New here. Recently bought a 2004 TL with 6MT. It has run falwlessly and I love the car! Went to start it yesterday and nothing. Tried jumping it just to rule out the battery. No go. Pulled the battery cables and cleaned everything up. No go. When I turn the ignition I can feel a relay click in the fuse box but the car does not turn over at all. Is it a starter? Before I even bother trying to replace starter, how can I tell its bad? Im not in any rush to get this fixed and would like to learn how to troubleshoot this with some help from my friends. I am pretty electrically and mechanically inclined...more electrical than mechanical.

I am in Albuquerque, NM by the way. If there are any local gurus willing to help, I have a fridge full of beer.
Thanks
Rico

 

Oh and the car is stock by the way. And when I put the key in the ignition and turn it to the on position, all lights, radio, etc come on normally...forgot those key details.

 

my dads 4runner use to do that so he would have someone turn the ignition while he bang/tap on the starter and it would start right up. or you can also try push starting it since you have a 6MT.

 

Exactly what I was thinking. Tap the starter a little to see if it makes a difference.

 

i think the starter is bad

 

I think so as well.

 

this happen to me twice when i had recently bought my car but notice it was because my connections on the battery where corroded gave it a good clean and hasnt happen since

 

Replace the starter

If you want it cheap O Reilly's shipped a factory rebuild for 79.99 reg price was 99.99. so i used the 20.00 online code for a upgrade in shipping. Like 103.99 or 109.99 total can't remember.

Its an easy fix but those bolts holding the starter are a mother to get off. I took the Fan assembly out for easy access

Good Luck

 

There's a very nice post recently on starter replacement w/ good pics. Intake manifold must be removed.

If you hear a big click but no starter turnover, the solenoid is bad.

If you hear nothing, then if you can reach the starter signal wire to the solenoid (small wire plugs into solenoid), check for 12V when keyswitch is turned to Start position. If you have 12V, you know the solenoid is bad (no throw to close solenoid relay contacts). If you don't have 12V, the ignition switch assy is likely bad.

good luck

 

not to highjack the thread but i have a question.. i had the same problem with the car starting. I hit the starter with a hammer and it DOES start. Is the starter going bad?? should i replace it?

 

Sounds like it.

 

Rebuild shop in Monroe, NC charged me $100. He even took it off and put it back on. Had to order part so it cost me a day, but well worth it.