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1998 Crazy Starting Problem


dbunnell
08-11-2005, 08:45 PM
We have a '98 4Runner SR% with the 3.4L V-6, about 80,000 miles. In the very hot, high humidity weather, like now here in New York state, after usually 3 short, 10-15 minute stops, and 10-15 minute go's, it won't start. Long runs, not a problem, no matter what the weather. There's no clicking of the solenoid, no attempt by the starter at all, although the all of the accessories work fine: windows, stereo, etc. After at least a half hour or more of sitting, it would start. Once it sat until the following morning until we could start it.

We replaced the starter and starter relay last summer, thinking that would fix the problem, but it obviously didn't.

My wife, who is the 99% driver, however, has found a way to get it to start, usually. If it won't start, she lets it sit about 10 minutes from her first attempt, open and slam shut all 4 doors and rear gate and then it will start right up !! It just happened to her today, and she only opened and shut one rear door and both front doors and it started afetr the "required" 10 minute wait.

Has anybody got any ideas on what the heck is going on here ?????

I'm going to try to check out the neutral safety switch, if I can find it, or at least see it. I'm also considering replacing the battery cables, but from the length of the harness I can see that will be expensive. Also wondering if the remote door locks/alarm has any bearing on the problem. We never use ours at all, but I've see alot of discussion on the forum about problems with them.

Any help would be grteatly appreciated. Thanks

steeev0
08-14-2005, 02:03 PM
hey dbunnell.
i'm having a VERY similar problem with a '99 sr5 v6.
5vze engine. just about 107K now, and i'm also in NY experiencing the hot, humid weather. it's very sporratic for me. some mornings i'll go out, and she'll start right up. other times, i have to crank the key a couple of times before i get a response. also, like you, i don't hear the typical starter failure "click click click" etc. I had my battery tested, and it's doing fine. the cables seem to be ok. I haven't replaced the starter (bought used at 80K), but was hoping that wasn't it. i've read some posts hear about possibly cleaning the contacts, but i'm not that handy, and i don't even know if it'll fix this particular issue. when i had my batt tested, it seemed as if the alternator was recharging it fine as well. if you have any more info, or any of the great moderators and posters on this forum have a clue as to what's up, please let us know! in addition, my power antenna gears must be grinded off, or messed up because my antenna won't recede. that doesn't bother me much, but it seems as if the motor to withdraw the antenna continues for an excessively long time after the engine is off (if the radio was active at that time). could this draw be somehow related? doubtful, but a stab? does anyone know how to disconnect the motor for the antenna while leaving it's reception intact? easy thing or hard thing?

TIA,
-steve

Brian R.
08-14-2005, 04:50 PM
The antenna problem is unrelated and has been discussed before. Search this forum.

The starter problem may still be the starter. Rebuilt starters are not totally reliable. I suggest you both try another starter - of the best quality you can justify. Maybe one of you will fix the starting problem that way.

This scenario also explains dbunnell's wife's method. The standard test for determining if it is starter solenoid contacts that are the problem is by tapping the starter solenoid with a hammer or wrench and jarring them loose. The opening and shutting of the doors does the same thing. Instead of the door thing, next time crawl under the truck and give the starter a couple of whacks. If it starts, it's your solenoid contacts.

steeev0
08-15-2005, 08:37 AM
thanks, brian.
would the intermittent (85% of the time OK) starting still be indicative of the starter being the culprit? also, out of curiosity, would the weather be a factor?

-steve

Brian R.
08-15-2005, 09:51 AM
Intermittent starting is characteristic of bad solenoid contacts. The problem with the contacts is both wear and sticking from contamination. If the weather can cause the contaminants to stick more or less, then the weather can affect the problem.

krc333
08-16-2005, 10:40 AM
I recently bought a rebuilt starter and was having a similar problem. My guy thought it was a classic case of the contacts, which was the thought on the forum as well, but that didn't work either. Now he's replacing the starter to check that. I'll post in update on if that works. Mine is a 90 but the problem is similar.

Brian R.
08-16-2005, 06:28 PM
Unfortunately, the 2nd generation trucks had different starting problems than the 3rd gen trucks. Some 2nd gen trucks had success installing a starter relay. Search the forum.

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