Automobile Maintinance Advice

[Eric the Grey]

I own a 2000 Toyota Tacoma pickup. It's had very few problems to date, and only one major repair (coolant leaked into the chamber where the timing belt is, causing it to slip and run like crap)

Anyway, lately, I've had issues starting it up after sitting all night in the cold. I assumed it was the battery and replaced it a couple months ago, but the problem persists, making me think I may have an electrical issue. So far, if I turn the ignition off, and wait a second or two, and try again, it'll start up.

Today however, when I started up, it gave me the same problem, but it started eventually and I drove around to check the mail (since I saw the mail truck pulling out of the complex). When I started it again, the starter stayed engaged, causing a loud whine from the motor. I didn't realize what it was until I turned the ignition off, and it kept going. The starter was trying to start the engine, with the keys turned off. If I turned back to the run position, the engine kicked over and ran.

I drove it just as far as my sisters (25 mph all the way, less than 2 miles away) hoping my nephew had some ideas. He knows more about fixing cars than I do.

Anyway, I got there and noticed the wining had stopped, so I shut the engine off and sure enough it was gone. Started the truck up normally with no re-occurrence of the problem.

Since I was headed off to work, I went ahead and came in, after starting and stopping the engine a few times to make sure it wasn't going to happen again. I'm just not comfortable with it now though.

At any rate, he says either the starter, solenoid, or ignition. The starter and solenoid are all one unit.

I'm leaning towards it being the ignition unit (where the key goes in) because for some reason, power was going to the solenoid, even with the key in the off position. This could also be the reason why it has trouble starting, because I have an iPod plugged into the radio, and it does charge from it. If the ignition is not fully disengaging, and sending power to the little thing, then it's very slowing draining the battery, but not enough to completely kill it.

Anyone with more vehicle knowledge than I think I'm on the right track, or completely off base?



Eric the Grey

[Seshat]

When I started it again, the starter stayed engaged, causing a loud whine from the motor. I didn't realize what it was until I turned the ignition off, and it kept going. The starter was trying to start the engine, with the keys turned off.

The motor itself isn't capable of turning without a power source, so it's not the starter motor itself.

However, the solenoid is itself a switch. The ignition key sends a small amount of power to the solenoid, which closes a switch in the solenoid and allows the battery power through to the starter motor.

The solenoid also controls the starter motor turning off.

I'd lean towards disassembling and cleaning the solenoid & starter motor, checking all the fittings, replacing the brushes, and reassembling. Or taking it to an automotive electrician who is happy to do all that for you.

A refurbished solenoid/starter motor assembly from a reliable autoelectrician should be just as good as a new one, and as long as it's a popular model, relatively inexpensive.

But while you're at the autoelectricians, you can always describe the problem and get their opinion.

[Eric the Grey]

I'd lean towards disassembling and cleaning the solenoid & starter motor, checking all the fittings, replacing the brushes, and reassembling. Or taking it to an automotive electrician who is happy to do all that for you.

A refurbished solenoid/starter motor assembly from a reliable autoelectrician should be just as good as a new one, and as long as it's a popular model, relatively inexpensive.

But while you're at the autoelectricians, you can always describe the problem and get their opinion.

Thanks for the information. It looks like I'll be taking the starter off on Tuesday and walking it up to Checker and having it checked out, and checking the price on a replacement.

I doubt I could find the solenoid from any other part of the unit, so taking it apart and cleaning it is out for me. I've replaced them a fair number of times, but never attempted to rebuild one. I guess I can check with my nephew and see if he has done it before. Maybe I can pay him to do it next weekend.

So far, no repeat of it sticking again. *crosses fingers* Hopefully it doesn't make a habit of it.


Eric the Grey

[Seshat]

If you're taking the starter motor assembly to an autoelectrician anyway, consider (if it's driveable safely) taking the whole car.

Of course, if the car isn't driveable safely, your plan is the good one.