Starting Problem

[GeoffO Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close GeoffO]

I have a 2004 V6 Auto that is having problems starting. I'm guessing the starter motor but I'm not sure. When you turn the key, the motor may turn over a couple of times then it stops and there is a whirring sound (starter motor?). Sometimes the motor kicks in again and starts and sometimes it will continue whirring until it stops. I knew I should have bought the extended warranty :?

Anyone have any thoughts?

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Yep, starter for sure. Solenoid not pulling the drive gear into mesh.
Check for loose electrical connections/ faulty wiring first.

Mick

[GreyNomad Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close GreyNomad]

Came upon this post a bit late but I suppose its all fixed now. The symptoms sound more like the drive pinion clutch slipping to me. The starter will not start turning untill the pinion teeth are meshed with the ring gear of the motor then and only then does the solenoid contact close to make contact. This is because of the mechanical linkage between the solenoid and the drive pinion. So I reckon the teeth are meshed but the pinion clutch is slipping and not biting to drive the ring gear.
Regards
Roger

[steveo Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close steveo]

First check yor battery voltage under cranking conditions

[Jon Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Jon]

Had the same problem.
Starter motor solenoid faulty.
Had to go to an auto electrician( as directed by local Toyota service) to get it fixed under warranty.
Get it fixed ASAP - will become worse if not fixed.