So I bought a 1st gen 4runner the other day. Long story short, I got it home just fine (a 2 hour drive), no problems at all, but the next morning it would not start (the engine would turn over, but not start). That afternoon I got it started by being towed behind my bro's suburban and popping the clutch in second. The first time we pulled it, it started just fine, but as soon as the engine went down to idle, it stalled, so I tried it again, and got it started and in the garage by giving it a bit of throttle and not letting it idle.

I was wondering what you guys thought the problem was. It won't start, and it won't idle, but it will run if you give it a little throttle while it is running. Thanks!

 

I know that this could be one of very many things, so let me know if you need more info.

 

First two things I would check that all ground wires are clean and tight and for vacuum leaks, possible hose disconnected or worn.

 

I thought that if the ground wires weren't connected, it wouldn't run at all. I'll check those things. Thank you.

 

I agree, that sounds like it may be a hose or something (if you were able to move it by giving it light throttle, i'd think you had a lean condition at idle.), but for it not to start, it'd have to be a HUGE leak, like you were missing 4 or 5 hoses. I left a few of mine off by accident and mine started, but ran like crap.

 

You were right! It was the ground going to the igniter (I think that's what it was) that was disconnected. Thank you so much! My baby lives!