Switched the starter, still not starting

Grandavi · 09-02-2008, 09:44 PM

You replaced the starter with a new one? If so, it has to be a power issue. The problem with checking everything is, that you are looking at what looks like a heat related issue. When the engine is hot (after you drive for some time), something happens that stops the power from getting to your starter.

Therefore (not being an expert) I would replace the blue wires as described earlier in the post, or if you want to just try something .. you can try to move wires away from the engine (trace them to the starter, and just try to ensure that none are close to the engine). Of course... I would replace the blue wires, just because its a "known issue" and thats a "known solution".

Having said all that, and here I go not being an expert - therefore giving a partial answer.... get the engine hot enough that it wont start and test the voltage at the starter post. (not sure what you should have there normally) Then when the engine is cold enough to start again, test the voltage at the starter again. See if there is a difference. That will go miles toward solving the problem. If its the same both times, it may be the starter itself. Getting a new starter, and putting it in will tell the tale. And if your careful with the new starter and it doesnt change anything, you can always return it.

bigbadjohn666 · 09-03-2008, 06:24 AM

Ok I am going to do this conversion and fit a Relay and move the blue Wire, what d I need to do to access the starter motor and where is it located ?

Can I fit a Solid State Relay instead of the normal automotive type ?

Maybe best if I buy a manual for the 1990 MK III ? does anyone know where I can get one on CD ?

walker · 10-18-2008, 10:21 PM

you?ll find it for free at cygnusx1

Bill UK · 10-19-2008, 12:46 PM

Or down load from Here

ghost88 · 12-02-2008, 05:25 PM

I put in a relay yesterday and tightened the + on the starter and it STARTS! it sounds much stronger than before, so far so good. Thanks CYi6f and BillUK.

I have an 88 Supra all stock 5-spd and recently had it in the shop for an alternator and master cylinder. Everything was working fine accept it would randomly quit starting for no reason. (usually a sign of electrical trouble), i would turn the key and all i would hear is a click under the dashboard behind the glove box and a click from the starter. i had the starter tested and it checked out OK. I had the battery tested and it checked out ok.

i googled this forum and found this thread. i put in a 4 prong 30amp relay with 14gauge wire then tightened down the + on the starter. Original wiring was brittle and loose.(in fact i have to check all my grounds and +)

SUPRA pros- 5 spd/fast/fun
SUPRA cons- head gaskets/alarm/weight/wiring on the starter

Bill UK · 12-03-2008, 02:16 PM

If you ever need to replace the contacts in the starter motor, you can get them from Here

suprapep · 12-05-2008, 03:23 AM

i know this is gonna sound stupid but i have the same exact problem. only thing is how do you wire up that relay? everyone says they do it but i just want to know exacts. is a 14g wire from the positive to the relay and thats it or what? Hopefully someone can answer me. thanx

09-03-2008, 06:24 AM	#2
bigbadjohn666 Stock Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Shillington Posts: 6	The Thin Blue Wire Ok I am going to do this conversion and fit a Relay and move the blue Wire, what d I need to do to access the starter motor and where is it located ? Can I fit a Solid State Relay instead of the normal automotive type ? Maybe best if I buy a manual for the 1990 MK III ? does anyone know where I can get one on CD ?

10-18-2008, 10:21 PM	#3
walker Stock Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: canary islands Posts: 8	you?ll find it for free at cygnusx1 __________________

12-02-2008, 05:25 PM	#5
ghost88 Stock Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: USA Posts: 14	Relay worked!!!! (so far......) I put in a relay yesterday and tightened the + on the starter and it STARTS! it sounds much stronger than before, so far so good. Thanks CYi6f and BillUK. I have an 88 Supra all stock 5-spd and recently had it in the shop for an alternator and master cylinder. Everything was working fine accept it would randomly quit starting for no reason. (usually a sign of electrical trouble), i would turn the key and all i would hear is a click under the dashboard behind the glove box and a click from the starter. i had the starter tested and it checked out OK. I had the battery tested and it checked out ok. i googled this forum and found this thread. i put in a 4 prong 30amp relay with 14gauge wire then tightened down the + on the starter. Original wiring was brittle and loose.(in fact i have to check all my grounds and +) SUPRA pros- 5 spd/fast/fun SUPRA cons- head gaskets/alarm/weight/wiring on the starter

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09-02-2008, 09:44 PM	#1
Grandavi walbro fp Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Calgary, Alberta, Canada Posts: 410	You replaced the starter with a new one? If so, it has to be a power issue. The problem with checking everything is, that you are looking at what looks like a heat related issue. When the engine is hot (after you drive for some time), something happens that stops the power from getting to your starter. Therefore (not being an expert) I would replace the blue wires as described earlier in the post, or if you want to just try something .. you can try to move wires away from the engine (trace them to the starter, and just try to ensure that none are close to the engine). Of course... I would replace the blue wires, just because its a "known issue" and thats a "known solution". Having said all that, and here I go not being an expert - therefore giving a partial answer.... get the engine hot enough that it wont start and test the voltage at the starter post. (not sure what you should have there normally) Then when the engine is cold enough to start again, test the voltage at the starter again. See if there is a difference. That will go miles toward solving the problem. If its the same both times, it may be the starter itself. Getting a new starter, and putting it in will tell the tale. And if your careful with the new starter and it doesnt change anything, you can always return it.

10-19-2008, 12:46 PM	#4
Bill UK AEM EMS Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK Posts: 891	Or down load from Here

12-03-2008, 02:16 PM	#6
Bill UK AEM EMS Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: UK Posts: 891	If you ever need to replace the contacts in the starter motor, you can get them from Here

12-05-2008, 03:23 AM	#7
suprapep Stock Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: pa/md Posts: 5	i know this is gonna sound stupid but i have the same exact problem. only thing is how do you wire up that relay? everyone says they do it but i just want to know exacts. is a 14g wire from the positive to the relay and thats it or what? Hopefully someone can answer me. thanx