Jump to content
The mkiv Supra Owners Club

turn the key and it just clicks


Branners

Recommended Posts

Few weeks ago when getting my car out for TOTB I turned the key, all the lights came on, I went to start it and the car just clicks and all the lights go out for a second. Turned it all off and tried again and it started. Did it to me everytime on the way to TOTB and all over that weekend.

 

Just went to get the car out of the garage and its done the same thing except this time I had to turn it off and back on about 10 times. I had the portable jump start on it as well and that didnt help.

 

Any thoughts on what it could be? The car has 130,000 miles on it so the starter may be on the way out but I need to check everything else first. BTW, the battery was new at the start of the year and its a high capacity unit. Anything I can do to check the starter motor?

 

JB

Link to comment
Share on other sites

all previous posts seem to point towards the starter motor solenoids, anything else I should check before sending it in for the required work?

 

http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?t=29438&highlight=key+click+start

 

http://www.mkivsupra.net/vbb/showthread.php?s=&threadid=22388&highlight=starter+motor

 

Anybody know if a starter from a j-spec will fit a UK spec?

 

JB

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Check the earth connections on the car..and you can test the starter..if you remove it by bridging the solenoid termial with the starter itself.but if you aint done it before then have someone who has do it for you banners.

 

 

Andy

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Check your batt terminals and earth connection from the battery. Usually the cause.

 

Agree, first thing I would do is clean battery terminals and refit securely, had this happen to mine the other day, good clean up sorted the problem.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mine does something similar - it's the key barrel - for no good reason the 'sweet spot' where the ignition makes contact is really small, so if I twist the key all the way, it clicks starter motor tries to go, then cuts. If I turn the key really carefully it goes in the sweet spot and starts up perfectly.

 

Weird but there you go.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mines been acting like this the last month also...a few mornings ive tried to start it..."click" ...try again "click" ...found out that if it does this...and i dont turn the key all the way back dowon...just one notch..and then back up..it will almost everytime start....wierd thing :)

 

Just for the record..i just changed the battery...(after this started happening)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mine did this. its the solenoid on the starter motor, defo!! the contacts have become warn after so much usage. The bits to do it cost £14 from mr toyota and its about an hours job to get it off, and same to get it back on.

BEWARE of the most annoying bolt ever on the top of the starter motor, its soooo awkward to get off as there isnt enough room to swing a flea. The bottom one is ok, both 14mm. you'll need a small ratchet to get the top one off, its a hell of a job with a small spanner as you can hardly get any turn on the nut

Link to comment
Share on other sites

well in my usual slap dash style I do have to admit I gave the battery terminals a damn good wobble before heading off to Bovingdon so it might be its making better contact now. I will actually take them off properly next time, clean it up and reseat them.

 

JB

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Mine did this for around 2 weeks. Frustratingly getting stuck at petrol stations all the time. I used a multimeter to check the battery, all was fine. Removed battery cables and cleaned terminals with a wire brush and a can of WD40. Reconnected and started up. Has worked first time very time since

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Please sign in to comment

You will be able to leave a comment after signing in



Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue. You might also be interested in our Guidelines, Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.