truck wont start

[young wheeler]

i have a 95 toyota 4-runner 4x4 v6
i went wheeling today and it has been raining the past couple days so there was some mud.
i went threw a pretty deep whole but got threw it just fine...then i noticed my RPMs start to drop and then it stalled. i went to turn it back on and it made some clicking noises but turned on, on about the 3erd try...later in the day i turned it off and went to turn it back on and it WOULD NOT START!! my buddy had to tow so i could pull start it... any ideas on whats wrong

 

[GarageRat]

You want to be in this section: 95+ Gen Toyota Trucks

This is for 90 series Landcruisers, contact a mod to move this thread to the proper section. You'll get a ton more help since this section doesn't get much traffic.

As far as suggestions, check any underhood electronics for mud/water. It's pretty general but that's where I'd start, sounds like something is shorted or fried.

 

[TEPUI]

Thread moved.

 

[toy4xfun]

does it turn over or just click? and yes depending on depth of mud/water hole, you might be drying out electrical under hood components.

 

[ms018kmf]

does it turn over or just click? and yes depending on depth of mud/water hole, you might be drying out electrical under hood components.

X2, just a "click" is a red flag for dirty contacts in the starter solenoid. Other things can't be ruled out but that's a good start.

The bad news is to check/clean the contacts the starter needs to come out. If anyone knows a trick to do this in the truck let me know . The starter is horrible to remove.

The wheel well has a plate to unbolt for access the starter, also the skid plate should be pulled. Disconnect the battery then the starter, with the solenoid on the starter the wire feeding it is always hot. Then pull the starter bolts (long extensions help here), the rest is a test of wits and patience as you maneuver the starter out. I believe it moves forward, rotates up and then drops down. It took me 1.5 hours the first time, if you have no AC it gives you a little more room. It seems impossible but it will come out, take your time here.

Inspecting and cleaning/replacing the contacts is not as tough but there's some details. I'd link the FAQ but I just got back from the shoe store and I'm tired of typing. Search FAQ for other water related issues that may need to be addressed while you're in there, good luck!

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

I'd bet that a boarderline starter didn't like the dip, and you need to clean the contacts.