98 Limited Will Not Start

[42rnnr]

This problem went downhill in one day. It started out as if the battery was not charging. The starter was not turning as fast as it normally did but it would start. It got worse, although a couple of times it seemed normal, but finally died altogether after 10 or 20 starts. I checked the battery, it's clean as a whistle, everything seems tight as can be and the battery is fully charged, lights, etc. all work. Finally tonight after reading some posts I decided to shut off my alarm system and gave it a try (knowing the battery is charged). Now it's only rapid clicking noises. I am going to jump start it in the morning, but I'm guessing that won't help and I either have a bad connection or starter contacts going out. I would say help, but I think I've read enough posts to solve the problem but I thought I would post anyway and update my condition as I can and hopefully give somebody else with the same symptoms a diagnosis. I'm not real thrilled about the possibility of taking the starter apart. I will exhaust all other options first, like cleaning the contacts and checking the ignition system with a volt meter/light gauge. Wish me luck!

 

[Mark86]

Good luck!! Just curious, how old is your battery? It sounded like a bad battery when I read your post.

 

[42rnnr]

not sure

I've only had the vehicle for 5 months. I didn't try to find the age of the battery, but it does have a guage that shows that it is not low on water or needs charged. My lights work very well. Are you saying it is still possible to have a bad battery anyway? If I can jump start it, would that give me a better indication? Last night it was nothing but clicks. This morning I got the starter to turn twice before the clicking started. I guess anything's possible. Thanks.

 

[Mark86]

For all you know, this could be the battery that was originally in the truck when the previous owner bought it new. I would look more into the battery than anything else. It sounds more like the battery is weak and can't hold a charge.

 

[42rnnr]

Jump start did the trick

You were absolutely right. I didn't notice that it was the original battery. I guess 6 almost 7 years is pretty good for a Panasonic car battery. Thanks for the help. It was almost too obvious, huh?

 

[Mark86]

Re: Jump start did the trick

You were absolutely right. I didn't notice that it was the original battery. I guess 6 almost 7 years is pretty good for a Panasonic car battery. Thanks for the help. It was almost too obvious, huh?

It just sounded like the battery wasn't holding the charge and I didn't want you to take apart your entire truck for nothing. 6 or 7 years on a battery is AMAZING. You usually get around 5 years on a battery, at least from my expierences.

 

[NViejeP]

How can you tell if your battery is the one that person bought with the truck? I got a 2000 T4R and tried to start it this morning. But it just makes clicking noises. I can get the electric stuff to start, but the radio shuts off after like 5 seconds, the clock flashes, and the brake lights are really dim.

So I'm assuming its the battery.

 

[Mark86]

How can you tell if your battery is the one that person bought with the truck? I got a 2000 T4R and tried to start it this morning. But it just makes clicking noises. I can get the electric stuff to start, but the radio shuts off after like 5 seconds, the clock flashes, and the brake lights are really dim.

So I'm assuming its the battery.

I don't have a third generation 4Runner, but you can start by checking if it is the same brand that came on that year truck. Also, a 5 year old battery will more than likely have some corrosion around the terminals and look its age. Another option would be to check the service records on your truck (which would only work if the battery was replaced at a Toyota dealer).

 

[aguerem1]

The original Panasonic battery from my 1998 4Runner finally exhausted after 8.5 years! My brother in law also had the same truck and the original battery lasted over 7 years.

 

[gizmopt2002]

Yea i had that same situation with our 95 Celica, it was just the battery. But I got a free one becuse it had like some warranty from Wal-Mart so it was all good.

 

[Appntr]

Just had the same problem on my 99. Optima Redtop was my choice for replacement since im running aux lights and a system

 

[aak]

clicking starter

Hello
click sound when turning the key.
Well it sure sounds like starter solenoid contacts
$20ea x2=$40
But the starter must be removed to replace these solenoid contacts, labour time 1.5hrs

 

[johnnybarrett]

I believe I have the same problem as you have

I have a 1998 SR5 Limited 3.4 with around 180,000 miles on it and I was driving it about two weeks ago and i pulled it in to my garage like always and now it will not start it would not even turn over the battery was fully charged two weeks ago I had to go out of town now Im back now I want my truck back on the road can anybody help?