Temperamental Start ups? Options

[yellowchinaman]

So what could cause this?
I noticed it happens only when it's really cold. Turn the key and nothing happens. Wait a few seconds or try a few times it starts up no problem?
Battery reads full power. Wiring and earthing is probably as good as it can get.

Do you think it could be my starter motor?

This post has been edited by yellowchinaman: Jan 14, 2013 - 9:59 AM

[yellowchinaman]

ok. Im gona make it clear. It is not the battery or connections.
So is there any wY I can test the selonoid or starter motor?

This post has been edited by yellowchinaman: Jan 19, 2013 - 2:54 PM

[Galcobar]

ok. Im gona make it clear. It is not the battery or connections.
So is there any wY I can test the selonoid or starter motor?

An inconsistent start can also be caused by worn contacts in the starter solenoid. Those cost about $10, and require about five minutes to replace once the starter is out of the engine. It's easy to check their condition; pull the starter, pop the case open and see if the contacts have a chunk worn out.

Listening is useful in these cases. A single click tells you the solenoid is getting power and is attempting to close the plunger. This is typical of worn contacts -- the wear creates a ridge on which the plunger can catch, preventing it from closing and therefore from creating a solid connection to transfer enough electricity to turn the engine over. No click indicates no power's getting to the starter motor, either due to a bad connection or a dead battery. Do the interior lights dim when trying to start the car? The dimming is due to the starter drawing power; no flicker indicates the starter is not drawing power.

You can test the starter by removing it from the car and directly applying power to the appropriate terminals. However, it takes a lot more current to spin the engine than it does just the starter, so a bench test can fail to expose a weak connection. Worn contacts are an inconsistent problem, as it's a fine line between catching on the edge of the wear versus full engagement -- this is why disassembly is recommended.

A fuller explanation and how-to: http://www.celicatech.com/forums/showthrea...lems-and-repair
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/St...#OnlineOrdering

You can even get the contacts from Toyota -- at least, they list them -- as starter kits or repair service kits which cost between $6 and $16. Given how specific the part is, I'd probably ask Tracey at Lithia Toyota (Aaron left Lithia as of Jan. 15) to look it up for you via your VIN.

This post has been edited by Galcobar: Jan 20, 2013 - 8:48 AM