So here is the deal, just got an 86 4runner and it was running great for a day then it just stopped starting. noticed that the previous owner left the battery tie down off and it pulled some stuff loose so i replaces the connectors cleaned up some of the wires and put the tie down on. thought all would be well, it starts i pull away and it dies, after a few tries to start it again it keeps dying while moving. replaced all the fuses including the 80 amp(which took a min to figure out) and still no start. when you turn the key the starter spins but the car just wont start. i dont understand why the car would turn off while driving it? maybe something is grounding? any help would be great.

 

fuel pump?

 

Carbureted or efi?

 

its efi

 

check the stored codes in the computer.

 

OR AFM not staying pn, so when ignition switch is released, you lose power to fuel pump. Verify this by jumping fuel pump test connector inside left side fender, FP test bypasses AFM.

 

Don't think the AFM can fail like that, it's a reed switch IIRC, eg if it works at all it works thru the whole range. I also doubt he's getting from the key to the shifter fast enough for it to not die if the AFM isn't turning on the fuel pump, the injectors would drop the pressure pretty fast.

OP can you idle? If so forever?

 

when it does start it idles fine. i drove about a half a block then it died while driving.

 

Did you have any codes? Retrieve them even if the light isn't on, it may still have codes stored.

Does it lose all power when it dies, eg lights out, or just stop running. (Run with the dash lights on and get someone to watch them). You can also try bouncing on the bumper and tapping around the igniter and fuse box, to simulate driving conditions, eg bumps and other movement.

My first guess woud be something loose or damaged.

Make sure all the grounds are intact, clean and tight. no badly frayed wires ect. At the battery, at the fuse box, under the fuse box. Also at the coil and igniter.

And just in case your PO was a bit crazy, the ground side of the battery should be the one closest to the fender.

 

Yeah, black with yellow stripe here: