My '98 Tacoma V6 is having some starting issues. After searching, it looks like the first things to do are check and clean the battery cables and starter connections, and then do 4Crawler's easy starter test:

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...l#Introduction

Both of which I intend to do at the first opportunity. But there seem to be other odd things that happen when the truck acts up:

• I get a few clicks from the starter when I turn the key and then nothing at all - no dummy lights, beeps, or anything. Like it's not getting any juice whatsoever.
• The trip odometers and clock reset themselves.

Is that normal when the starter goes? Could it be something else, like the ignition switch? Basically, anyone had a similar experience, and if so what did you do about it?

Thanks much,
Roger

 

The clicking without start does sound like worn starter contacts, but you mentioned the clock and trips resetting too.

I would almost be willing to bet that you either have a loose/cracked clamp on a battery cable of a terminal on your battery going bad.

I'll be interested to hear what others think.

*edit*

Just saw your signature... How bout some coffee, Jonny? No thanks!

 

I looked at the battery terminals, everything's clean and tight, so I don't think that is the issue (although a friend of mine suggested the same thing, so maybe I'll take another look).

The battery is new (maybe a year or so old) so unless I have a crummy one I don't think that is it either.

Other suggestions? Anyone? Bueller? ;-)

 

Do some checking with a volt meter:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest

See if you are getting a voltage drop when you turn the key. If so, work back to the source of the problem with the volt meter.

 

I had a similar problem. It was corrison on the negative cable at the clamp. To be sure, try wiggling this wire when starting.

 

The only reason your truck should loss complete power is something to do with the battery or battery wires. I just had a similar problem, mine was clicking and turning over slowly too. Did you try jump starting it off another vehicle? there is one way to start your truck by bypassng the battery and positive feed to your starter if you think that would help?if it worked then you know it was the cables.

 

mine would (and still does from time to time..) click once, more of a solenoid sound than a starter sound, and everything would dim like a high current flow was occurring, but it wouldn't turn over. I replaced the starter and the battery, but it still does it on occasion (not near as often though). I'm thinking I don't have a sufficient body ground.

Considering that a large enough Voltage drop is occurring to reset everything, it's either a high current fault of some sort, a bad connection, or a bad battery (though its possible its some rather tricky electrical gremlin... start here first though).

Check your connections at the battery more thoroughly. Inspect the terminal clamps themselves and re-torque the connections on the clamps to insure a good continuity. even if your terminals look tight and seem clean, pull them off and clean them thoroughly. Be sure to check the other ends of your battery cables as well, not just at the battery. (i.e. where the body ground connects to the body). Inspect your battery cables for melted insulation, as that would indicate a high current short somewhere (like in the starter itself).

If the problem persists, then do a battery check. take your battery to somewhere that tests them after you have checked/cleaned all your connections/terminations.

Also, if you have auxiliary equipment such as off road lights, etc, you may need to upgrade your battery cables.

hope this helps

 

Clicking is starter contacts, cheap and easy fix. Parts from the dealer.