How to resolve starter click symptom in your MK3 Toyota Supra - clicking & no start plug & play fix

In this video I share how to resolve a common failure in older Mk3 Supras. The symptom of starter clicking, but no start. Each time the key is placed into start position you can hear a clicking sound at the starter, but no rotation. In my case I started experiencing this frequently when the motor was at operating temperature, or when having small battery drain with accessories left on. When looking into this more I observed a voltage drop across the starter relay. I observed the factory starter relay was only rated for 10 amps. I had heard of other fixes involving wired relays and thought why alter the factory wiring? Why not find a plug and play solution? Then I remembered the main EFI relay had the same socket and was rated for more than twice the current. I then found that the pin out of both relays matched. This turned out to be an easy plug and play solution for less than $20 (at the time of this video). Search for “Toyota Main EFI Relay”, then verify that it matches socket and pin out. I share an Amazon search in the video. Many relays matched this criteria.
Make sure to like and subscribe to my Channel to follow me on the journey of fixing up this 1986.5 Toyota Supra. During my videos I not only cover repairs, but I also cover converting this factory 7MGE Auto to a 2JZGTE VVTi with a 5-Speed R154 manual transmission.

[@michaelparker6412]

Nice find, the same current goes through the ignition switch which is also a cheap part to replace in the steering column

[@hafcinema7342]

Appreciate the video we all needed this!

No such problem on Euro Mk3s as we do not have any starter relay. Toyota needed that kick panel position for rear fog lights so we got no theft deterrent system and therefore no starter relay as well.

[@K7f8c]

Hello, I have a question unrelated to this video: Would a MK4 supra's clutch pedal assembly be able to fit in a MK3 supra bolt on? If not, is there any other clutch pedals from other Toyota vehicles work on the MK3 Supra?

[@SupraSeth]

Hello, I am using MK3 pedals in my build and have no experience with using pedals from other models. I’m sorry that I’m unable to help you.

[@K7f8c]

@@SupraSeth I see, no worries, thanks anyways.

[@supersportsupra1391]

Any drawbacks to doing this? Popping a fuse or something on the same circuit

[@SupraSeth]

@@supersportsupra1391, none that I can see. People have been performing this mod with 30A Bosch style relays for years. They wire them into that socket. I personally don’t like seeing outboarded relays in a car and try to preserve OEM appearance. This relay is rated for 22A, not quite the 30A of a Bosch, but more than double the factory starter relay rating.

[@supersportsupra1391]

@SupraSeth I am the same way of trying to keep everything OEM looking so i can appreciate this. I had started getting these starter clicks a few years ago and originally just replaced the starter and added more grounds. Seemed to do the trick but im starting to randomly get them again

[@SupraSeth]

@@supersportsupra1391, I rebuilt by starter which improved reliability. The only time I’d run into the click and no start was when the engine was warm and or I had a small load on the battery. Sounds similar to your experience.

[@supersportsupra1391]

@@SupraSeth Exactly the same thing happens to mine, I would have to wait for it to cool down before it would crank over

[@SupraSeth]

@@supersportsupra1391, that makes complete sense. The starter solenoid draws more current while hot. All the more evidence that the OEM relay just can’t meet the current load.