BACKGROUND - My 1996 Celica has 130,000 miles and is having trouble starting. Battery is new and all else seems in good shape, but every 5th or 6th try to start is a dud. No clicking, just no engine turning. Most of the time if I turn it off then try to start again it works fine. The headlights are bright and terminals are tight on my new battery. I've replaced the starter twice over the past 15 years, and it seems like the same problem again (5 years after the last Toyota starter).
MY QUESTION - Is it reasonable to have to replace the starter every 5 years? Is there something else I can do that doesn't involve a complete new starter? Are there contacts or a solenoid in the starter that I can clean up without having to replace the starter again?
MY QUESTION - Is it reasonable to have to replace the starter every 5 years? Is there something else I can do that doesn't involve a complete new starter? Are there contacts or a solenoid in the starter that I can clean up without having to replace the starter again?