I would like to try and get some help from the braintrust.

I have a 2000 4Runner, 2WD SR5. When I bought it in 2004, I only had a single key. In the past 17 years, I have no idea where the Toyota key went. I've been using a Home Depot key for years without any issues. No RFID on the key, and never really had any issues.

Last week, I tried to start it. Put the key in, the dome light comes on, and the key chime starts. Turn the key to On, and the dashboard lights up. turn the key to start, and EVERYTHING shuts off. turning it off, and back on did nothing. Let it sit for a day (since it was the middle of the night), and nothing. I pulled the terminal, and the dome light came back on. Try to start again, and everything shuts off.

The batter is good, it's relatively new. I've even tried to start it with may 50A charger in the start position. Trickle charge overnight. Nothing I've tried has been successful.

I happened to find the Valet key, and tried it. With no luck. the valet key was also extremely difficult to remove as well.

Any things? What am I missing?

 

It sounds like your ignition cylinder failed. The wafers may have worn down and collapsed, or one of the circuit traces corroded or cracked, etc. In any event, I think you are looking at and ignition cylinder and new keys.

When you turn the key to “ON” does everything stay powered? Radio, dash, etc. but does when you turn to “start”? Or does it die in “on” as well but has power in “acc”?

if you have power in “on” you could use a remote start switch and get the truck running to isolate the fault.

something like this:
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/lisle-remote-starter-switch-20750/10550930-P

 

When I turn the key "On", everything will stay powered. I can turn it "Off", then "On" as many times as I want, and all power remains. It's only when I try to "Start" will the power...collapse. And I can "Reset" the power issues if I take off one of the battery cables and then re-attach it.

 

Corrosion around battery terminals or wires?
Check connection from battery to starter.
Starter/solenoid may need replacing?
Check for good ground(s) contact.

 

Well, I figured it out. A mechanic friend came over and figured it out. Took all of 5 minutes.

Ground terminal connector. It was loose, and disconnecting intermittently. He took the connector off the lead, re-attached it, and it works perfectly.