Having a starting issue with my 4runner. I turn the key and hear a single click. Sometimes if I press very hard on the clutch it seems to start more frequently. It does have 400000km so I replaced the starter due to the crank being weak after a new battery. I had the shop replace some clutch switch they said was completely warn out, and It seems to start much more reliably but every 5 starts I just hear a click.
I don't know what else it could be and the mechanics within 4 hours of us are very scammy so I try and do it myself. Any help would be great.
See the FAQ section on troubleshooting starting problems.
On a vehicle that old I would first suspect the ignition switch or bad battery cables. Or, you could have gotten a bad replacement starter, especially if it is rebuilt. (You could try hot-wiring the starter solenoid to see if the starter cranks. That would clear the battery, battery cables, and starter as working.)
The ignition switch is getting replaced in the next couple days but the battery connection looks really good with no corrosion and it was a brand new starter. When it does detect the key and clutch pressed down it cranks right up but it seems it's not detecting the clutch being pushed all the way down
Try everything Chuck said. If the problem persists, I would clean all the grounds. If that's not it, try swapping any relays in the starting circuit with an identical one from another circuit, if possible, or replace with new. Another frequent culprit is a negative battery cable with internal corrosion that you would not see without removing the insulation. Good luck.
