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86-95 Trucks & 4Runners 2nd/3rd gen pickups, and 1st/2nd gen 4Runners with IFS

1987 Pickup electrical problem

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Old Jan 8, 2008 | 07:35 PM
  #1  
Staffman's Avatar
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From: Salem, OR
1987 Pickup electrical problem

OK, here's what I have:

1987 pickup, 22R, carb, 2wd.
Headlights and emergency flashers work, key ON or not.
CHARGE idiot light comes on when key is ON
NOTHING else electrical works. Dome, radio, lighter, turn, brake, NOTHING!!
When key is turned to ON, the starter relay clicks, quietly
When key is turned to START, nothing. No dimming, no clicking, no nothing

I have:
Tested the battery (13+)
Replaced the ignition switch (octopus in the steering column)
Checked power going to ignition switch -- power appears to be getting there
Replaced both ground wires from battery (body and block)
Visually inspected all fuses (engine compartment, and driver's kick panel)
Visually inspected all 3 FLs (30, 40 and 80) in the engine fusebox, and tested AM1 and AM2 for continuity (80 is bolted in -- can't remove to test). All OK

I've sorta run out of ideas. No, not sorta, but completely. Is there anything I'm missing? Anyone have additional thoughts or tests I can do?
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Old Jan 8, 2008 | 08:22 PM
  #2  
DeathCougar's Avatar
Donny, you're out of your element
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From: Marysville, WA
Cables perhaps? or..

I know you said you tested the battery...but how did you test it?

Hate to say, but it sounds like the battery is dead. It may have 12v, but very few amps. Which means its dead.
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 03:50 PM
  #3  
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From: kc mo
sounds like a dead starter. my 84 supra did that once.
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 06:18 PM
  #4  
pete f's Avatar
"pete f passed away quietly in his sleep on July 13, 2008
 
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From: Montauk ny/Catskill Mts in winter
Try putting a battery charger on the battery and wait a while then see if dome light works . I would also check your starter relay. It should be the one in upper right side of driver side kick plate fuse box. I pulled mine out and didn't seat it right and no start condition happened. Hope this helps
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Old Jan 10, 2008 | 06:53 AM
  #5  
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From: austin, tx
The wire you haven't replaced / inspected is the starter wire. There should be at least 2 wires going to positive - one runs the starter, the other, the rest of the truck.

I'd pull the one that runs the rest of the truck, put a volt meter between it and the positive terminal of the battery - if the truck is trying to draw current, you'll see 12v between that wire and the positive post.

If it's not trying to draw current, you'll have to chase it via wiring diagram.
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Old Mar 18, 2008 | 12:30 PM
  #6  
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Start Problem

I have a truck like yours, I believe. There is a wire connected to where the clutch is depressed to allow vehicle to start. It is in a bad spot if you have big feet. If it is bad, or not connected, it is a saftey feature, so you cannot start engine with out clutch engaged. Happened to me, hope that works for you. Chris
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