The starter could be close to the exhaust pipe, and the solenoid could be getting hot and might have a failure on the coil.
Starters are made specifically for certain engine and transmission combinations. The snout of the starter must be the correct length for the worm gear to engage the ring gear. If you have the wrong starter, the worm gear will not engage properly. If the ring gear is damaged, the starter might be operating properly, but have no teeth to engage. If the solenoid is not working, the starter motor will spin, but the worm gear will not be pushed forward to engage the ring gear. Remove the starter, and visually check the ring gear for missing teeth. If the ring gear appears to be intact, take the starter back to the place where it was purchased and have it tested. If the starter tests good, check the solenoid wiring on the vehicle to insure that the solenoid is being energized. If all of these steps fail to identify the problem, return the starter and get a different starter out of stock and compare them. You might have a mislabeled starter.
Replace the starter
The starter drive has broken, replace starter.
If the starter spins but won't engage, then the Bendix is not engaging the flywheel. Remove the starter and test to see if the Bendix thrusts out, and check to see that the flywheel does not have chipped teeth.
thanks how many holding blots and where bad bendix (starter drive) if the spring in the starter bendix is weak or broken it will not engage the flywheel; but the starter will turn normally. bad thing is ,you have to pull the starter..good luck..
starter motor need overhaul
Toyota previa starter motor wont engage
1. To engage the starter with the ring-gear on the engine before the starter is turned on. IE to "pre-engage" it. 2. To turn the starter on once it is Engaged. This prevents/reduces damage to the gear-teeth on both the starter and the ring gear.
If there is complete silence when the key is turned, try tapping the solenoid on the starter with a hammer. Don't laugh. I have found this to be the solution in several cases. This is sure proof that the starter solenoid is the problem. You will want to install a new starter which comes with a new solenoid before you get stranded.
Starter selenoid no good
Aplly battery voltage to it, it should jump, engage.
I had this problem last night with my 96 Isuzu Rodeo (same as Passport). The towing guy climbed asked me to be in park and engage the brakes. Then he climbed under the hood and banged the starter with a wrench while I tried starting the car. It started. Today it starts fine, but he told me to get it replaced. Usually a single click means the starter solenoid/relay switch is faulty. The whole starter does not have to be replaced due to a bad relay switch.