Having trouble getting the 4runner to start, it's been a while

[Woodcutter]

Similar issue

My 2000 Sr5 has developed a similar issue. Battery was purchased new earlier this year. Ground wire appears to be fine, not broken or loose. When I turn the key, sometimes it starts right up. Other times, it will click (quietly) once and then nothing. Now apparently when I turn the key slowly if it's giving me trouble, there is a narrow "sweet spot" where it will start right up. There is always power - I'm getting dash lights, radio, etc. so it doesn't appear to be a battery problem (aside from being a nearly new battery). So I'm leaning toward it being a bad ignition lock - hence the narrow sweet spot where it catches just fine. It does tend to occur more often when it's been sitting a while but not necessarily. Whatcha think?

 

[TheDurk]

I agree that battery, even new out of the box, should be ruled out before any electrical troubleshooting (also, change the cable before troubleshooting a printer and change the plug before troubleshooting a one-cylinder engine--some of theDurk's life rules). I agree a voltmeter is no way to test a battery. I own a load tester so that takes me 30 seconds. Seeing if it jumpstarts when it will not start from its own battery is another way. Also pull, clean, and inspect battery terminals, and check for pockmarked insulation meaning cable corrosion inside. Clean and tighten fender ground and ground by engine diagnostic plug.

Second thing is to take that voltmeter and see if you have 12V+ to the small starter terminal when the key is turned to start. Confirm full-time 12V+ to large terminal. If you do, it's starter contacts (or the starter itself). If you don't, time for more troubleshooting.

This would mean going to the starter relay. Change the 7.5A START fuse first just for fun. Check that it has 12V+ on both sides with key turned to Start. It's rare that a fuse is intermittent, but let's rule it out. If no 12V+ TO the fuse, it's your key switch. If that's not it, pull the START relay. Confirm 12V+ (full-time) at Pin 5. Confirm 12V+ with key turned to Start at Pin 1. Confirm full-time ground at Pin 2. (This is good for '99 and '00, may not be right for all 3G 4Runners--wrong for SOME of them.)

Depending on these results, you go from there.

Or keep asking the internet for guesses. Your call.