2007 2WD SR5 won't start no crank; any way to bypass the immobilizer system

[VolcanoT4R]

Some history, I bought a 2007 4runner 2WD SR5 with "flood" title in September 2014. It was thoroughly inspected before purchase with no obvious signs of water damage. After purchase, I gutted the interior and found no pooled water or water lines. The truck had no issues starting when it was purchased. I don't drive the 4th gen very frequently (less than 100 miles in 4 months) because my 3rd gen runs like a champ. the '07 had intermittent no crank/no start issues that seemed be resolved by pulling the EFI fuse and putting it back in. Now, it doesn't crank at all.

What it does:
one click when I turn the key, and then what sounds like a relay running for a few seconds (I'm assuming this has something to do with the fact that you don't have to hold the key at the IGN position for the truck to start, but correct me if I'm wrong
All interior lights work.

What I've done so far:
Searched thread for previous solutions
Fuses all checked out good
Battery was tested (it had a short, but I had a spare that I know works and still no crank)
No crank with shifter in N either

Next steps:
Test immobilizer system
Test starter
Test ECM

My question: is there a way to bypass the immobilizer system and "jump the starter" manually to narrow down what the issue might be

I don't have a valet key, but I do have a transponder bypass that I didn't use when I installed a remote starter on the 3rd gen.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[VolcanoT4R]

Small update, for those with similar issues:

Trigger wire going to starter shows 14.24V when starting, so it isn't the immobilizer system or the Park/Neutral Position (PNP) Switch.

Removed the starter and tested. "Plunger" (sorry, I don't know the technical term) extends and retracts as it should. Starter "spindle" does not spin.

Ordered a starter repair kit from Amazon for around $14 to see if replacing the contacts would bring it back to life. If not, then I have an extra set of contacts and will either order a new starter or send this one off to be rebuilt.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

For future reference, if the immobilizer warning lamp stops blinking when the key is inserted, then the system is functioning correctly. If the immobilizer system is active the vehicle will crank but no fuel will be provided.

Post Note-

The term you are looking for is "starter solenoid" but plunger is accurate.

 

[VolcanoT4R]

Thanks [MENTION=66389]BlackWorksInc[/MENTION] for the clarification and the information. I don't drive my 2007 very much, so I had never paid attention to the security light when the key is in the ignition.

Replaced the starter contacts and solenoid with the following kit:

Amazon.com: Victory Lap ND-36SOL Solenoid Repair Kit: Automotive

Victory Lap ND-36SOL for less than $15

Re-installed the starter; said a little prayer; T4R started right up. Decided to run a few errands in it to confirm that all was good (I forgot how much I love driving it) and had no issues; no start/no crank issue solved!! :guitar3:

 

[VolcanoT4R]

Quick summary:

1) No start/no crank with 1 click
2) Possible causes: fuses, battery, immobilizer system, pnp switch, starter, seized engine, other (?)
3) Checked fuses--all good.
4) Checked battery--low, so I charged it.
5) Had battery tested at local auto store--BAD; only getting 338 CCA, rated at 710. Replaced battery with known working battery.
6) Voltage at starter trigger wire was 14.2V-->immobilizer system good; pnp switch good
7) Removed and tested starter per FSM-->BAD (did not spin when tested under no load condition)
8) Contacts themselves were not in bad shape, but "residue" buildup preventing good connection; replaced the contacts and the solenoid using a kit I bought from Amazon for ~$15 (see previous post for link)
9) Reinstalled starter; torqued to spec (37 N-m)
10) said a little prayer and tested; 4Runner started right up
11) Continued testing with several short trips; no issues.