87 4runner with intermittent starting problems

[ccoker]

Howdy..
I have an 87 4 runner we use for hunting, it stays on the property and gets ran when we go out there, so, no daily driver use.

Occasionally it won't start (going on 4 years of use, this happens a few times a year, and then it miraculously starts up fine)

• dashboard lights on
• no clicking noise
• does not try to crank

I suspect it is an electrical issue, I have messed with the wires including the ground wire from the fuse box near the battery.

I suspect it could be the safety switch that won't let it start if out of park on the transmission.

Oh, one other thing..
Once there has been a clicking noise that was emitting from the control unit below the glove box. I smacked that box and it started right up.
This behavior has only happened once about a month ago.


Luckily we have never been stranded...

Thanks in advance

 

[sam24th]

I am assuming the 4runner is an automatic?

When it has this intermediate start issue, does the headlights, radio etc still work with the key in the on position? IF not then I'd suspect a grounding issue somewhere.

IF the radio lights etc still work with the key int he on position then I would suspect the neutral safety switch. It may be dirty and just need cleaning and or adjustment. You can try to put the key int he on position take the truck out of park and put it in neutral and try starting. I am sure there are more experts on this issue that would be more specific to 4runners that will chime in. This is just from previous knowledge from driving other automatic vehicles.

 

[broken wrench]

does it start right up if you put a charger on it or try the key repeatedly ? if so try your ignition harness, the contacts wear out and get to much clearance between them.

 

[ccoker]

thanks for the responses

- it is automatic
- putting a charger or jumper cable does not change anything
- all dashboard lights are lit

 

[KidVermicious]

Next time it fails to start, leave the key in the on position and run a chunk of wire straight from the battery to the spade connector on the starter solenoid. If that starts the truck, then your trouble is in the starter relay or the ignition contacts. It's a super common problem, and there's a thread with a fix for it up in the stickies.

 

[RAD4Runner]

Next time it fails to start, leave the key in the on position and run a chunk of wire straight from the battery to the spade connector on the starter solenoid. If that starts the truck, then your trouble is in the starter relay or the ignition contacts. It's a super common problem, and there's a thread with a fix for it up in the stickies.

Yes, this troubleshooting technique will tell you whether problem is:

• From starter solenoid and downstream (i.e., bad contacts, bad starter winding) or
• Upstream of starter solenoid (starter relay, ignition switch contacts).

Here it is illustrated.

Regardless of what it is, it is worthwhile knowing that the stock circuit is flawed and if you want to minimize the chance of getting stranded because of intermittent starting problem, it's better to fix it like this way.

If you'd rather troubleshoot it yourself, explanation of complete starting system is here

Oh, one other thing..Once there has been a clicking noise that was emitting from the control unit below the glove box. I smacked that box and it started right up.

That was the Circuit-Opening Relay. That does not affect cranking. That the truck started when you whacked the glove box was pure coincidence. The flaw I mentioned causes very intermittent issues, that's why it needs to be fixed before it hits you in the most critical places. It also causes unnecessary wear on your ignition switch's ST1 contacts, because the 12-Amp current needed to energize starter solenoid passes through those contacts; It should not, if Toyota Electrical Engineers back in those days knew how to do a relay circuit properly.

 

[RAD4Runner]

By the way, guys, last night I met Kingjerd of Yotatech, and using this little tool we confirmed that he has a problem upstream of starter solenoid.

He already replaced his solenoid contacts but he still had the cranking problem.
Both his starter relay and starter solenoid were clicking, but solenoid click sounded like deficient in testosterone.

When jumped with this tool, solenoid clicked and starter cranked, both energetically. Every time.

Conclusion, Need to fix the wiring flaw present in 1986-1988 4Runners mentioned in my thread.

Yes, this troubleshooting technique will tell you whether problem is:

• From starter solenoid and downstream (i.e., bad contacts, bad starter winding) or
• Upstream of starter solenoid (starter relay, ignition switch contacts).

Here it is illustrated.

Regardless of what it is, it is worthwhile knowing that the stock circuit is flawed and if you want to minimize the chance of getting stranded because of intermittent starting problem, it's better to fix it like this way.

If you'd rather troubleshoot it yourself, explanation of complete starting system is here



That was the Circuit-Opening Relay. That does not affect cranking. That the truck started when you whacked the glove box was pure coincidence. The flaw I mentioned causes very intermittent issues, that's why it needs to be fixed before it hits you in the most critical places. It also causes unnecessary wear on your ignition switch's ST1 contacts, because the 12-Amp current needed to energize starter solenoid passes through those contacts; It should not, if Toyota Electrical Engineers back in those days knew how to do a relay circuit properly.

 

[boorhadly]

87 4runner not starting

I have an 87 4Runner Auto that is also having a starting issue. When I turn the key, all i haer is a click from the right side, but no crank. All the lights and indicators are fine. I tried jumping and charging the battery in case it was under voltage..still nada. Ideas?

 

[kc15842]

Sounds like the starter. Try tapping on the starter with the handle end of a hammer while someone is turning the ignition switch.

 

[wallytoo]

I have an 87 4Runner Auto that is also having a starting issue. When I turn the key, all i haer is a click from the right side, but no crank. All the lights and indicators are fine. I tried jumping and charging the battery in case it was under voltage..still nada. Ideas?

did you bother reading any of the links provided by rad4r above? if not, start there.

Sounds like the starter. Try tapping on the starter with the handle end of a hammer while someone is turning the ignition switch.

the starter is very likely to be fine. the problem is more likely to be the starter solenoid contacts (solenoid is piggy-backed to the starter), or the ignition switch contacts, or a combination of the two, because of the flawed routing of the factory wiring. read the links above and they will describe how to determine where the problem is, and how to fix the wiring flaw.

 

[Majindan]

I would, if you haven't already, upgrade "The Big 3" and make sure the contact points are freshly cleaned.

 

[RAD4Runner]

OP, YOUR TRUCK NEEDS A STARTER RELAY.
HERE, FIX IT. A couple of hours rounding ess than $20 worth of materials, assembling, installing.

AND ALSO VERIFY that starter motor, starter solenoid and contact are working well HERE

Toyota components are bullet-proof. Problems are caused by poor wiring (This case being a perfect example of wrong wiring FROM THE FACTORY), poor assembly, poor maintenance.

Sounds like the starter....

Likely NOT. See above...

I would, if you haven't already, upgrade "The Big 3" and make sure the contact points are freshly cleaned.

NOT absolutely needed, and may mask the root cause of the above issue. I have stock Big3 but my truck starts as in "Ta-Da-VROOM!" because I make sure all connections are good.

did you bother reading any of the links provided by rad4r above? if not, start there. the starter is very likely to be fine.

Absolutely.