This is a tough one. My 1996 4Runner Limited (310,000miles) would turn over but wouldn't start. I let it sit for four days till I could look at it and then it acted like it was disabled. I discovered that it has an aftermarket alarm system. I completely removed from the vehicle and returned to what it is supposed to be. Now I turn on the key and there is power but it won't turn over and nothing will work (ie, windows, radio etc). All fusses are good and battery is good. What am I missing. It ran fine before. Please help me out here, I'm at a loss.

 

I'd guess there is some part of the alarm system you failed to remove/restore to original. Unplug the starter relay in the under hood fuse box and first see if the relay socket is getting 12v from the battery on one of its terminals. If so and you can identify which terminal goes to the starter solenoid you can (car in park or neutral) briefly apply 12v to that one to make sure the solenoid works. After that you start suspecting either the relay itself or some hidden widget between the ignition SW and the relay that is preventing the relay from working. Documentation for that alarm system may help.

 

I will give that a shot my next day off. I had considered that there may be something I might be missing from the alarm system. I seen a cable or wire that held by zip ties down below the glove box but didn’t get chance to see where it started and ended. Thanks for the direction.

 

Well this thing I think has gremlins. I finally get to check on it and battery is dead. Put the charger on it with boost. So now there is power and it will crank over and accessories work. After waiting for enough charge to try it did once try to fire but now it won't. Is there a simple way to check the fuel pressure? Thinking maybe the fuel pump took a crap. I will replace the fuel pump as being a least cost and it may need it anyway. Will take battery in and get checked, it may be toast, AGAIN! Walmart battery.

 

The fuel pressure regulator is on the left side of the engine hidden between the intake manifold and firewall. If the regulator or the hose going to it are faulty, it could cause this problem.

To check my fuel pressure I removed the top bolts from the timing belt cover, enough so I could pry it forward a bit. Then I removed the banjo bolt from the left fuel rail. I purchased a banjo fitting that had a hose attachment and re-bolted with the extra fitting in place. I just stacked the extra fitting on top of what was there. I may have had to purchase a longer bolt but I don't think so. My pressure was OK, something around 40-50lbs. Make sure your fittings are good or you will have fuel spraying everywhere.

If you search "4runner fuel pressure", you will see another method. On a '98 I believe you have to drop the gas tank to replace the fuel pump.