What could be the cause of my truck not starting everytime?

Tiny
RH.PHILLIPS
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 TOYOTA TACOMA
  • 184,000 MILES
Here is some background on the issue. I bought this truck about 2 months ago. After having it for a couple of weeks, it began to NOT turn over every time I turn the key. I have had the battery and alternator checked, and both test good. What could be the reason or reasons this may happen?
Monday, June 11th, 2012 AT 6:51 PM

9 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
So sometimes the starter doesnt turn the engine over to start the engine?If so does the starter click or make any noise?Do you have a multimeter to do some testing?
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Monday, June 11th, 2012 AT 6:55 PM
Tiny
RH.PHILLIPS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
It does seem like I remember a click. I do not have a multimeter.
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Monday, June 11th, 2012 AT 7:30 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Do you have a 2.4 or a 2.7L engine?
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-1
Monday, June 11th, 2012 AT 7:40 PM
Tiny
RH.PHILLIPS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
2.4L
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Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 AT 12:24 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Have you made sure the battery cables are clean and tight also the positive cable to the starter is tight?Also had the battery and alternator tested?Also when it doesnt start see if the black and white wire to the starter has battery voltage with the key in the start position.
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Tuesday, June 12th, 2012 AT 9:06 PM
Tiny
RH.PHILLIPS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
The battery cables are clean and tight, I have not checked the cable to the starter. The battery and alternator have been tested and both are good. I will check the cable to the starter and voltage. Thanks for your suggestions.
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Wednesday, June 13th, 2012 AT 12:00 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Keep me posted.
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Wednesday, June 13th, 2012 AT 2:20 PM
Tiny
RH.PHILLIPS
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
Thanks for your help. I attempted to take the starter off and replace it myself, but I am not very mechanically inclined when it comes to vehicles. I ended up taking the truck to a local mechanic and he rebuilt the starter. He said that the contacts inside were burnt up.

Thanks again for you help.
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Tuesday, June 26th, 2012 AT 9:59 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Your welcome thats what were here for glad to hear you got it all figured out.
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Tuesday, June 26th, 2012 AT 11:58 PM

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