I have a toyota tacoma 1997 that will not crank if the EFI relay is installed. you can pull the relay out and the starter will turn over and crank. Also the truck will not come out of park and the headlights will not come on. All this happened after the battery cam loose and shorted the hot post to the bracket the holds the battery in.

SOURCE: 1994 Toyota Tercel Starter Problems

sounds to me that you have an igniton problem not a starter problem and or if you have or had an alarm system could be cause if u do give me feedback and i will explain but seems that your starter is fine from what u say but if you think in terms of the elemts to start a vehicle batery gives pwoer to ignition which sends to starter which gives spark etc i would check you ignition system something is causeing a short and not alowing starter to function

SOURCE: 2003 parking bulb toyota tacoma

OK, I just fixed mine. The unit pulls out. You have to get a screwdiriver, wrap it with a cloth so it doesn't scratch the paint, then gently wedge the entire unit out. When it pops out, you'll see the clips that keep it in place. You might think its breaking when you pull it out, but trust me this is how you do. Just be gentle with it. After you get the unit out, simply take the socket out and replace the bulb. I did it in five minutes.

SOURCE: Headlights turn on by themselves when vehicle is parked.

Do you have auto lights when it gets dark out? When they come on is it in a parking garage or home garage where its dark If so chances are your switch/relay unit is bad. (or do they come on in daylight too)?

ZJ Limited

• 17989 Answers
• Posted on Mar 28, 2010

SOURCE: how to remove starter from 1997 toyota tacoma

REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

On all engines except the 2UZ-FE, the starter is external, mounted in a conventional manner, alongside the engine block. One the 2UZ-FE, however, the starter is mounted in the 'V' of the engine, between the cylinder head banks. The entire intake manifold assembly must be removed to access the starter motor and solenoid. (Toyota calls the solenoid a "magnetic switch.")


Except 2UZ-FE Engine



Fig. Unfasten the starter mounting bolts . . .



Fig. . . . then pull the starter toward the front of the vehicle to remove it (other components removed for clarity)

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the nut and disconnect the battery cable from the magnetic switch on the starter motor.
3. Detach the remaining electrical connections at the starter.
4. Remove the nuts and/or bolts securing the starter to the bell housing, and then pull the starter toward the front of the vehicle to remove.
   

1. Insert the starter into the bell housing being sure that the starter drive teeth are engaged with the flywheel teeth, NOT jammed against the flywheel.
2. Tighten the attaching hardware to 29 ft. lbs. (39 Nm) and replace all electrical connections.

1. Connect the positive battery cable (starter wire) to the starter.
2. Connect the negative battery cable.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the cosmetic/acoustic engine cover.
3. Disconnect the accelerator cable and intake air connector.
4. Remove the intake manifold assembly. For additional information, please refer to the following topic(s): Engine Mechanical, Intake Manifold.
5. Remove the two bolts holding the starter motor to the engine block and lift the starter away from the block.
6. Detach the electrical connectors from the starter and remove the starter from the vehicle.

1. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Make sure all electrical connections are tight and that the harness is secure.
2. Install the starter and torque the two bolts to 29 ft. lbs. (39 Nm).
3. Install the intake manifold.
4. Connect the negative battery cable.