Turn the key to only get clicking

PATTY71643

MEMBER
1996 TOYOTA TACOMA
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
50,000,000 MILES

I was driving almost home when the engine shut off. Called the neighbor we tried jumping it. It will not start. After I turn the key several times all I get is clicking or the motor turns over but will not start. Battery and alternator are good. Not sure if the starter going out would make my truck cut off. Thinking maybe starter relay? Any suggestions will be appreciated. I have way way over 500,000.00 miles on it. FYI, original miter and transmission.

4 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

If the starter is clicking, check to make sure the connections to it are clean and tight. If that is good, I would recommend removing the starter and having a parts store bench test it. Most will do it for free with hopes of selling a starter. Please remember, most commonly, a weak battery causes clicking. That does not mean the battery is bad. It could have a poor connection at the battery or starter.

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Saturday, February 10th, 2018 AT 8:54 PM

PATTY71643

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Thank you so much. On my next off day I will remove the starter. I was hoping it was maybe the relay. Just did not know the starter going bad would shut off the engine, thought that was weird.

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Saturday, February 10th, 2018 AT 11:47 PM

PATTY71643

MEMBER
5 POSTS

Appreciate your help, thanks.

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Saturday, February 10th, 2018 AT 11:48 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Not a problem. Let me know what you find. Keep in mind, if the engine is the starter itself will not shut off the engine, but if there is not a good connection between the alternator and the battery, it will allow the engine to drain and shut off the engine. That is why I am thinking you may have a bad connection.

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Sunday, February 11th, 2018 AT 7:48 PM