I bought a 95 Montero LS recently here in Guatemala, Central America.

The car has been reasonably well looked after, and drives nicely.

However, it has an annoying quirk.

If the car sits for a week it will not start up. There is power (windows, lights, etc all work) but the starter won't engage. To get the starter to engage I push the car back and forth, bounce it, tap around the battery/relay box next to battery with a stick, and eventually it'll start right up no problem.

If it's been sitting for just a few days it'll just start right up without a fuss.

I've checked the battery (fine), replaced two short battery cables (which were a bit corroded), checked the obvious relays, but haven't solved the problem.

I don't have a manual (and wouldn't be able to get one down here) and wondered how y'all would approach the problem.

Thanks!
Dave

 

sticking solenoid or corrosion/binding on flywheel/ starter cog.