Starter solenoid contact fix
10-02-2009 | 01:50 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 0
From: Salem, OR
Starter solenoid contact fix
This is my own version of the 22re starter solenoid fix. 4crawler did an excellent job, but I feel his pics are small and blurry. So I took better ones.
My truck would randomly just click and not start. Then it would start. Went away for weeks at a time, then just hit me and every time I tried to start it it would just click.
Anyway, I first removed the starter.
Next, I cleaned the starter a little bit then took it to the work bench. Where I then inspected it. I then took off the cover with three little bolts. I used a wrench to loosen/tighten them.
Here is the plunger thing coming out.
Here is what I will be replacing. See how worn out it is?
I then removed ONE contact at a time. I decided to do the really worn out one.
In order to get it off I stuck a small flat-head screwdriver between the copper bolt and the contact.
In order to get the new one back on. I carefully used a vice to squeeze it back on. Just be careful.
New vs. old
Now, I put it back on. One at a time. Next will be the left one.
Next, I did the other side. It was easier because the contact did not have to put be forced on. Just remember where everything went.
Next, I put the cover back on and cleaned the starter. Now its ready to go in!
The contacts were $11 each. I couldn't wait to buy them online as my truck is a DD. So I went to the dealership and they had them in stock.
This took about 3 hours from start to finish because I am slow and decided to clean it. It could be done faster.
Big thanks to 4Crawler and his site....http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml
My truck would randomly just click and not start. Then it would start. Went away for weeks at a time, then just hit me and every time I tried to start it it would just click.
Anyway, I first removed the starter.
Next, I cleaned the starter a little bit then took it to the work bench. Where I then inspected it. I then took off the cover with three little bolts. I used a wrench to loosen/tighten them.
Here is the plunger thing coming out.
Here is what I will be replacing. See how worn out it is?
I then removed ONE contact at a time. I decided to do the really worn out one.
In order to get it off I stuck a small flat-head screwdriver between the copper bolt and the contact.
In order to get the new one back on. I carefully used a vice to squeeze it back on. Just be careful.
New vs. old
Now, I put it back on. One at a time. Next will be the left one.
Next, I did the other side. It was easier because the contact did not have to put be forced on. Just remember where everything went.
Next, I put the cover back on and cleaned the starter. Now its ready to go in!
The contacts were $11 each. I couldn't wait to buy them online as my truck is a DD. So I went to the dealership and they had them in stock.
This took about 3 hours from start to finish because I am slow and decided to clean it. It could be done faster.
Big thanks to 4Crawler and his site....http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml
Last edited by 91Toyota; 10-02-2009 at 01:53 PM.
10-03-2009 | 06:07 PM
#5
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver< WA
Nice pics. Did this to mine also. Then fixed the neutral start switch, which I believe was the real culprit. Then added a starter relay when I did the alarm. Now she starts every time with authority!
Yotatech rocks!
Yotatech rocks!
10-03-2009 | 06:15 PM
#6
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,371
Likes: 3
From: Here in the PNW
10-03-2009 | 06:49 PM
#7
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Yes good write up. I too used to replace too many starters. Those days are over.
Now I just need to get a better idea of where to tap in to do the starter relay. My ignition switch lags a tiny bit every time.
Now I just need to get a better idea of where to tap in to do the starter relay. My ignition switch lags a tiny bit every time.
Trending Topics
Feels good to do it yourself, eh?
10-05-2009 | 03:03 PM
#10
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,805
Likes: 0
From: Salem, OR
10-05-2009 | 08:13 PM
#12
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 247
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver< WA
10-05-2009 | 08:26 PM
#13
Registered User
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 586
Likes: 2
From: Arizona
Nice pictures and explanation. Many who don't know about this simple fix trade in an excellent factory starter for a POS.
I replaced my contacts years ago. Could probably have only done the bad side, but I had already bought both.
In my stock 86 the hardest part, which actually was quite a chore, was working the starter out and then back into position. I just pulled mine again and didn't have much trouble, though the clutch slave cylinder was disconnected.
BTW, when your contacts begin failing, but before they totally crap out, a few taps with a hammer or whatever on the solenoid housing will usually jiggle things around enough to get the starter to engage. It won't work for long though.
I replaced my contacts years ago. Could probably have only done the bad side, but I had already bought both.
In my stock 86 the hardest part, which actually was quite a chore, was working the starter out and then back into position. I just pulled mine again and didn't have much trouble, though the clutch slave cylinder was disconnected.
BTW, when your contacts begin failing, but before they totally crap out, a few taps with a hammer or whatever on the solenoid housing will usually jiggle things around enough to get the starter to engage. It won't work for long though.
10-06-2009 | 07:45 AM
#14
Registered User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,371
Likes: 3
From: Here in the PNW
Trev and his fellow astronauts in space:
Guy: Oh my god! Were having a malfunction
Other guy: Then engines wont fire!
Other guy: What do you think Trev?
Trev: ...wheres the starter at? That pesky moon dust got in and gummed up the contacts!
Guy: Oh my god! Were having a malfunction
Other guy: Then engines wont fire!
Other guy: What do you think Trev?
Trev: ...wheres the starter at? That pesky moon dust got in and gummed up the contacts!
Last edited by algranger; 10-06-2009 at 07:46 AM.
10-06-2009 | 10:27 AM
#16
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 8
From: Cheyenne, Wyoming
Ok so I replaced my starter contacts about a month ago because I was getting the click. They were pretty worn out. Just yesterday I went out to start the truck and I get the click and I had to hit it with a hammer to make it start. Would something else make the starter make the "click" besides worn out contacts?
10-07-2009 | 08:01 AM
#17
Registered User
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Pineland S.C./ Scott Depot W.V.
Loose conections, such as hot wire or ground wire. Weak battery. Those come to mind, but I would check connections first since you had it off a month ago.
Last edited by crafthorse; 10-07-2009 at 08:02 AM.
10-07-2009 | 08:20 AM
#18
Ok so I replaced my starter contacts about a month ago because I was getting the click. They were pretty worn out. Just yesterday I went out to start the truck and I get the click and I had to hit it with a hammer to make it start. Would something else make the starter make the "click" besides worn out contacts?
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest
10-12-2009 | 02:09 PM
#19
Registered User
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
10-12-2009 | 02:18 PM
#20
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...l#OtherOptions
The Painless kit does include a 30 amp circuit breaker to protect that wire, since it runs directly from the battery to the starter with no fuse.
