1985 Toyota 4Runner Won't Start

[EROK81?]

I have a 1985 4Runner that has decided not to start. I am wondering if there are any other common things I can check? It is the best kind of no start - intermittent. Some days it chooses not to start, some times it will take a while, other times it starts fine. Right now it won't start at all.

I have a brand new starter. Brand new negative battery cable. Optima redtop that is in working condition. The positive cable is good as well. When it decides to start, it will start instantly. No real cranking required.

When I turn the key to start all I hear is a relay under the dash with a label that says circuit open. This leads me to believe that the ignition switch is fine since it's activating that relay. I've also read there is a starter relay under the hood, but I looked in my FSM and couldn't see one.

What else commonly goes wrong on a 4runner to cause a problem like this?

 

[864runner]

I know you have a brand new starter, but have you had it tested? also check the wires that connect to it, see if any are loose

 

[EROK81?]

I didn't have it tested, but after I swapped it, it worked fine for a day. But when I was having the problem, I swapped the starter and nothing changed. Then it randomly started again. So I know the starter works. All wires are good and clean - with the exception of inside the loom where I can't see.

I printed out the ignition test page from the FSM to try that. Maybe it is activating the the relay I can hear but not the starting system?

 

[Max Power]

If your starter just makes a clicking noise and doesnt start cranking it is most likely a defective starter or it is not getting enough juice.

 

[Spork]

On a typical starter you have a post for the + from the battery and then a spot for the wire coming from the switch to the solenoid. If you take a piece of wire and touch the 2 does it crank over?

(typical make sure you are doing this safely, not in gear, etc, etc.)

 

[EROK81?]

If your starter just makes a clicking noise and doesnt start cranking it is most likely a defective starter or it is not getting enough juice.

It clicks, but the click is from that relay under the dash. The starter isn't doing anything when the problem happens.

On a typical starter you have a post for the + from the battery and then a spot for the wire coming from the switch to the solenoid. If you take a piece of wire and touch the 2 does it crank over?

(typical make sure you are doing this safely, not in gear, etc, etc.)

I'll try this in the AM.

 

[jevyguy]

Get a friend a test light or volt meter. Check the little wire that goes to the starter to see if it gets power when you try to crank it over. If it gets power you probably got a junk starter, if the wire doesn't get any juice, you have another problem.

 

[rollover]

It sounds like you have power to the relay. Look at the wire from the relay to the starter for a short. Also have you tried to start it by pushing the starter override on the dash?
Just some ideas to look at.

 

[Jedisdead]

Tap the starter with a hammer.

 

[EROK81?]

Get a friend a test light or volt meter. Check the little wire that goes to the starter to see if it gets power when you try to crank it over. If it gets power you probably got a junk starter, if the wire doesn't get any juice, you have another problem.

I'll probably try that tonight. I was going to try it last night, but I left my meter at home. The 4runner is stuck at work. That's always nice.:-\

It sounds like you have power to the relay. Look at the wire from the relay to the starter for a short. Also have you tried to start it by pushing the starter override on the dash?
Just some ideas to look at.

Yep. I'm hoping that's it. If that's the only relay related to starting it. I looked in the manual and could see anything else.

Tap the starter with a hammer.

I've tried that, numerous times. Each time with something bigger. It never worked though.

 

[Marsh99]

Might try pulling the relay and tapping it. It might be dirty or something.

 

[EROK81?]

If I am looking at the right relay it's clean. I took it apart and it's fine inside. I cleaned the contacts just in case. Didn't change anything though.

Do you guys if the starter relay is under the dash or the hood? I read somewhere (on pirate I think) that it's under the dash. I just want to make sure I am looking a the right relay.

Shorting the starter worked fine and it's running. So if that is the correct relay, then it has to be a bad wire between the relay and the starter.

 

[Marsh99]

http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTricks/Starter.shtml

 

[Panos]

First check the starter signal wire that is on your starter, it has a clip on it and comes off sometimes also gets dirty.

second,try this It might help. has for me on numerous toyotas.

 

[Marsh99]

First check the starter signal wire that is on your starter, it has a clip on it and comes off sometimes also gets dirty.

second,try this It might help. has for me on numerous toyotas.

that's what my link had, but I figured he might have to read like I did to find it

 

[Panos]

yeah, you beat me too it

 

[EROK81?]

Ah! So the starter relay is on the fender somewhere. That could be my problem then. The relay I found and can hear clicking is inside the vehicle on the passenger side above the computer and it doesn't say starter relay.

I'll have to track that relay down first and see what condition it is in.

 

[Panos]

I think the one you are hearing is the main relay or circuit open relay. is it green?