Electrical Problem

[ryanspeed]

While trying to start my 1985 FJ60 in the -17 degree weather here, I experienced a strange electrical outage. Normally I would suspect either the starter was out or that the battery was dead, but I don't seem to be getting any power at all.
The engine tried to turn over a few times, then the starter stopped cranking. I turned the key off, tried to start it again, and the starter made a click similar to when the battery is low. When I turned the key again, nothing happened.
I hooked up the jumper cables and I am not getting power to anything in the truck. By this I mean that normally when the ignition is turned on, some electrical items will work i.e. dash lights, instruments, radio etc. I checked all fuses and relays and still can't find anything wrong.
Any suggestions???
Thanks in advance...
-Ryan

 

[Waggoner5]

Check the Toyota cable ends. It sounds like a bad one or a loose one.

 

[dogboy2]

While trying to start my 1985 FJ60 in the -17 degree weather here, I experienced a strange electrical outage. Normally I would suspect either the starter was out or that the battery was dead, but I don't seem to be getting any power at all.
The engine tried to turn over a few times, then the starter stopped cranking. I turned the key off, tried to start it again, and the starter made a click similar to when the battery is low. When I turned the key again, nothing happened.
I hooked up the jumper cables and I am not getting power to anything in the truck. -Ryan

Ryan,

1) First item of note in your problem is the outside temp: -17º -- that's COLD Your battery will be severely taxed to turn your motor over in temperatures like that and the output capacity of the battery is diminished proportionally to the decrease in temp. Depending on the type of battery you have installed, weather like that can kill your battery after just a few cranks (like it did in your case). If the battery was a little tired to begin with, or the cells are low on H20, then it can die even more quickly.

2) Since the motor did crank initially, then only clicked, you were getting juice from your battery, just not enough. The Cold Cranking Amps or CCA rating of your battery will determine how much juice the battery puts out to start the motor. For extreme weather like you're experiencing, one rated for 800 CCA or more would definately improve your starting odds. The cold temp killed your battery upon start-up. Try removing the battery from the truck, bring it indoors or ideally into an attached garage and put it on a charger overnight. The warmth and the charge may revive it. If not, you're looking at a new one.

3) With colder temps, the viscosity of your oil(s) changes and gets thicker. This increased viscosity puts more drag on the parts and makes it harder to get them moving, i.e. crankshaft, etc.... thus putting even more demand on your starter and battery to get things to turn over. Try adding a block heater to pre-heat your motor before attempting a start and this will aid your starting system's ability to do it's work. Also, changing your oil to lighter weights during these cold spells will help too. This also applies to the gear oil in your t-case, tranny, and diffs.

4) Check your battery ground wire and make sure it's well secured and in good shape. And, when you re-install the battery, clean your terminal ends so you have a fresh mating suface for electrical contact.

HTH,
-dogboy- '87 FJ60

 

[ryanspeed]

Thanks for the replies!!
I am definitely not a battery expert, so this may be a stupid question to ask; however, even when the jumper cables are hooked up it still didn't have any power. So, would this still indicate that a spent/cold/damaged battery is the problem??
Also, to help further diagnosis, when I later today tried it again, I hooked up the jumper cables for about ten minutes, turned on the ignition, had power briefly, then when I turned the key to crank the starter everything went black again.
My battery is a 800 cca Optima Red-Top, and it is about 3.5 years old, so that could be a problem.
I am going to try to push it into the garage tonight to warm up, but that was a near impossible feat this morning by myself in the 2 feet os snow surrounding it.

Thanks again, Ryan

 

[dogboy2]

IMHO, it sure sounds like your battery has completely discharged or has died completely...

By putting it on jumper cables for the 10 mins. or so, you were able to build up a small charge, hence the brief moment of power.

If you go to put a charger on that Optima, be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding this. The Optima is a different animal than your standard auto battery and has particular charging instructions.

Also, save yourself the back ache by trying to push the whole rig into the garage and just pull the battery. Bring it into the house and let it warm up to room temp. If you are going to charge it, put it in a safe place to do so to avoid mishap.

-db-

 

[lovetoski]

As dogboy pointed out, it's extra important to make sure you have super clean electrical contacts in cold weather. Corrosion = resistance. Starters need lots of juice, so resistance is bad.

 

[Cabrito]

Once on my 85 SR5 XTra cab I lost all electrical. Turned out to be the positive from the batt was corroded where it connected under the fuse box. Couldn't see it until I started troubleshooting from the Battery. Cleaned it up and was back running in no time.

 

[ryanspeed]

Alright,
I have now replaced: the battery with a new Optima, all of the battery cables and post clamps, and finally the starter. I have checked every wire contact, fuse, and relay that I can find.
When I turn the key, there is power. When I turn to start, a click, then the power is lost.
Any more ideas??? I am at a loss...

 

[lovetoski]

Alright,
I have now replaced: the battery with a new Optima, all of the battery cables and post clamps, and finally the starter. I have checked every wire contact, fuse, and relay that I can find.
When I turn the key, there is power. When I turn to start, a click, then the power is lost.
Any more ideas??? I am at a loss...

Just guessing - Ignition switch? Could you hot wire the car to get it running?

 

[NocalFJ60]

You replaced the cable from battery to starter?