A common problem with the little silver Nippendenso starters is worn solenoid contacts. The symptom is a single rather loud clunk each time you turn the ignition switch to "crank" but the starter won't spin the engine. The clue is it always starts out as an intermittent problem and it will crank the engine if you cycle the ignition switch a few times. As the contacts continue to burn away it will take more and more tries before it cranks.
The contacts can be replaced separately but most people just replace the entire starter. Many hardware stores and farm and home supply stores have the kits for Chryslers. There's two versions and both have four contacts. You use the two that are the same as what you take out of your starter. The difference in the kits is the length of the plunger assemblies. You usually don't have to replace that, but if you do, Toyota uses a different length plunger that you can only buy from the dealer.
Monday, April 29th, 2013 AT 6:43 PM