This site looks like my saviour. Please can anyone help me. I have a Toyota Lucida diesel jap import space cruiser, and my starter motor seems to be getting worse. All that happens when I turn the key is the clicking noise described by lots of other people on this site. I have been told that a new starter motor will cost me about £500. I live in the Medway town area in Kent and I would really really appreciate any offers of advice or help that anyone can give me. Also when the engine does get going there is this clunking noise like a loose exhaust but it isnt that. Could this be connect to the starter motor problem? I have been under the car but cannot place exactly where its coming from. It goes away when the revs are increased by standing idle it sounds terrible.
I also been told that getting the part will be difficult for the starter motor, so again any help most welcome. Thanks alot Cris
- (#8078) Christina, 15 Apr 03 5:32
Christina. You might know all this and, if you do, apologies for describing, what I think the problem is, in such simple terms. When you turn the key, to start the vehicle, all you are doing is turning a small switch to send a small electrical current to a very big switch mounted on the starter. The clicking which you can hear, is this big switch engaging but, not making complete contact. What needs to to be done is that the starter needs to be taken off, the "big" switch (a "solenoid" actually) taken apart, and the contacts cleaned or replaced A simple job for any mechanic. Also, get the the battery terminals checked. If these are corroded, or dirty, current (and lot's is required for the starter) will not flow effectively. Also, make sure that the battery is fully charged. If it is low in capacity, it will not have enough power to operate the starter. Long journeys will keep it charged but, if you only use the vehicle for short journeys, the alternator (which charges the battery while you are driving) will not get a chance to put back the current which you drained out when operating the starter. Don't let anyone tell you that parts are hard to get for the starter/solenoid. They are basic items and I think someone wants to sell you a costly new starter.
The "clunking" noise could be connected to the starter but, I doubt it. Ask your mechanic to check the "Bendix" engaging gear & solenoid, when he has the starter off. Otherwise, the clunking noise could come from any driven componenent. Get the belts ( Air con etc and the alternator especially as this might be keeping the battery charge low ) checked, also the security of the main crankshaft pulley.
- (#8079) John Davis, 16 Apr 03 4:40
Thanks John for your very helpful reply, I have found this site fantastic and really informative. I must admit that although I am no mechanic I do really like to try things myself and learn on my feet so to speak, so the info I am reading here is a great help. I have found the BBC spares site which, since I have found Toyota Lucida's so difficult to buy for, this guy is brill. I managed to purchase a starter motor for £100 now all I have to do is fit it which is my Easter task.
Thanks again for your help and advice its really appreciated.
Have a good Easter
Chris
- (#8080) Chris, 16 Apr 03 15:23
Thanks for your comments Chris. Good luck with the job and, most important, make sure that the battery is disconnected first. If you try to take the big cable off the starter, without disconnecting the battery, you will light up the Medway towns with sparks
- (#8081) John Davis, 17 Apr 03 1:12
On a Townace that sort of clunking noise is commonly reported to be from a loose crankshaft pulley - which would be potentially very serious so well worth checking for.
- (#8112) Anna Christine, 17 Apr 03 5:04
Thanks once again, picked the part up and I have fitted it today. The only problem was the location of the nuts!!! which eventually came off with a bit of help from a power tool. Still all done and dusted now.
Thanks again
Chris
- (#8193) Chris, 22 Apr 03 15:01
i`m taking my townace to an experienced townace mechanic on the isle of sheppey (i`m in maidstone).
emf auto`s.... 01795-669985
- (#9433) Storm, 2 Jul 03 20:29