95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

1996 4Runner wont start - ignition lights on then off

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Old Aug 12, 2013 | 07:07 AM
  #1  
NedRunner's Avatar
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1996 4Runner wont start - ignition lights on then off

About a week ago was the first time I had this problem where the car wouldn't start. I would turn the key and no ignition lights would come on. I put the key in, turn slightly and half the time the dash lights come on, but then cut off as soon as I turn the key enough. I opened the hood to see if I could visibly see something. Nothing. I closed the hood and tried it and the car started and worked fine for about a week up until last night.

Last night I stopped for gas before going home. Get gas and go to leave and it wont start. Tried it about 10 times and then it worked. I got home shut it off and tried to turn it back on and it wouldn't start last night or this morning after repeated tries.

When the lights do not come on on the dash, the door locks or interior lights do not work either. As soon as dash lights work, as does everything else. The battery is only 4 months old. Any suggestions as to what it is? I have never done any starter/alternator work in the time I have owned it. Thanks in advance

Last edited by NedRunner; Aug 12, 2013 at 07:10 AM.
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Old Aug 12, 2013 | 07:59 AM
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From: Tallahassee, FL
So sometimes you turn the key, and absolutely nothing happens, and sometimes everything works perfect?

I'm going with battery terminals, ignition switch or bad ground. Check your ground cable from negative post on the battery to the engine block. Make sure both connections are tight and secure. Do a search on how to test ignition switch.

Last edited by meisentones; Aug 12, 2013 at 08:00 AM.
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Old Aug 15, 2013 | 11:15 AM
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Is it making a click noise. My t4r did the same thing for about six months. It turned out to be the starter.
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Old Aug 15, 2013 | 11:27 AM
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Originally Posted by meisentones
I'm going with battery terminals
This would be my guess
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Old Aug 16, 2013 | 02:58 PM
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3rd'ed on the terminals. I just had to replace my positive terminal while on a road trip 3.5 hours from home. Luckily there was a stealership nearby and it was only a $25 fix. It could maybe be a dead spot in the starter but I'd put my money on terminals not making sufficient connection.
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