Hi all. Helping a friend with their 85 Toyota pickup. They bought it with a push button starter in it. I assume to bypass the failing ignition switch. The spade wire down at the starter has been cut and run directly to the button.

I’d like to install a more modern relay system but I can’t for the life of me find the ignition signal wire that I assume use to run from the ignition switch to the starter. I need to locate it to connect to my relay. Can anyone help me trace the wire from ignition “start” to “in my hand?”

Thanks!

 

Good decision to put a proper relay circuit!
The original wire that used to connect to the spade terminal of the starter solenoid should be in the the same loom that injector, reverse light, and other wires are that run under the intake manifold. I'm pretty sure Toyota had efficient assembly, not us, in mind when it decided to put all those wires there.

 

Thanks for the reply. I did assume it was part of this injector loom. To be honest I’d love to tap into it up where the the relay use to be passenger side and forget digging around under injectors. Anyone have any idea what color wire is ignition signal in this 30-ish wire harness?

 

Black for A/T, Black with White stripe for M/T.
Pre-1986 trucks did not have starter relay.
Here's how to retrofit with starter relay:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...runner-307493/

You can use general purpose automotive relay, but I would recommend starter relay from 1986 and up - because they were designed exactly for that purpose. 1986 relay is for 1kwatt starter. I believe 1990 and later are for 1.4kW starters.

 

Amazing, I’ll probe the black wire then! Saved me tons of time Rad4!

I have a basic 30A relay on the way. I’ll give it a try for now. Should be fine. If not, I’ll go looking for Toyota. I saw some listings on eBay for 80s toyota pickup starter relays starting at $150!?!? Nope!

Can’t thank you enough guys!

 

Most welcome!
Just get one from 2nd gen-4runner or that generation truck. Then wire accordingly, using individual female 1/4-inch spades.

The ignition switch is probably OK, altho the absence of starter relay hastens its demise.
However, test it. If ST1 still consistently sends 12V to that black or b-w wire it will work with the relay, since the ST1 contacts would not have to carry high current.

 

Right on. Yeah I hear the fuel pump relay clicking so feeling confident the ignition is still sending enough signal to trigger a relay. Obviously not enough to work the starter. The relay I ordered comes with pigtail wiring so I’m gonna solder directly and mount clean.

will hunt for 2nd gen 4 runner relay if issues. Thanks again!

 

Cool. Your year does not have clutch safety switch so relay coil negative simply goes to inner fender ground.

 

Someone installed a ground terminal on the fender near where I’m going to mount. Easy breeze.