[albajoe]

Hey everyone, I'm new to this forum stuff so forgive me in advance if I am doing something wrong by posting here.

I own a 2000 Toyota Tundra SR5 and within the last 6 months I have been experiencing intermittent starting issues. I put the key in the on position and everything is normal,( lights and gauges are all lit up) once I continue to start the engine, I get a click and then nothing. This happens almost every morning. Yesterday it took 8 tries before the engine started.
Now just before she starts I hear my alarm chirp ( it is currently disengaged due to a broken remote) When it does finally start it is a strong start if that helps any....

I have read a few blogs that it could be the starter solenoid but I'm wondering if the alarm might have something to do with it.

Please let me know if anyone else has experienced this issue, I would like a heads up before I take it to the dealer.

Thanks in advance

 

[Exhaust Depot]

Assuming your alarm is out of hte picture I would say the starter solenoid. Take your tire iron and hit the starter solenoid, it will cause it to get its act together to crank the engine over. IF that work then its time for a starter. or if they sell just the solenoid on the starter change that. If you have the loot then just change the whole thing.

 

[albajoe]

why would I have to hit it with a tire iron if it does eventually start up?

 

[cavi]

edit-- it eventually starts becuase it gets warm and i dk if you would say loosens up but thats what starters do when they are on there last leg..

if it is clicking, thats the solenoid attempting to work... put a starter in it and call it a day!

 

[Exhaust Depot]

go out side, turn it over. IT clicks, hit it with a tire iron, recrank, if it turns on you just verified its your solenoid. Change starter (unless you broke then change solenoid if available), enjoy truck.

WHen solenoids, relays click only, its usualy due to the points/contacts pitting over time. So by hitting it you get it to make a better contact.

 

[albajoe]

Ok to confirm, when I try to turn it over I get ONLY ONE click. I repeat this, allowing about 10-20 seconds in between. Each time only one click, then eventually she turns over.

 

[tempetom]

go out side, turn it over. IT clicks, hit it with a tire iron, recrank, if it turns on you just verified its your solenoid. Change starter (unless you broke then change solenoid if available), enjoy truck.

WHen solenoids, relays click only, its usualy due to the points/contacts pitting over time. So by hitting it you get it to make a better contact.

This is about what I'm going through with my Acura. I don't even get a click and it can take many tries before it starts. I got a remanufactured starter and now I just have to put in in. It's a bear on my car in that I have to disconnect battery, remove wheel, drain differential, remove left side half drive shaft which involves disconnecting a ball joint and usually removing some of the exhaust system.
I did already replace the electrical part of the ignition switch.

 

[irish]

Most of the time the starter is blamed for the clicking noise. I have found over the years it can be more often either a bad connection and or cable or the battery. I had a Ford Ranger that I put in 3 strarters before I realize it was a battery shorting out internally. I was on a trip and stopped for gas and it would just click when I turned the key. After I replaced the battery no more problem. If the battery is at least 3 years old just replace. Everstart Walmart they have one that will fit I think it is 24F just check the terminals ans CCA.

 

[2000LtdKen]

Hi Joe,

Sounds like my truck. I just replaced my starter contacts and it works fine now. Read about it here: http://www.tundrasolutions.com/forums/engine-and-drivetrain/31638-starter-replacement-contacts/

Ken

 

[Bill Ca]

I have a 2000 tundra and when I try to start it I get one click. I have already replaced the battery and still same problem. I then replaced the whole starter but still get the click. It started fine a couple of times but now I am back to just a single click. Any ideas on what the problem may be?

 

[RunawayTundra]

Just a couple of guesses. There is a starter relay in the main relay/fuse box under the hood. I think the relay is around $30 so it might be worth a shot to change it out. Also trace your ground wire from the battery and make sure it is in good shape.

Let us know what you find out.