Is My Starter Bad

[Stob]

I think it is but I am no mechanic. I backed up to my trailer this morning and hooked up to my 2000 Yota and it wouldn't start. I thought at first that because the connection for the lights was wet that I might have blown something. I had this happen years ago hunting down in Milledgeville when my trailer lights got caught on a root and then grounded out.

All fuses are good, battery is at 12.8 volts, starter relay ohms out fine. The starter does click once when the key is turned (as does the relay) but that is it. I tried tapping on it but nada.

208K miles and its the original starter.

Any thoughts are appreciated. This one looks like it is going to be a knuckle buster to change.

 

[Cool Hand Luke]

Sounds like the starter to me. Can you tap on it with a hammer? Might break it loose.

 

[Crakajak]

Sounds like it the solenoid not engaging the starter.OR a dead spot in the starter.

 

[livinoutdoors]

What does the battery read under load? Like when you crank the car? Also, check them connections.

 

[JustUs4All]

Check them connections.

 

[transfixer]

As mentioned, check the connections on battery and starter, check the ground connection where it goes to the engine, if you have a volt meter check the battery when you try to crank it, it may drop significantly when you hit the switch, as in down to below 10volts, if so then your battery is bad, if the volts don't drop when you hit the switch then you have a bad connection or bad starter

 

[Stob]

Thanks guys and when I put the meter on it and try to crank it, the voltage drops from 12.8 to 12.2.

I am going to order a starter today. This does not look like its going to be fun to replace with no lift.

 

[livinoutdoors]

Thanks guys and when I put the meter on it and try to crank it, the voltage drops from 12.8 to 12.2.

I am going to order a starter today. This does not look like its going to be fun to replace with no lift.

Also one more thing. If you need to move it try tappin the starter with someone else holding the key in the crank position. This works sometimes when just hitting it wont.

 

[Stob]

Well, I went out and was going to remove the battery terminals and clean them even though they are quite clean already (battery was replaced in Jan) but decided to try it one more time.

It clicked once then started to turn over and started. I drove it around for a bit then parked it in a better place to work on it and then started it 10 more times with no issues.

I am leaning on the starter here unless that I am missing something else obvious. the only other problem that the truck has is the master window switch is dead. I tried a few weeks ago to take t apart and clean everything but it is still dead. I dont think this has anything to do with anything but I have seen crazier stuff (thinking it could be wearing the battery down just a little bit as it is corroded).

 

[Boondocks]

I don't think it is the starter.I think it is voltage.Get a new battery and make shure all connections are clean and tight. The window switch could be a drain on battery.It might be the alternator going out too .

 

[madsam]

Hope u got it fixed... Let us know the problem if u get a chance. Thanks !!

 

[livinoutdoors]

Well, like we said. Check them connections!

 

[B. White]

I had an old Chevy and drove around with a hammer for a while before I replaced it. Holding the new one up to bolt on was no fun.