Odd starting problem

Last night, I was about to go to the store, the dash lights came on like usual in the ON position, turned the key to crank it and all I heard was a click (from the starter?), let the key spring back to the ON position, cranked again, same click. Then for about half a second ALL the dash lights went dark, including my radio settings & clock. Took the key out, tried it again then the engine started right up as if nothing happened. I checked all my battery connections, since I had just replaced the battery last month. No engine light, no codes to contend with. It has never done that and hasn't since. Any light (pun intended) you could shed would be GREATLY appreciated!

-Stumped in Simi Valley

 

That's a great suggestion, I will definitely look into that.

 

no its a dead spot in the starter motor. very common on all Toyotas. get yourself a new starter soon before it quits all together.

 

But how would that explain power being completely shut off?

 

When you crank it the dash lights go out that's normal. It was trying to crank

 

Make sure you get your battery tested first. It’s probably the starter but start small. It could have a dead cell.

 

Clean your battery connection, and any wire connectors that are attached. Make sure very clean and then see what happens. If it was just the starter your lights shouldn't be effected unless it was seized drawing a lot of power. If it persist, have battery checked. Interstate batteries is all I use.

 

But, when OP took the key out and put it back in again it started right up. Nothing has changed on the starter, relay etc., but it worked fine then.
Is there a security chip in the key? Maybe a bad connection (dirty key, something in the slot etc.) that prevented a good connection the first time?

 

Common with toyota's click a few times then starts. When they get really bad they just click but usually when they get towed in I just turn the key as fast as I can a bunch of times and they usually start.

 

If it is the starter, it's not a dead spot. It is the metal contacts inside. There is a plunger that contacts the 2. You can buy the contacts on line, then clean the plunger, reinstall and you will have a perfect starter. The starter motor itself will last forever. I have NEVER replaced a Toyota starter unless that's what the customer wanted, but why I ask. Before they sold these contacts I use to re-braze the materiel back into the contacts, and it worked. sometimes I don't even have to take the starter out, just remove the cover on the back side. 3 screws. My starter 101 class is free btw.

 

Good repair depending where you live. anyone who sees snow and salt starter will be rusted out and those little screws break.

 

It is a good cheap fix, and never had a screw that wouldn't come. Even if the screw is seized I have my ways of getting it out and sometimes have to remove the starter. I deal with parts all from the 70's and have to deal with removing ancient fasteners that have become one with the metal they are holding. Besides, these starters are located under the intake, and most Toyota starters are not in location were they get a lot of road spray.

 

For me. And this is what I will do....

If clickity thinga happens to me on the road, am driving it straight to my garage without turning the truck off

Then get a replacement starter........and start surgery

 

Most garages will install a starter, because there is money to be made..........I work for the people, so saving money is sometimes more in there interest. But yea, for the most part if your not the mechanical type, take it to the garage and get a new starter. While they have the intake off, have them install the super charger. Soaking rusted parts in PB blaster has showed me some good results, but a lot of times I use Oxy/Acy torches.......fire is always mans best friend. Sometimes you have to repeat the process of soaking and heating. The heat will draw the PB blaster down in the threads, but not to hot that it steams off. Candle wax works the same way. I just work with metal, I love metal, and listen to metal........well not such anymore, I'm old and listen to classical music now......I throw less tolls that way.

 

I just replaced the starter in my 02 Tundra with the 4.7 for the second time in November. It requires taking the intake manifold off as the starter is on top of the engine below the intake manifold. I had a buddy give me a hand, took about 4 hours. Hardest part is being very careful on the brittle plastic of the sensors and injectors that have to be disconnected.

Replace the starter relay first, as that is a cheap $30 part that takes 2 minutes.

If you plan to keep the truck get a new starter, not a re-manufactured unit. I did a reman 8 years ago and had to have it replace a month or two later.