Hello, I have a 99 ES300 with 90K miles or so. For the past month it has intermittent starting issues. This is the wife's car. When she goes to start it in the morning, you can hear a click when trying to start it but the starter won't turn the engine. All you get is a click. Then she would wait a few seconds and try again. At times it may take like 8 or 9 tries before it starts. After that the car drives fine and never stalls. I have not tested the battery but it is less than 2 years old. I don't think it's the battery because the engine won't even turn over.

It's getting worse now as if happens more frequently. It has been hot in Boston the past few days but we started experiencing this issue at least a month ago. I just don't want her to be stranded.

Any input is appreciated. Thanks

Vince

 

It sounds like the starter solenoid contacts are at fault. Most likely you'll probably end up replacing the starter motor and solenoid because you don't find too many mechanics that'll pull apart a solenoid to make this kind of repair.....too time consuming.

 

It is your starter contacts, I have done this twice and it is not hard.

Get a Haynes or chiltons manual to help you remove the sterter from the car and checkout the following link for replacing the contacts.

http://yotarepair.com/startercontacts.html

http://startercontacts.com/

 

Thank you gentlemen for your help. I appreciate it.
Just curious, how long did it take you to replace these contacts in the starter? How easy was it to remove/reinstall the starter?

 

Should take you under 1 hour total for starter removal, changing contacts and reinstalling starter. Shorter or longer times depending on your mechanical proficiency.

 

OK. I have put it off as we went on vacation but now I need to get it done. My question is, do you guys think that I only need the new contacts or do I need the contacts and a new solenoid as well. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Or consider a factory re-manufactured starter from Toyota.

The contacts wear down and burn the commutator surface. This is not resurfaced when just the brushes are replaced. But, the re-manufactured unit is clean and warrantied. Then you remove and replace it once.

 

Most likely all you need are the contacts. The clicking you hear is the solenoid pulling in, so this seems to be fine. The circuit is not being completed due to the worn contacts. Good luck.

 

OK. I've ordered the contacts. I even ordered a new plunger just to be safe. I have actually read somewhere that I can do this while the starter is still attached on the engine, just as long as I can get to the rear end of the starter.

Can you guys just confirm if that is the case. I rather not have to remove the whole starter if I can help it.

 

I would disconnect the battery and remove the starter. Rebuild it this point, so any retaining nuts or small washers would be noted and retained. If you opened these up all the time and knew the correct sequence, then maybe on the vehicle would be convenient.

 

My Intermittent Start the dreaded "CLICK" no start has been fixed with a cheap eBay plunger and 2 copper contacts. You have to make certain it is the proper length plunger, compare before install.

Amazing how easy it was to fix, the failed parts were totally disintegrated and hot lead inside was loose upon disassemble, no wonder she did not start. Freakin PO/Wrench

She is all well starts instantly