landrover4wd

Hey everyone I just singed up to this forum as I am a big fan of Toyota 4x4's! It looks like there is allot of great info on this site. I am considering buying a auto 1986 4-runner 4x4 with the 22re and 189,xxx miles, but when i went to go check it out it wouldn't start without jumping it. The truck will try to start, but sounds like it doesn't have enough battery power to fire up. But when its jumped it starts, idles, and runs fine. The guy said its been sitting along time and needs a new battery. I went to his mechanic with him to have it checked out and they tested the battery which was fine (14 volts) and he also checked the alternator which was also fine (14 volts). I was thinking it could maybe be the starter, but I thought a bad starter made a clicking noise. I am going over to buy it in the morning, but I would like to know why it wont start. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

myyota

How did they test the battery ?, did they load test it ?, it sound like a bad battery to me, because you said if you jump it - it will start. I would try a different battery that you know is good and go from there.

Pumpkinyota

Also, try removing, cleaning, and re-installing those battery terminals. 14v in th battery doesn't do you any good if you can't get enough to the starter...

landrover4wd

They did hook both alternator and battery up to the load test machine to test them. I noticed that he only tested the battery when it was running. Does that make a difference? Does a bad battery show good test results when the car is running and bad test results if the trucks off? Thanks

landrover4wd

We decided to buy the truck today, jumped it and drove it home. So I guess I'll just try getting a new battery and see if that will fix the starting issue. I have a quick question, what is the normal/power button near the shifter do? Also the guy that sold it to us said that when you go on the freeway push the overdrive button and when your driving the streets have it off. Is it necessary to have overdrive on when driving freeway speeds? thanks

Teuf

Well yes on the highway, keeps the revs down. And perhaps not if you need umph, say towing or steep uphills.

Pumpkinyota

Did you try cleaning the battery terminals? You should do this before buying a new battery. If the terminals aren't making good contact due to oxidation, etc., this would cause exactly the symptoms you described.

Teuf

Well Dang i answered a question in here from another thread, sorry.

landrover4wd

I did try cleaning the terminals, but it still wont start. I took the battery over to autozone and they said it had abaut a quarter charge. I don't know if that would cause it to not start, but I left it with them to charge it. I'll pick it up tomorrow and see if was able to be charged. If it was I'll hook it it up and see if she'll start. Also what is the normal/power button do? thanks!

landrover4wd

I just picked up a new battery today and she started right up! I'm glad it was just the battery! Maybee i'll post up some pics tomorrow!