I need someone to help me with my 4Runner not starting. I would usually do this but i have done what i can. Checked relays, replaced starter(waste of money did not start), Checked and replaced grounds, and changed out battery and added a new battery cable. I live in the central florida area and if anyone can come out or knows a traveling mechanic thats good with toyotas pm me please. Thanks!

 

do you have a voltmeter?

 

ya i do and dont know what to check for and where? its all confusing, and my old man is an ex electrician and is stumped.

 

Not starting, do you mean not turning over or not running?

 

i put the key on the ON position and radio works lights etc., but when i go to start it the lights go dim radio off and nothing from the starter, the starter gear is'nt even extending. i dont think its the starter because i just replaced it. i think somewhere something is not getting power. but i dont know where? anything will help. Thanks!

 

sounds like a short circuit

 

where would the short circuit be at? I checked my relays with my buddys and his truck starte with my relays and mine did not start with his. what do i doo!!!!?? Sorry for ending that first sentence with a preposition. but i need help and am frustrated.

 

Contact in the ignition switch gone bad?

 

where is my ignition swith i thought it was on the ignition it self but when i took apart my dash and stuff i could'nt find anything that looked of any concern.

 

Hey, there is a small wire that normally also goes to these starters. This small wire energizes the starter relay when you turn the key. That wire should be properly connected and getting voltage when you turn the key. You may also want to throw up a post on TTORA in the Florida chapter section...there are lots of central florida folks there and maybe someone will even help you for free...or at least for beer.

Good luck...

edit: I also wanted to add that I believe this may be a common failure where the relay that pulls the starter in is bad and there is a mod to use the starter relay from a Ford. May have to search on some of the other forums (or perhaps even this one) for it.

 

what i was going to have you check is:

1. pull the small wire off of the starter. Connect the voltmeter from it to ground. (put it on more that 12 VDC)
2. should see 0V
3. have someone turn the key to the start position.
4. should see 12V

If thats good, check that you have 12V at the large wire going to the starter.

 

same thing happened to me and it turned out to be my fuel pump :p

 

well, had a stupid problem like you are describing.

looks like we have the same 4runner.
do you have the factory alarm system???

if you EVEN touch anything with the battery, the factory alarm feature will go on (you know the little blinky red light under the steering wheel). if you have the key, you can put it to accent, but no more.

try putting the weird looking key in and seeing if you can start it.

 

I second the alarm thing, same thing happened to my buddy, its your alarm.

 

does the starter try to work a all when you turn the key(clicks ect.)
was it intermittent ever
is it the alternator
is it the cable from battery to the alternator
i think this is right. try putting a jumper wire from the starter positive to the battery positive and have a friend turn the key. if it starts the problem is in the wiring from the battery to the starter if it doesn't then it's on the ground side or the ignition. then jump the ground. try volt/ohm testing all the wires you haven't isolated. if i'm wrong sorry.
aftermarket alarms usally don't mesh well if improperly installed

 

make sure your 12v to the fuse box in the engine bay is connected properly. My truck would run, but i turn the heat on and it was to much juice the whole truck would die (everything went off). So it was 2 minute fix. Maybe you have just enough to get the lights and things on, but not turn it.

 

the same thing happened to me with my 91 pickup turned out that the battery connections were bad, i stripped the wires, wire brushed every thing put the stuff back on new terminals and started right up.

 

any luck yet buddy just seeing if you got her started or not

 

Check your ECU. sad to say, but it could be that. same thing happend to the old company 1994 4Runner. i was taking out to the oil field and 1 block away from the shop it shut off, everything else worked but it just would not start, not even try to turn over. Check it.

 

i dont think its my ecu but thanks. my truck has sat since thursday. i let it sit there til saturday and replaced rear axle seals and bearings a PAIN. Then it would'nt start. it did it on wensday mornin but i just shoved the key in and turned it quick. it started then never did again, this is why i believe it is my ignition switch. my final thought is the ignition switch, i dont have an alarm, and a i'm looking on where i can find one the cheapest? thanks everyone for there help.