how that could have happened from your description.

 

The relay was tested by taking it out and using power from the battery straight to the relay to see if it was clicking which it was. Motor not seized it was running just couple hours prior to it not starting anymore.

 

Check if there is power going to the starter relay when you turn the ignition.

 

If so should here relay click when key is turned correct? If not does that signal to the ignition switch?

 

the relay is under the hood, so that's where the clicking would be.

 

Yes...

Or neutral safety switch..

 

Try turning the ignition key several times in rapid succession and you may hear the starter attempt to catch and start. Might get you out of a being stranded and will confirm a bad starter. Sounds counter intuitive I know but it worked for me.
It was a AAA mechanic tipped me to this trick when the starter went on my 1st Gen Tundra.

 

If it is the starter it's not to hard to get to. I've pulled my intake twice and can do it in about 45 min now. As for replacing the starter I'm not sure.





With power adding rats nest

 

Ah, yes. Damn automatics. I'm still new to them. Sometimes I forget that even though I sold my last manual to buy my Tundra.