So my wife called me this morning. The Runner wouldnt start.
It just "clicks" when she turns the ignition.

I got on here and everything said starter contacts.
Well, I was reading a writeup on 4Crawler, and it suggested trying the neutral start switch to make sure it isnt that.

Well, I had her go out, put it in N, and it started.
Had her put it pack in park, and no start.
Back in neutral, and it started.

So, Im guessing this means there's a problem w/ the Neutral start switch, correct?

Anybody know where there might be a writeup on how to check to see if it is "properly adjusted"?

 

are the battery terminals good and clean and tight?

 

She said she checked them and they appeared to be tight.
I havent been home to look at it though.

 

Just being literal here but it sounds like the neutral start switch is ok but there is a problem with the park switch. Does it stay running when she puts it into park? If so I would almost just leave it alone...call it an anti-theft feature lol...

 

So there's more than 1 switch?
I'd rather not leave it. That would be a pain to put it in N every time I want to start the vehicle.

 

you could try to find a parts fiche and diagram and see where its located. then you would know where to look. or get a service manual and see what it says. it should tell you where its at and how to replace it.

 

I agree, the park/netrual switch sounds like it's acting up. maybe check it, make sure all the wires are good.

 

Well, I went home & checked it out last night.
I believe it is the starter contacts after all.
It just seems to work better when the tranny is in Neutral for some reason. Less resistance on the engine for starting maybe?

It took about 5 or 6 tries to get it to fire in park.
Fired the 1st time in Neutral.

 

We have links here to online FSMs and parts lists check the stickies at the beginning of the tech sections for the various vehicle groups.