'88 4Runner starter wiring issue (1 Viewer)

[1TallTXn]

'88 4Runner ~245,000
'86 22RE 5spd. +15,000mi

When I turn the key on, everything powers up. Turning into the Start position and radio, lights, etc turn off and I hear the fuel pump run, but the engine doesn't crank.

I've replaced the ignition switch, starter relay, starter, and added an additional wire from the ignition switch to the relay (didn't want to take the dash apart to clean contacts)
I've also gone through and cleaned every ground and contact I can get my hands on.

The clutch switch is in-operable and pushing the clutch-switch bypass button doesn't help.

About 10-20% of the time, it'll start by the key, when it does, it cranks quick and fires up smoothly.

I've attached a jumper cable to the back side of the starter relay that I touch directly to the battery to get it started when the key fails.

I have the wiring diagrams and a good mechanical and electrical background.

Any suggestions?

 

[Dgs86toy]

Id keep trying grounds just my 2cents

 

[bryan89]

tried replacing the fuses? might have one that is weak/ half blown.
idk....sounds funky.

 

[liveoak]

you didn't say whether the starter is new or old but i would suggest removing it, taking it apart (fairly easy) and inspecting the internals especially the brushes. i had a rebuilt starter that had one of the brushes stuck and it was doing the same thing your truck is doing.

 

[1TallTXn]

you didn't say whether the starter is new or old but i would suggest removing it, taking it apart (fairly easy) and inspecting the internals especially the brushes. i had a rebuilt starter that had one of the brushes stuck and it was doing the same thing your truck is doing.

Starter was replaced about 2yrs ago with a reman starter.
Reason for replacing it was the same issue I'm still experiencing and described here.

I need to try whacking it next time it acts up to see if it is the starter.

 

[liveoak]

oh, same problem second starter. well then i would check the push button switch that presses in when you push the clutch in(top of clutch pedal arm). that little switch tells the truck you're in nuetral and it's safe to start. an easy way to test would be to unplug the wires from the switch and short them together and try starting.the nuetral safety switch and the clutch push button both provide a ground to the same wire which goes to one side of the starter relay coil. if it doesn't work try running your own ground to the coil side of that clutch push button(black/red i think) again just a suggestion you may have tried already.

 

[1TallTXn]

oh, same problem second starter. well then i would check the push button switch that presses in when you push the clutch in(top of clutch pedal arm). that little switch tells the truck you're in nuetral and it's safe to start. an easy way to test would be to unplug the wires from the switch and short them together and try starting. again just a suggestion you may have tried already.

pressing the "clutch switch bypass" switch doesn't make it start.

I'll check the clutch switch as well

 

[liveoak]

you shouls also check this link Toyota/Chrysler/Mitsubishi - Nippon Denso Starter Solenoid Repair

 

[morganism]

This is prob the cable from the bottom of the engine compartment fuse box. Pull box off, replace cable with a battery cable to the alternator, and the other one with 12 ga. or better.

There are some go how-to's on this in the sticky.

 

[CreeperSleeper]

Have you checked the main power wire that goes from the battery to the starter? (or batt, alt, starter... I can't remember how those are set up.) They may look fine but will be corroded inside. My guess would be that if you can start it with jumper cables from the starter to the battery.

 

[Kris]

I'm also going to go with the clutch start button circuit. If everything else checks out, then that's gotta be it. Or your battery terminals are dirty...lol

 

[stevezero]

It could also be the wire coming from the ignition key switch down to the starter. My old 87 would do just what you described, even after multiple starter swaps. my workaround was to install a push button starter with good quality 10ga wire. i put it next to my tank release knob.

that even got me 10% off my insurance at the time, since it served as an anti-theft device

 

[1TallTXn]

I've checked the wires from the batt to the starter, that's good.
I'm jumping from the relay to the battery, not direct to the battery.

Having a lack if time to diagnose, I installed a push-button on the dash for when it won't start by the key. That resolved that issue.

Now its randomly not getting fuel while cranking... a little ether resolves that, but still annoying