My Toyota Tacoma won't always start. It clicks once and then nothing. A couple people have told me it's the starter, but I've also read that you should check some other things first because starters are expensive. But, what else should I check and how?
Before changing a starter?
Always check battery cables and connections, but I can tell you what your trouble is.
That truck uses a gear reduction type starter with the energizing solenoid mounted on it. In the solenoid is a plunger and two copper contacts that get worn from the heat and use they see over time. The starter motor itself rarely wears, it is always the contacts.
The solenoid can be replaced, but is usually replaced with the starter. I replace the contacts only in most cases for $100.00 if on the car, $50.00 if you bring it to me. It is a simple job really, but finding new contacts may be a problem.
Before changing a starter?
Try taking the starter off and taking it to a parts store. Most of them will test the starter for you for free.
one hill billy methead for testing the starter is while u hold the key in the start position have a buddy of ur get a hammer or screwdriver or something and hit the starter a couple of times, if the car trys to start its ur starter, if it doesnt try to start it still could be ur starter..
but to make things easier check to see if ur battery is still good, sorri i dont have a hill billy methead for testing ur battery well not any safe ways at lease.
oh yeah if you do change the starter dont forget to disconnect the battery be safe
Hook your car up to some jumper cables and see if it still clicks if so that will rule out weak battery and alternator. When you take it off to replace it have it tested just to be absolutely sure. You are gonna have to take it to the parts store to get your core back anyway. Sometimes it can just be a fried out solenoid i had this happen to me a few times. The solenoid is a small fraction of the price of the complete starter if it is removable from your stater not shure on a toyota.
Check or have the battery checked, make sure all connections(battery and starter) are free of corrosion. After this if you still have a problem drive it to the parts store and they will check it for free.
