4Runner Acting Strangely & Now Dead

[valerii22]

Hey Everyone,

the other day my neighbor knocked on my door and told me my car was freaking out. It's a 2001 Toyota 4Runner TRD Package Luxury Sport. So anyway, I went down to look, and the right, front, blinker bulb was flashing, not like the blinker was on but just the bulb glowing dim and flashing slowly. Also it was making a really loud clicking sound. I then realized that it wouldn't start either. It was acting like a dead battery but electronic locks worked, dash and gauges worked, dome light did not, and when I had the keys in the ignition and the driver door open it did not "ding" like it normally would. So I tried to jump start it, left it on for like 5 minutes, nothing. So I disconnected the battery and left it overnight hoping it would reset or something (did I mention I don't know jack about cars?) and when I reconnected it in the morning the car alarm started going off. And when I shut the alarm off the flashing and clicking just started again. Any ideas from anyone??? Could this be as simple as a completely dead battery or is there more to it because of the crazy behavior? I don't have money to tow it in and have it fixed by the dealer so help is appreciated, thanks everyone!!!

 

[Tomsriv]

Sounds like you may have a bad ground which is causing the electrictiy to ground through other paths, like your alarm and blinker lights. Clean the battery posts and check that the ground wires are good. My 4runner has two large wires coming from the ground and one broke recenlty causing some problems.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Aftermarket alarm? Sometimes they can do bad things...
:cheers:

 

[wolfgang]

If its the original battery - its due for replacement after 5-7 years. So I'd replace it before doing too much else.

 

[KB084RUNNER]

If its the original battery - its due for replacement after 5-7 years. So I'd replace it before doing too much else.

+1 New battery, clean terminals, clean ground straps.

 

[valerii22]

Thanks Everyone, you rock!

You guys were totally right on the battery. I guess the funky alarm stuff was just a side effect of a completely drained battery. I took it to AutoZone and had them test it (dead beyond belief) and then they charged it for most of the day. Now my 4Runner starts like a gem. Thanks again for all the help!

Valerie

 

[snhrph]

Did you figure out WHAT drained the battery?

 

[valerii22]

The guy I took it to says he couldn't figure out what drained it. He kept it for about a week constantly driving it and then leaving it off and turning it back on. He says after he fully charged the battery it fired up every time no problem. Originally he suspected the alarm system, but it turns out that is WAS factory installed so no conflicts there. I also have a sub in the back that could have contributed. Really he thinks something got left on, but I don't know. I've had the battery die on me before after running radio and lights for literally 10 minutes with engine shut off. I also suspected the alarm system too because it had been acting up in the weeks prior (randomly going off etc.) but at the same time, the 4Runner is a 2001 and I've never replaced the battery. Conclude what you will! I certainly haven't made any distinct conclusions lol, just glad the damn thing is no longer a lawn ornament.