95 four runner starter help needed!

[rlatham]

I have a 95 Four Runner. Wouldn't start. Has new batt. Tested several items and then pulled starter. Ckd out OK on bench test. Found that I'm only getting 11.8 volts to starter when key is turned.
Also have a .01 amp to starter with key off. Could explain batt problems I had going on b4 new batt was installed. ?? Does this sound like I need to replace the ignition starter switch. Before all of the work I did all I got was a clicking sound when key was turned.

Thanks for the help. Really like the site and all of the info and links.
Ray.

 

[PurpleFJ62]

I had a similar problem just like this. It wasent on my 4runner, but my garden tractor.

Turned out that the connectors delivering the current were very rusted, thus not giving the punch to crank the engine. I cut the wore and put a new copper spade on it. Then I tacked the grounding side, made shure it was clean and went back to the negative battery terminal. It helped alot.

You mentioned haveing .1Amp at started? Are you saying this was cuasing your battery to drain?
Maby check out the solenoid, make shure when there is no power to it that it has infinante resistance, and when 12V is applied it should have very low resistance. Then atleast you can rule out one potential problem.

Good luck with it.

 

[rlatham]

Thanks for the reply. This gives me more to look at and consider. The volt meter showed the .1 amp showing up on the lead going to the solenid while the key was off. So I figured this might have been the cause of my battery drain. With the key out of the ignition I shouldn't be getting any volts. Right?

Thanks again. RL

 

[WristPin]

while monitring the drain pull a fuse and check the volt meter for a change. do this for every fuse. when it drops to zero you found your draw. keep in mind your stock clock and cd player draw at all times.

and purple boys got it right.
make sure all connections are good.

check the GAQ for further details on the matter of replacing copper contacts.

 

[PurpleFJ62]

rlatham, did you test your solenoid? Was it good or bad. Dont know if the solenoid is seperate or a part of the starter. Never had this problem on my 4runner, which is amazing, considering how many times it has been started.

To test my solenoid I took some good thick test leads and grounded it, then applied pos. 12V to the small stud on it. It should click violently. If its sitting on top of something it will probally jump in the air.

One thing I would recommend it getting some leads for your volt meter that have the alligator clips on the end. When you start grabbing fuses and trying to do it upside down its almost impossible to hold your pos/neg wires.

I wish I could offer insight on finding the draw. Wristpin says it best. I have been lucky to never have electrical problems, other than bulbs.
I believe its common when people have best buy install stereos, something shorts out and drains the battery in the matter of a few hours.
Also a visual inspection of all the wires might not be a bad idea, maby a varmit chewed up some insulation, just something to consider.

hope it goes well,

 

[Tools R Us]

I have a 95 Four Runner. Wouldn't start. Has new batt. Tested several items and then pulled starter. Ckd out OK on bench test. Found that I'm only getting 11.8 volts to starter when key is turned.
Also have a .01 amp to starter with key off. Could explain batt problems I had going on b4 new batt was installed. ?? Does this sound like I need to replace the ignition starter switch. Before all of the work I did all I got was a clicking sound when key was turned.

Thanks for the help. Really like the site and all of the info and links.
Ray.

If automatic check the wiring, contacts at the neutral safety switch, I have found more failures there than the ignition switch.