Topic: Starter problems

[Mudder]

Yes, another thread on a starter problem. But it's a little different. Little background first, I swapped all 89 wiring into my 84 Toyota pickup so I could convert to EFI. Everything went in fine. I went through all the wiring harnesses before installing them because the truck had caught fire and since the 89 wiring was coming from an automatic truck I connected the two neutral safety switch wires. Now when it gets warm out I have starter problems. It'll just click and eventually start up after about 5-10 minutes of dealing with the clicking. It doesn't do this when cold though, it got so bad last year I had to use a momentary switch with the wiring from the battery to the switch then straight to the starter, and once that was done it started every single time. Things I've done:

-Pulled wiring and went over it
-3 good working starters and it happened with every one of 'em
-Replaced starter relay and still had the problem
-Went over wiring again and checked the natural safety switch
-Checked for vapor lock

[Cheesemaker]

Have you seen my post?  I had to do the same jumper wire for when the starter wouldn't start.  Since I have done this, I have not had an issue since.  But this fix only pertains to models that have this plug.  I know the 91 I had, didn't have it.  So, I am not sure where the cutoff years are for this fix.

http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=98501.0

[Mudder [OP]]

Thank you! I hadn't seen your thread or the one you linked in my searches. I'll have to try that if I have the plug.

[Mudder [OP]]

I feel like an idiot. Automatic wiring harnesses don't have starter relays  . But I found a great write up for those who don't have relays from the factory even with the manual transmission. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classic-t4rs/119611-final-fix-intermittent-no-crank-22re.html I did that and I'll report back if it comes back again.

[jimbo74]

automatics don't have starter relays? I thought the starter relays were part of the vehicle, not part of the transmission wiring or lack of wiring?

[Mudder [OP]]

From the reading I've done instead of a starter relay they use the neutral safety switch.

[helipilot77]

You are correct sir. If your harness is from an automatic you would not have a starter relay. M/T models did however use a relay. You will need to wire in a relay to fix your problem. The heat causes a higher load requirement on the starter but also reduces the amperage that can pass through the cable (only slightly).

[Mudder [OP]]

The wires were fine, I've spent a better part of a year trying to track this down. I even added more grounds just to make sure. I just went with the solenoid because then I can have a 6 gauge wire from the battery to the solenoid, then a wire from the solenoid to the starter with a 14 gauge wire from the top post of the solenoid to the original signal wire. Meaning I need less volts to start the truck.

[redneckcustoms13]

Dumb suggestion, I know. Have you swapped the ignition switch itself?

[Mudder [OP]]

That's not a dumb suggestion at all. But I did and it didn't fix it either. Currently with the solenoid set up it hasn't happened so I'm hopeful it's gone away. Thank you all for the suggestions!

[jimbo74]

sounds liek you might have fixed it, and the right way