Electrical issue has me stumped

[fitzi6_7]

I have a 95 runner (my first runner sold my FJ40 a while back and am back into the Toy fam) that I've had about six months. The issue is a short that reduces the voltage from the battery. Here are my symptoms:

Symptom 1: Turn the key on and all the dash lights are barely visible. Voltage guage shows around 4 volts.
When this happens I jiggle the wire coming off the positive terminal to the fuse box (next to motor) and viola voltage is back.

Symptom 2: Hitting brake pedal, or turning on wipers or radio or anything will cause a noticable spike in my voltage guage. When I see this Symptom 1 will shortly occur with the same fix.

I took the fuse box apart to look for a short but nothing looks out of the ordinary. Connections are fine at the battery and the box. So what the heck could be causing it?

 

[echo4tango]

if you have a volt meter you could use it to help trace out the short.

 

[fitzi6_7]

Not that great with a voltmeter. Was hoping I would come across someone who hit this once before.

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[echo4tango]

cool..with wiring its a chess game so good luck. if you still are stumped and need some tips on working a voltmeter PM me and ill walk you through some things.

 

[Double Thump]

If wiggling the wire at the battery or at the fuse terminal then you have a loose wire or connection. I know you stated that the connections at the battery are good but is there a chance that they are corrodded? You may need to clean the terminals and make sure that the connection between the wires and the terminal connectors are good.

also, double check the ground. Some times a bad ground will cause this too.

 

[fitzi6_7]

Thanks I will check the ground and wires.

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[fitzi6_7]

I cleaned the terminals, checked the ground. This weekend it happened again. Last night it was like someone put a dimmer switch on my runner. At two different points the whole vehicle seemed like the voltage was simply turned down. Lights dimmed, heater fan slowed, dash lights, everything slowly lost power till the truck quit running. Once it quit I waited and viola power came back up and it started running fine. I think it is the wire between the battery and the fuse box, but, it appears in good shape. I cleaned the terminals as I said and then yesterday had issue.

 

[Double Thump]

after you let it sit, did you have to boost it or did it start on it's own?

 

[fitzi6_7]

Started on own.

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[Shallowrunner]

Your Problem....

If you were driving the vehicle and then everything started dimming out.... that means that your alternator is not putting out the voltage that you need to maintain the electronics such as fans, lights, ecu etc.... you eventually get to the point where you are running strictly off the battery and you will drain the battery fast if you are driving the vehicle with an alternator that is not putting out.

Check the connections on the alternator and make sure they are tight!!! Also are you battery terminals the the ones that you strip the wires and lay inside the terminals or are they the molded kind where the wire is molded into the terminal it self... these tend to fail.... so if you wiggle the wire... then your lights could become brighter!!! If this is happening, cut the wires and replace the terminals.

I am leaning on you possibly having both problems. I have experienced the lights dimming out while driving and eventually dying out. It turned out to be a loose wire on my alternator. Hope this helps..

Shallowrunner

 

[lilrachel]

Hey guys maybe you can help me. I have a 1995 4runner replaced just about everything on it. The check engine light has come on since i put a thrush pipe on and now when i hit the brake i loose all electrical inside which come right back on. Also, if your sitting at a red light the head lights will flash and the idel goes down. Ive checked the alternator and the battery they are fine. I know there is a short in the head light switch, but surely this wouldnt cause it to die. Also if the heat is on forget it, you pretty much have to keep rolling, cause if you stop it dies. But so far does start right back up. I love my truck, and do not want to get rid of it. So if someone could give me some advice, Id greatly appreciate it.