97 4Runner ltd. When I turn the key, all i get is a click. Warning lights do light up. After a few tries, it will start, but doors won't lock automatically either. I've found if I hit gas pedal while cranking it, it starts on 1st try. The check engine light was on over a week ago. It went off after an hour or so. Don't know if related.. Any suggestions???

 

Battery in good shape? If it's original or old you could just need a new one.

 

I had the same problem in mine. It took a few turns to get it to start up. All I was hearing was a click. Weird thing was is that it was messing with my door locks. Another problem I was encountering was sometimes when I tried to turn off the 4runner the starter kept cranking but the engine shut off. I had the starter replaced and have had no problems with that since.

 

You might want to have that OBD code pulled, it will be stored in the ECU memory and might be related to the starting problems.

 

Check your battery, and check the starter. Also do a volt drop on your cables. Sounds like a battery from your initial description. Weak batteries do WEIRD things, so I wouldn't dwell too much on the door lock problem for now. Also, check out your ignition switch. Hope this helps.

-Wrench