mrmike210

Hey Folks!

I got a 1990 pickup with a 22RE engine 4wd and man has this thing been a blast to own!
I have encountered a problem that I cannot seem to find a reasonable solution for with my current knowledge. Heres whats happening.

As I get in to turn the key to the on position everything is normal. Then I go and try to turn it over and I hear a snap, kind of like how it would be if your starter was out (I know this because I just replaced mine less than a week ago with no issues afterwards). Then after I roll the key back to the off and then on position again I get no dash lights or even headlights or anything! 5-10 minutes later I try to start it again then the lights come on but still I hear a snap when I try and turn the key to start it. Not sure what this could be, I have a lightbar connected to the battery and the lightbar ALWAYS works even when all of my other electrical doesnt strangely... I've been searching this up for some time and still can't come up with a solution. My only guess could be the ignition switch. Another thing I noticed is when I pull the key out of the ignition it makes a loud snap noise like its having a hard time snapping back in place, not sure if it was like that before this problem.

I would really appreciate any advice you guys have for me, i'm really lost here!

Thanks!

Mike

RAD4Runner

Start with the simple, easy things that will cost you next to nothing. Inspect/clean/tighten all your connections, both power and ground side. Good connection is bare, shiny metal contacting bare shiny metal tightly.

If that does not fix things, get a multi-meter and we'll talk.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Try spraying some penetrating spray into the ignition switch .

What kind of shape is your key in??

The real question is just when did this start ??

Anything you can recall that happened when this started ??

RAD4Runner

Hi Mike,

This suggests the problem is in the power circuit after where you connect the light bar but before the ignition switch.

You are in the best position to find out exactly where that snap is coming from because the truck is right in front of you.
The best diagnostic tools for the 22RE are our senses. Only you can see, hear and feel (hopefully not smell smoke-LOL!) where the snap is coming from. We can merely help with theoretical analysis because we are remote.
Second best diagnostic tool is a multi-meter. Harbor Freight is your friend.

mrmike210

The key is in rough shape. But I don't know if it would be the key because the headlights or stereo I mean everything doesn't work except the lightbar when the dash lights come on. Recently I hydrolocked the truck but I changed the oil x3 since and got all the oil out. Recently I changed the starter maybe less than a week ago and have had no problem starting it since.

mrmike210

Anyone else got any ideas? I really don't want to have to take it to a mechanic but I will if I have to. Thanks again guys!

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

By chance any sort of alarm system or parts of one. disabling the electrical system ??

I don`t get the snapping when you pull out the key .

I gather the light bar is wired direct to the battery Just what sort of connection to the battery ??

Is it wired with a relay or just a switch ??

Poor connection at battery causing all the other problems ??

Pictures would be a big help

mrmike210

I'll take some pictures sometime today. I'll take pics of the battery terminals and maybe I can get a video of the key snapping.

mrmike210

Here is the link to the video of the ignition.

You Tube

Here is a link to the imgur collection of the engine bay.
http://imgur.com/gallery/6XH8p

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

I would say those battery terminals are a great place to start

It looks like clean and tight have a very different meaning to the rest of us.

That type of terminal is for a emergency miles from home those being all they have.

mrmike210

Well I mean I cleaned them with a wire brush and they are tightened as much as they will go. I mean it should still start the car right? I just remembered something else actually, I was getting a tow and the truck driver connected jumper cables and as soon as they connected the headlights came on but it wouldn't start. After he tried to start it, it did the temperamental thing where nothing was working whatsoever.

Hawk_man24

It seems like there is not enough power from your battery. Maybe trying another battery you know is good. Some times the ECM has to be reprogrammed when we remove the terminals or otherwise remove the cables.

mrmike210

Just figured out it was the terminal connectors. One of them was cracked and having a loose/bad connection. Everything works great now! Thanks for your help fellas