So I'm having issues starting up my 97 sc400. What's annoying is that it does it only sometimes, and of course those sometimes is whenever i need the car to start.

The engine clicks and doesn't even rev when i turn the ignition. I thought ok could be the battery, which it couldnt be cause its a brand new battery. THe clicking noise it makes sounds like its coming from inside the engine where the starter is located. Sounds like someone is taking a hammer and hitting it against a piece of metal.

Before I even think about replacing the starter which will cost 800 plus, i was wondering if anyone has any idea what it could be. I heard that sometimes when people have problems with starters they are able to turn one of the wheels where the accesories belt is located and it will start. Has anyone heard of this and if so which wheel should i turn?

 

Check your grounding points. Particularly the one located on the bottom back side of the AC compressor (it's just behind the oil filter). You'll have to jack the car up to get to it - but you wont have to remove anything once under there. Just be sure to use Jack Stands please to stay safe. Drop down with a flashlight and socket set and make sure that point is clean and tightly secure.

There are more grounding point on the motor as well but that one seems particularly prone to loosening. And with the SC400 ground and electricity flow is WILDLY important. Our SC400's are very touchy about electricity.


We've all been waiting on some grounding point location info on the boards.. and it's sure to arrive at some point - but until then I'd say the 10 minutes you take to check that are not a waste of time.

 

Starter contacts, very common on Toyota starters. Clean or replace them and you will be good to go.

KC