Question: The starter engaged while I was driving my 1996 Toyota Tacoma. The starter burned up. What would make this happen?
| 1996 Toyota Tacoma starter Problem
Answer: It could be a couple of things. The starter system on your truck is fairly simple. Turn the key and the ignition switch sends 12 volts to the starter relay. The starter relay then completes a higher-amperage circuit to the starter itself. Inside the starter is a solenoid, which performs two tasks: (1) it physically engages the starter gear with the ring gear on the engine and (2) it completes the big-time amperage circuit (battery cables) from the battery to the starter motor itself. What could cause the starter to take off on its own? A common cause would be the starter relay. The metallic electrical contacts inside the relay become corroded and stick together. More often than not, this happens when someone tries to start the vehicle -- turn the key and the starter engages, the engine starts, and you release the key, but the starter fails to disengage. The starter engaging without ever touching the key could also be caused by corroded relay contacts, along with a few other possibilities. The ignition switch may be shorting out and applying power to the starter relay, or a shorted wire somewhere may be applying unwanted voltage to the relay or the starter itself. The cause may be aggravated by vibrations while driving. Test the circuits prior to hooking up a new starter. Disconnect the black and white wire that activates the starter. Then, with the ignition in the "Run" position, check the wire for voltage with a 12-volt test light. There should be no voltage. If there is, remove the starter relay (fuse block, left side of the engine compartment). If the voltage is no longer present at the starter, check for voltage at all the starter relay terminals. There should be only one hot terminal. If so, replace the relay. If there are two hot terminals, it's either a shorted ignition switch or a shorted wire leading from the switch to the relay.
How To Reach AlexIf you have a technical question regarding your pickup, SUV, or van, feel free to contact Alex, a master technician with the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence. Send a letter to him in care of Truck Trend Garage, 831 S. Douglas Street, El Segundo, CA 90245, or e-mail us at trucktrend@sourceinterlink.com. Please include the VIN with your question. Due to the volume of questions received every month, we cannot guarantee that everyone's question will be personally answered or will appear in the magazine.
Can't wait for help with a problem you're having with your Truck or SUV? Ask the expert we trust here at Truck Trend Garage--visit Alex Steele at www.RealWorldAutomotive.com.
