96 4Runner Ignition Problems... help!

[Jphoffman]

I have a 96' 4Runner... coming up on its 10th birthday. Recently, when I attempted to start the vehicle, I turned the igniton over, and nothing happened. Tried again, same. After the 5th or so attempt, I exited the vehicle, popped the hood to check the terminal, thinking mabey one of the wires to my VHF/UHF Radios or my dash mounted lightbar. When that appeared normal, I started again, and it fired right up. A few days later, the problem came back randomly. After that, the ignition locked up, and I couldnt turn my key, almost like it was the wrong key to the truck. After giving up, once, i said "Ahh... gotta give it one more shot before I hike home"... It fired right up.

So, my thoughts were mabey the Interlocks begin to fail with these symptoms? Im sure someone has had these problems before, and if so, how did you fix it? The last thing I need right now is my vehicle to completely fail all of the sudden... my car is in the garage ripped apart for repairs and equipment install.

Thanks for the help
-Joe

 

[Jphoffman]

Nobodys got anything?

 

[toto]

A common problem on the 3.4L V6 is that the contacts inside the starter burn up and need to be replaced.

If you can turn the key and hear the relay click, but the starter's not cranking, then it's probably the contacts.

Here's some more info about that problem:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t138611.html

As for the key not turning in the igntion, the ignition cylinder is probably wearing out. That's not connected to the starting problem.