Fun with starters.

[Nug]

'97 Taco, 2.7 liters of fury...

Something weird happened to me the other day. Well, it's happened twice now, but I didn't know what was happening the first time.

E-brake set, turning key to start engine. Engine starts up fine, but there is something else besides the engine running up front. The e-brake light remains on even after you release it.
The thing up front that's running is the starter. Luckily, it's not trying to engage the flywheel. It's just sitting there, spinning like mad.
Pulling the starter relay out of the fuse box does nothing. Pulling the ground cable off of the battery (probably not a good idea, but i was panicking a little) will kill the engine and starter, but when it's replaced, it starts cranking again. The last time this happened, i just put the cable back on, allowed the truck to start itself, and got in and started driving. Half a mile later, the e-brake light and the starter both shut off.

I did a little research, and learned a couple things about nippondenso starters. I hear that the contacts like to fry, causing no start problems. I'm thinking maybe the contacts are welding themselves stuck. Worth a shot, right? I've got some replacement contacts on their way from ebay, and now I get the extreme pleasure of removing the starter when they arrive.

Anyone have any input?

[BigRed]

Just a thought, had a buddy with a mazda, kind of similar problems, starter kept running. ended up being his ignition solenoid. When he put in the key and turned it to start, it would stay and not spring back into the run position! might want to check it out.

[BurntOrngeLonghorn]

I don't understand how it could of kept running if you pulled the starter relay. If it kept running once you pulled the fuse...that means that the fuse is completly useless.....that seems like a bad thing to me.

I would suggest getting a pastor and trying an exorcism

[Nug]

IIRC, I pulled a fuse marked "STA" with no effect, either.

Scary.

[snorkleman]

Depending on which engine you have, the starter can be a little hairy to get out. Last one I did was on a 3.4L V6 and the starter wouldn't fit out without unbolting the steering rack a bit to get it past. Wouldn't fit out the top either. Just FYI. If your starter keeps doing this problem even after installing new contacts, I would suggest getting a new starter. It might be the starter solenoid. If your starter happens to keep the plunger engaged and running when you drive it, it could damage your flywheel and cost you way more headache than just a starter.

My wife's landcruiser has somewhat the same problem but the starter keeps trying to start even when you turn the key off and take it out of the ignition....talk about freaky. I'll be replacing the demon possessed starter soon...

[Nug]

I got the starter solenoid contact replacement kit extravaganza from ebay today. I also got an apologetic email from the seller saying that he may have left an insulator out of the kit. He wasn't sure, so he was sending an extra. A for effort, right?

I was gonna replace the contacts tomorrow, but I guess it can wait. My subaru RX can handle commuting detail for a while.

If I remember, I'll take pics and post them on here so it can be easier for the next person.

[Nug]

I jacked up the driver's side of the truck and pulled the front tire. I had to bend some brake lines a little bit, but the starter came out of there pretty easily.

I took the solenoid cover off. One terminal had some impressive wear, and the contact on the plunger was worn, also.

Replacing the contacts is a cakewalk. There are a number of small parts, so lay them out so you don't get tham confused. I sprayed out the solenoid body with brake cleaner, and reassembled with the new parts.

i reinstalled the starter and then started it a number of times with the parking brake engaged. It didn't do it's "thing" again, although it might be a matter of time. At least I know the starter is no longer at fault.

[Nug]

Three months later, and still no problem. I have to recommend that if you have starter problems, get the contacts and replace them yourselves, and save about $200+.