having some major issues with my '96 4Runner

[jumpy]

Hey, obviously I'm pretty new here. I just recently acquired my 96 4Runner from my brother, who had it sitting in his driveway for a few months. 2 maybe 3 at most. Since then I haven't been able to get it to run so it's stuck at his house.

He claimed he got it to run it ran fine, started a little slow. But I went ahead and got a new battery for it, since, I couldn't get it to start, and when I looked under the hood the battery and connectors were totally corroded (had to get a new battery and new connectors). Well i connect the battery and BAM! horn. constant bitterness of horn. so 2, 3 weeks later (i live across town. hard to get there to work on it) i finally found the V.I.P. Toyota Security Device under the seat (not under the steering column:"problem with alarm")

I went through various combinations of having the connectors plugged in to try and make the car start, but to no use it was. i just couldnt get it to turn over.

I can turn the headlights on. But not roll windows down, start the car, so forth. ANY help is greatly appreciated. Especially since i cant work until i get this done. so i'm screwing myself up with this.


(edit: i texted AFOAF who works with toyota and he said to hit the starter with a hammer. didnt work...assuming it was the starter i was hitting.)
(sorry it was an essay)

 

[004Gunner]

Do you hear anything at all when attempting to start the car? A clicking sound maybe? If not then you definitely should not be hitting the starter with a hammer. Do you know if this alarm was factory, dealer, or aftermarket installed? Alarm systems can complicate a diagnosis if installed incorrectly or if somebody went playing around with wires they shouldn't have. I would get as much information on the alarm as possible before trying anything else and don't fumble around with electrical systems. Check all the fuses, inside and out, and check your ground and power cables as well. You said you changed the connectors, or terminals, but the wires may be bad or have a loose connection.

 

[jumpy]

thanks for such a quick response. there was a click, but no turnover.

i'm assuming its factory because its a toyota brand alarm (V.I.P. Toyota Security Device)

i just got a text from my brother that if i dont fix it he will and sell it. claiming there was no problem to begin with just needed charging.

what is the danger of driving with a corroded battery and connectors? just losing power altogether?

how do i check the fuses?

im inept when it comes to working on cars, but i learn fast.

 

[004Gunner]

You don't want to lose power on the road mainly because of your power steering but the brakes may also become a lot harder to operate. If it's at night then it may be worse since you will lose all your lights. An auto parts store should be able to check your battery for you if you can't check it yourself. You can also find replacement cables and terminals at an auto parts store or walmart if needed. You should have two fuse panels, one under the hood in front of the battery and one under the dash on the driver's side. Have your brother show you how to check a fuse, or better yet, have him teach you how to fix the car altogether. It's an invaluable skill. If you don't have an owner's manual for it, I would advise you get one and look through it for all the good info.

 

[jumpy]

i already had the battery checked. its fine. i've got the owners manual. the main reason for me having the truck is to take the burden off of my brother. he claims to have mechanical skills but i know otherwise. hes determined to think that by locking and unlocking the doors it will disable the alarm like his mercedes did. its just a superiority thing for him.

i may just take the battery back and tell him that its his problem not mine.

 

[shootmymime]

i bet it is still in the security system... let me go over a few things with you...

1st. connect everything up like how it is supposed to be.

2nd open the door and if the alarm goes off, get in the seat, close the door, lock the car (and try it unlocked), and try and start it. in that order.

if that dosnt work try this look on the left of the steering column and see if there is a red light, of bump sticking out.. if so move on to this step.

on the kicker panel look and see if there is a switch for the security system because it sounds a lot like mine.
if there is a switch on the kicker panel or on the dash to the left of the steering wheel proceed.
next put the key in the ignition and turn it to ON.
and move the switch, see if that red light i was talking about earlier lights up, because if the light is on- that mean the security system is disabled and if it is off- then is on secure mode.


i want to get this 4runner working! keep in touch! and dont give up

 

[jumpy]

hey mime, you posted this in the alarm thread i believe. i tried looking for all that stuff previously and couldn't find an over-ride switch or anything. if i were to connect everything the horn would sound at a constant blare. i checked the security box and nothing was on it. only 3 connectors with colorful wires. the center (and biggest) connector, when unplugged, turned off the horn. but still allowed the headlights to work. i'm unable to lock and unlock the car from the inside as i cant get any power to them i guess.

the difference, i believe your alarm is Viper isnt it?

the only place that theres a light related to the alarm (that i could find) is in the center console next to the E-brake. it says "TOYOTA
[little light]
SECURITY"

but i haven't noticed the light being on ever

i really appreciate the help and support guys. i'm leaving to basic training for National Guard soon, so i may just give up and do as i said before and return the battery and tell him to do it himself, because my brother is being a prick. but until then i'll keep trying and keep my mind open to what you guys suggest

 

[shootmymime]

um... so the light is off, that means the system is armed. can you plug the batt. in and get in the car with the door shut and try and start it?

 

[jumpy]

okay ill do it tomorrow and let you know how it goes. if it doesnt work im taking the battery back.