Hilux Cranking Problem

[Slo Lux]

Hi all, I did do a search and looked in the bible part but couldnt find much.

I have a 1990 2.8D Hilux and last day of Fraser trip (Yesterday) started to have problems cranking over. At first I suspect a flat/low battery bcos ive had the stereo cranked, been running my mobile phone charger and air compressor religiously. When I turn the key to start I now get a BRAKE (!) warning and it doesn't start.. just makes a clicking noise. Funny thing is it will start every 4th or 5th time i try.

Is this a battery problem or could it be an alternator, injector, glow plug problem? I looked up the manual about what the new BRAKE (!) warning light means and it says to stop and check all your brake components (ie master cyclinder, lines, fluid levels etc). So I did that but all my brake components are good.

Any suggestions/ ideas guys? Thanks for your help.

[Luxo]

Generally a click can be caused either by the battery dying or a starter motor on its way out ( the click is generally the solenoid )

You may find that tapping the starter gently with a small hammer will free it up. Definitely not a sure fix though

I suggest swapping batteries if you can, or have yours tested. If the problem stays, Id be getting your starter motor looked at. I had the same problem with my 90 model 2.8D. the starter would not engage whilst hot...

The dash lights should all come on then go out once the engine is started, this is to tell you that the warning lights are working. The Brake! light is controlled by the sensor in the top of the master cylinder fluid reservoir, is the fluid level low? If the light does not go out once you have the lux running, try taking the sensor out of the lid and give it a good clean

[Slo Lux]

thanks for the reply mate

the BRAKE (!) light goes out after about 5 mins of driving so i might just clean the sensor like you said.

Its really strange, because sometimes it will start first go (like once i got home from the 3 hour trip from fraser, it started first go.. ie like the battery was charged) but when i go onto the barge after 2 hours of beach driving i had problems starting it up again to get my car off..

wasnt really keen on spending 100 bucks on a new battery if it doesnt fix the problem.

[Chucky]

Take the car to a battery shop, they can do a capactance test on it, this will tell the true condiation of the battery short of using a hydrometer.

When this happens next, as said before try tapping the starter motor with a hammer, shifter, rock, anything at hand while turning the key over, just be carefull.
At a guess I would say that your starter motor needs the old once over.

[trains]

Best bet is to check your terminals for a good connection.
Then check the heavy leads to the starter motor, have come across a few with loose nuts on the wire.
Then get batt tested.
Re the starter motor, there easy to remove, and take the top solenoid apart, and give it a clean. Chances are that the solenoid just needs a good clean along with the contacts. 2 hrs max with beer.

Trains

[Sic Lux]

Mine done simmiler thing starter was dirty inside and brushes were worn auto elecy mate fixed it for $50. Terminals when done up didn't clamp to good so i ended up replacing them and then a few days later from vibration and the like, the bolt that held all the wires to terminal came loose thought that starter was stuffed but always check simple things first KISS Keep It Simple Stupid

[LuxyBoy]

Mine did this one weekend we went away; changed battery and all is well in the world of Luxy

[YB.LOW4]

mine done this too. it was usually fine might not happen for weeks then it would do it 3 times in 1 day. it ended up been the starter motor. it was full of mud and shit and just generally knackered. $100 later and a reco 1 is in there now and its never happened again.