I have an 89 4Runner. Tried to start it yesterday, but it eveything was dead (no dash lights, nothing). Got it boosted, but when shut off it remained dead. Then miraculously it began starting again. It was -25C while this was occuring. I think my starter relay is shot - does anyone know if my diagnosis is bogus?

 

Sounds more like a bad battery connection. If it was just the starter relay, then you would still have dash lights and such.

 

-13F is cold!

second vote for battery connection/battery.

what temp do reg lead acid batteries start to freeze at anyway?

 

I have some troubleshooting tips on my web page:
- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...shtml#EasyTest

 

Sounds like you should look in this:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...battery+heater

 

Thanks for the tips, guys. It was the battery connections!