1KZTE Starting Problem

[Kevin Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Kevin]

All,
I would like some assistance to troubleshoot a starting problem I have with my 2006 1KZ.

Over the last month or so, on occasion the starter motor won't crank the engine over, I can hear the solenoid engaging but its not turning. But if I try it a few times it does eventually start no problems.

I originally thought that somehow the cranking battery had just gotten flat somehow, but I have kinda ruled that out as it has occurred after having the battery charger on the cranking battery.

This morning I checked the voltage across the cranking battery with the engine running and was getting 14.3V so there doesn't appear to be an issue with alternator output.

To me, it appears as though the issue is in the starter or that the battery is about to die.

Can anyone give me some suggestions on how to isolate the cause of the problem, or can recommend a "competent" auto sparky in Cairns?

Thanks in advance,
Kevin

[Steve & Sandra Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Steve & Sandra]

Re: 1KZTE Starting Problem

Sounds like the starter is buggered, have you tried the headlight test. turn on the headlights and start the car if the headlights really dim its lack of sparks in the battery. If the headlights stay bright and the starter wont start the car then its starter issue. Sounds like the starter needs a bit of tlc from what you say. If you bash the solenoid with a piece of water pipe whilst you have someone on the starter button and it engages then this points to the solenoid. Had an old 1966 tractor at work that used to have to do this with.
Steve

[JamesC Member Find all posts View Profile Close JamesC]

Re: 1KZTE Starting Problem

Hey Kev, bet that your solenoid contacts are dirty and need a clean. it's a DIY job.

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

Re: 1KZTE Starting Problem

Kevin last month i had eaxctly the same problem..i could hear the click of the but no action!!! i would take up to 10 turns of the key and it would fire...

i think our 7 hills river swims filled up the starter motors...

Anyway pulled mine out and appart and inside was nasty...cleaned it up ..gave the contacts some real TLC and now its beautiful...yours i would imagine will be the same..its a real easy job ..when undoing the nuts the top one is a b*%$#@h!!!

starts beautiful first time now

good luck...

joey

[Spurio Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Spurio]

Re: 1KZTE Starting Problem

If your batteries are OK, I'd agree with Joey's definition.

I had an old cruiser, that constantly had the same problem while I lived up there. I think its a mix of the Cairns/Cape area mud, dirt and humidity. The worse bit is if you leave it for a while it sets like bloody concrete.

The other problem was that it was very abrasive stuff, kinda took a couple of mm off the slide chamber in the solenoid. No matter what type of grease I put on, it still clogged up after about 18 months or so.

I found that if I did a full underbody clean it seemed to make it worse, i figured it was sending more shite up into areas it could not reach on its own??

It is a pretty easy DIY if you have the time ??

[Kevin Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Kevin]

Re: 1KZTE Starting Problem

Thanks for the advice guys. Hopefully I won't have too much drama this morning on the school run and then get stuck into it.