I have two Tundras with 2UZs and a 4Runner with a 3UZ swap... None of them have ever needed a starter replacement... I could probably do that job in 45 minutes, which is better than owning any American vehicle.
So, replaced the starter, and that was that issue.
sorry for a late update on the post, but starter was the issue.
This is exactly what happened to my 2004 corolla. Working all fine fresh battery alternator everything works had no issues. Next morning went to start it, nothing. I was thinking maybe electrical issue or fuse? All fuses and relays were good. Last resort I though could it be the starter? I’ve heard you can tap a starter with a hammer or wrench and if it attempts to start or actually starts, the starter gear is starting to wear out or issues with the starter solenoid. In my case, the starter teeth were all chewed up and it was crusty inside. Original starter after 168k miles. Fixed the problem. Been good ever since.
Just had exactly the same problem on my '09, needs a starter. Well more accurately the solenoid that pushes and pulls the starter teeth onto the flywheel is underperforming, and when cold it doesn't get off the flywheel fast enough to keep from barking the starter motor against the faster spinning flywheel.
I bought a Bosch Reman for about $260 with a 5 year warranty, went in with a moderate amount of persuasion. The oil filter, dipstick, oil pressure sensor have to come out to do it. You being from Chicago might have to fight to get the dipstick holder out without breaking it.
I used to have a Bosch starter. Rock solid even well below freezing. Solenoid broke. My current starter is whatever generic garbage they put in, and it doesn’t catch the first time I start it in sub-20F weather.
When I had to put a starter in my 3rd gen, I went with a Denso reman. You can usually find them on Amazon. Denso is the company who originally made the starter (and many other electrical parts) for Toyota, and their reman parts are usually of good quality, in my experience.
My 2015 EX has had 2 starter replacements since new... If the electrics work, aka the blower, exterior lights, power windows, audio and internal lights are working OK, but the engine only clicks and will not turn over, its probably the starter.
2005 Volvo S40 T5 with the 6 speed...the starter would spin without catching 50% of the time.
I installed a new (rebuilt) Bosch starter, and made sure to take the old copper bushing out and put the new one in with a little grease. Went to start the car and.. same exact thing. One click, battery gauge shows something pulling load, and no crank.
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