22RE Starting Problems

[TrickyToy]

I bought an 87 4runner a couple months ago. When I bought it the guy told me that something was draining the battery, he said if it sits for a couple days it won't start. Untill now I've been using it ever since I bought it with no problems, and it sits in the garage for days and fires right up.
I used it friday night and saturday, it worked great untill saturday afternoon. I stopped at a gas station and came out to leave and turned the key and nothing happend, I tried it a few more times and it started after the 4th or 5th try. I thought that was strange but went on my way, I used it all afternoon without any problems.
Saturday night my brother in law stopped over and I asked him to give me a hand taking the top off. I started it and drove it around the yard behind the sheds where I wanted to put the top but had to move some things so I shut it off. After everything was ready I jumped back in and went to start it but nothing. As I was trying to start it I noticed that there was power when the key was in the accesory position (1st click) but when I turned the key to the start position (2nd click) everthing died. Nothing worked like the battery was totally dead, I did notice that even though nothing would work with the key in the start position the "back door" light was on but REAL faint. We tried pushing it and 'pop' starting it but nothing. Then we used my F150 and tried jumping it, it would turn over but would not fire. I'm not sure if it wasn't enough "juice" or there was no spark. Then I grabbed my charger and ext. cord and tried that. I put it on 10amp and tried it again....nothing. The meter on the battery charger usually shows around 10-12amps when you turn it on but the needle never moved except when I tried to turn the key, nothing happened with the truck but the needle on the charger would be pegged while I was trying to turn the truck over. I finally said the heck with it and took the charger off and put everthing away. Then I tried it one more time with nothing hooked up to it and it fired right up like nothing was wrong.

I'm thinking maybe it needs a starter relay but not sure.
Anyone have any ideas what it might be??????????

Thanks for any help.
-Aaron

 

[KLF]

Ignition switch?

 

[TrickyToy]

I can pull the key out of the ignition from any position so I was wondering about the ignition switch too. When it would not start I tried messing with the key, pulling out a bit and pushing it in but it didn't make a difference. I also tried using the clutch cancel switch.

Is there a way to test the ignition switch somehow??

 

[inkpot]

Howdy! Sounds like an intermittent short, very likely in the starter. Could also be a bad connection on either end of either battery cable. I have always been able to pull the key out like that on my pickup. John

 

[Jukelemon]

A battery charger, unless it has a jump feature, will not jump start a vehicle. I have tried it several times.

Just to rule it out, I would have the battery and cables checked at a parts house. When a cell or cells die, all sorts of things happen. And they can be intermittant for some reason-contingent upon things like temp.

After that and in my opinion, then you can think relays or starters.

Just my .02.

For what it is worth, tonight my battery died. Working completeyl fine and I went to a Shell to get a pack of smokes and went to leave. Turned the key and everything went dead.

I have got batteries on my mind I guess.

 

[WristPin]

loose batt connection

worn copper contacts in the starter. dont replace it, fix the contacts.

corroded batt cables

KLF is talking about the key SWITCH. you responded and said you can take the KEY OUT.
he is talking about the electrical switch, you are talking about the lock cylinder.

the switch can be removed. use a ohm meter check the switch. the destinations are stamped on the back of the switch next to the solder joints.

check the ground connection on the manifold

 

[TrickyToy]

Thanks for the info and help.

WristPin,
Where is the switch, down on the colum??

I'll check all the connections and cables again and go from there.

 

[pappy]

loose batt connection

Always assume the simple before diving into the complex. Clean up the battery cables at the battery. Check the + end at the starter, and the - end on the fender. Also check the ground at the back of the engine to the firewall. I seem to recall an engine to frame ground too.

I recently went to start up my FJ40, new engine, and it sounded like I had a dead battery. Battery showed 12+ volts. Battery charger didn't help. Jumping from the 4Runner didn't help. Headlights were bright (clue!).

Problem? No ground from the engine to the frame. I forgot I took it off while running the brake lines. Hooked it up, and schazam!

 

[WristPin]

Thanks for the info and help.

WristPin,
Where is the switch, down on the colum??

I'll check all the connections and cables again and go from there.

it is fastened with one little screw, mounted directly to and behind of the cylinder. you gotta tear out some of the plastic trim to get to it, even then, its tricky.

 

[Rix86]

loose batt connection

corroded batt cables


check the ground connection on the manifold

Those would be my first guesses.
And then the main power wire into the fuse block.

 

[pokie1313]

IF your battery cables, connections and grounds test good, then pull the starter and look at the post contacts. I betcha they are worn out. It's about a 15 minute job on the 4 cylinder engine. The parts are like $20 and I'm sure C-Dan can hook you up. Order a set anyway, you'll be needing them sooner or later. Just hope the PO hasn't already replaced the starter with a reman.

 

[Hellbound]

I had the same problem,
rthere were days that my 4runner didn't want to start
dead battery, i change the battery cables and no changes
i later found out it was the connector to the alternator that was loose
so what i did was to tighten the connectors in the platic retainer that plugs to the alternator
and so have no problems since i did it

 

[the truck doctor]

My 89 is starting to do the exact same thing some times it
'll start some times it wont So Ill check the above listed also. tricky did you ever find the problem???