[CLRracer]

ive heard that both are causing my current (pun not intended) problem. 89 RC, 318. i have power to radio/lights/cb and what not, but when i turn the key, all i get is a click. if i turn the key a few more times, the starter trys to turn the motor over, but doesnt quite make it. then a few more key turns later, itll crank. it doesnt seem to matter how long its sits between drives, or how long i drive. sometimes it cranks on the first turn, sometimes it does as described. im not an electrition, so i have no idea where to start.

Duane

 

[TaZMaNiaK]

I had the same problem in my '85, it was the starter relay. However, the '89 has a different setup, which leads me to believe it is the solenoid on the starter. Sounds like it's gunked up and sticking or there's a burned contact. I'm not sure about the newer ministarters, but on the older ones you could pull the solenoid apart and clean it out and rebuild it.

 

[DDGRC84]

you might try shorting the solenoid on the fenderwell, if the starter turns over the first time, that should mean that the problem is elsewhere.

Jake

 

[KThaxton]

I would think it was solenoid related also. It's definatly NOT the ballast resistor or the ammeter.

 

[Johno]

ya, sounds like starter/solenoid problems

 

[Chump]

Make sure your battery cables at both ends are squeeky clean and tight.

 

[hardway42]

if you have a voltage meter, connect the positive lead to the battery pos, and the negative lead to the large batt terminal on the starter. have a helper crank the engine, and observe the voltage read on your meter. this is the volt drop, and it shouldnt exceed about .5v... if it is higher, it might be the cable or relay.

 

[CLRracer]

Make sure your battery cables at both ends are squeeky clean and tight.

gimmie some credit stevo, i did check the blatantly obvious things

Duane

 

[Pat88ramcharger]

you might try shorting the solenoid on the fenderwell, if the starter turns over the first time, that should mean that the problem is elsewhere.

Jake

no offense to anyone, but make sure you use an insulated tool to short the solenoid.

I dont want anyone getting hurt

Pat

 

[TaZMaNiaK]

The solenoid is on the starter itself. The relay is on the fenderwell. The old style relays with the wires coming out the side were really horrible as far as durability. My 85 ate one every 6 months or so, and I kept a spare in the glovebox. When it went, it was the same symptons as Duane is having. However, '89 has a different setup without that nasty relay, that's why I think it's the solenoid. It could still be the relay though.

 

[Chump]

Make sure your battery cables at both ends are squeeky clean and tight.

gimmie some credit stevo, i did check the blatantly obvious things

Duane

I did give you some credit or I would have asked if you put the key in the ignition!

You might have a bad cell in the battery or a solenoid problem. How old is the starter relay? Also the relay gets it's ground through the neutral safety switch, if the ground is marginal you wont get a good solid pick of the relay coil.

 

[DDGRC84]

you might try shorting the solenoid on the fenderwell, if the starter turns over the first time, that should mean that the problem is elsewhere.

Jake

no offense to anyone, but make sure you use an insulated tool to short the solenoid.

I dont want anyone getting hurt

Pat

none taken here.... good advice

JJ

 

[Chump]

FYI...Bogger 35 said he was gonna do a how to on the starter...you might IM him. He had this info posted in the parts link.

28226-72010 and 28226-70040 NIPPO starter repair kit 1987 1995 TOYOTA DEALER this kit repairs the NIPPO style starter found in all fwd cars and vans and 87 and up trucks / the kit includes the two[2] contacts that wear out and make yer starter just click / l,m do,in a howto on this and l hope to have it done by the first of the year