YFZsandrider

I am working for a guy right now whole has a 2nd gen 4 Runner parked alongside his house. It looked like it hadn't been driven in a while so I asked about it.... turns out its a '93 2nd owner, all original, 218k miles 22re 5 speed! I have a buddy thats been looking for one, so the owner and I got to talking. He grabbed the keys, and it barely cranked but had a dead battery.

The very next day, I walked past it, and noticed that the rear quarter window was out. Someone had broken in, unlocked the door, and tampered with the ignition. They also popped the hood, and there looks to be fresh jumper cable marks on the battery terminals. Somebody wanted this thing!

My question is, what could be wrong with the ignition after a theft attempt like that? I've never tried hot wiring or busting the column on a vehicle, so I'm not up to speed on whats involved. It looks like the lower dash piece at the bottom of the ignition was yanked away, and possibly broken, but the key still turns.

Assuming that everything was good before the theft attempt, what may be involved in getting it fixed?

Sorry, I don't have pics, its not in my posession at this time. Thanks

dropzone

iTrader: (6)

all kinds of things could be wrong...cut wires etc etc

arisythila

Without disabling the locking mechanism. whoever did it, couldn't have drove it anyways. They would have to either take out the steering locks. or the ignition lock. You cannot really just easily hotwire a car these days. Boats are easy, cars not so much.

Theres a few wires that hook to the ignition. 12v ACC, 12v ignition, 12v starter motor, and 12v in. Make sure your getting voltages across all terminals.

YFZsandrider

I believe that they may have disabled the locking mechanism. If I remember correctly, the steering wheel would freely turn without the key.

Does it sound like this is something that would require the entire ignition to be replaced?

arisythila

well the only way to disable it is to remove the ignition module (the part you put the key into) its pretty hard to remove.

If the steering wheel moves 100% freely, they probably removed it. Depending on the damage if there is any. you maybe able to recover from it.

Thanks,

helidriver

my first truck had the ingnition modual broke into... if you weren't carefully the whole thing would come out with the key in it! Just have to slide it back into the steering column and it wwould start right up everytime. bought it that way and never bothered me enough to fix it.

vital22re

iTrader: (2)

I hope they didnt damage teh steering colum as they broke the steering lock. You need to start pulling things apart and see how extensive it is.

YFZsandrider

What should I look for?

nwyota

hey guys, im the "buddy whos been looking for a 4runner". I am almost positive that there are no wires cut, i have been doing alot of research as i am no mechanic, and think that i probably need a new ignition switch at the least. on this generation of 4runner, the ignition is on the dash and not in the steering column, if the steering lock is broken is the only way to fix that to replace the whole steering column?? and would i be able to drive it for a while without steering locks? thanks.

95blackToy

it is attatched to the steering column and extends over to that part of the dash. And if yo can avoid replacing it i would. Its a big pain,headless bolts and what not.