Car will not start?

FORDWOMAN77

MEMBER
2000 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
3.4L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
316,079 MILES

My old starter went out in my 4runner. Installed a new starter and car fired up with no problem. The next morning, I was going to visit someone, and the car shut off. Well, my terminal was loose on the battery. I tightened the battery terminal and tried to crank the car and all I heard was a click. I checked all of my wires going to the new starter, everything was fine. I got someone to give my car a jump, it still made a click noise. I got the car pulled home. Took starter off. Reinstalled starter and it made this God awful grinding noise and would not even try to crank. I took the starter off and got a refund and bought a starter from a different part store. Put that new starter on and it is still making the God-awful noise and will not attempt to crank. What is wrong?

Monday, February 27th, 2023 AT 1:31 PM

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

If I understand correctly, you were driving the vehicle and it turned off and won't restart. Is that correct? Is it possible for you to record the starter noise and upload it for me to hear?

Also, if possible, place a socket on the center bolt at the crankshaft pulley and a breaker bar. See if you can turn the engine by hand. If the second new starter is making a crazy sound, either we have an adjustment issue, or the motor may have locked. Hearing what it is doing will likely be helpful.

Let me know.

Joe

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Monday, February 27th, 2023 AT 7:32 PM

FORDWOMAN77

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Yes, I just uploaded a video with the noise it is making. Also, put a socket on crankshaft bolt and for the life of me I cannot get it to make any sort of movement. Everyone keeps telling me the motor is locked up. It very well could be locked up. I just would rather attempt anything that I possibly can before I count it as a loss and buy another vehicle.

Video (Click to make bigger)

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Wednesday, March 1st, 2023 AT 2:11 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
110,176 POSTS

Hi,

If you are unable to turn the engine at the crankshaft, it does sound as if it is locked. Also, listening to the video, it seems something may have come apart internally.

Do me a favor. Remove the upper timing belt cover and see if the belt is still attached or if it is broken. (See pics 1 and 2) The good thing is this is not an interference engine, but something is happening.

Also, it is possible that a head gasket has failed and allowed coolant to fill one of the cylinders. To check for that as a possible cause, remove all the spark plugs and see if the engine will turn then. If you do this, stand back when doing it because if one or more is full of coolant, you will be covered.

Let me know.

Joe

See pics below.

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