Need help! Ignition problems

[4runneracerunner]

So I'll give you guys the whole story here maybe you guys can help, no one else can.

So about a week ago I went on a trail ride with me and my dog and I turn my truck off Becuase there is a lake at the end of the trail down here and we do our thing, and so we were all done, so we can go home, and truck wouldn't start, there's no dash lights or dome light on when the key is turned to the on position, so I thought it was my battry was dead, so I Tested it and it was 12.4. I turned my light bar on and turn the key to the on postion and then dash lights came on, I started it and took off I came home and checked it one more while the truck was running thinking it was my alternator and my battry was at 13.5 while running, I turn my truck off and dash lights were still on while the key was in the on position, so I thought maybe my truck was being stupid.

I left to go to work the next morning and no dash lights and would not start

So I was thinking it was my ignition coil and so I took that out and got it texted, it was bad, so got a new one installed it, seemed to work at first but As drive it around and came back home after it got nice and hot, no dash lights again.


So I'm thinking it's my starter but I could be wrong and I checked all the wires nothing was lose.

So please help someone

It's a 1995 4rnner 3.0

 

[4runnerBrett]

Ya sounds like a starter. Next time it happens tap on starter with a hammer and if it starts after few good taps you know its that.

 

[airdreams1]

the no dash / dome lights sounds like it could be other issues....

as for the starter...... you need to find these parts (this is not for toyota. just showing you what you need to rebuild it) Starter Solenoid Repair Rebuild Kit Plunger Contacts Dodge RAM Dakota | eBay
Im looking for them right now to fix mine....

 

[4runneracerunner]

Alright l will try that forsure hahaha

 

[RAD4Runner]

...I turn my truck off and dash lights were still on while the key was in the on position, so I thought maybe my truck was being stupid.... I left to go to work the next morning and no dash lights and would not start

You did not mention turning off the dash lights, so battery must have discharged with dash light left on overnight

Have you checked the simplest, least expensive thing to check? Your battery terminals? You want to clean it to shiny metal, not gray metal.

there's no dash lights or dome light on when the key is turned to the on position
... dash lights were still on while the key was in the on position, so I thought maybe my truck was being stupid....

You use the light combo-switch stalk to turn off and turn on the dash, and headlights, not the ignition key.

...So I was thinking it was my ignition coil...

The shop that tested and sold you the ignition coil eitherdoes not know what it's doing or did but ripped you off. Ignition coil has nothing to do with dash nor dome lights.

...So I'm thinking it's my starter but I could be wrong and I checked all the wires nothing was lose.

Ya sounds like a starter. Next time it happens tap on starter with a hammer and if it starts after few good taps you know its that.

What? tapping a starter with a hammer would make dash lights come on?

 

[4runneracerunner]

Yes I have checked the battry termals more the once, Iv checked the lose wires nothing I could see or feel, I check the wires on the alternator and starter and the grown wires on those as we'll, didn't see or feel anything lose.

I was maybe thinking it was my ignition were you put the key to start the truck, maybe that got wore out? And I have a bent key, could that have a difference on anything?

What do you think it could be?


And before we get to far on this. When the dash light do not come on. I can not start my truck, not even when they are dime

 

[RAD4Runner]

Yes I have checked the battry termals more the once...

How did you check them?

What do you think it could be?

It could be any of many things. We may be thousands of miles away from you and it's hard to think without seeing what you see.

First you gotta help us help you, by grabbing a digital multi-meter and doing some voltage checks. Also find a schematic for your truck.

If you could not find a schematic, at least take picture of the Fuse/Relay/Junction Blocks (whatever it is called on your model) under the hood.

With Ignition off, measure voltage at each side of every fuse. Measure voltage at battery postitself. Measure voltage at connector where it crimps on positive wire. Note on picture. Post the picture.

Turn headlights on, do same as above.

With Ignition on, do same as above.

Then we'll go from there.

 

[fourwd1]

12.4V engine Off and 13.6V engine On are both a bit low.
Battery should be 12.6V and running there should be a minimum of 13.8V, usually over 14 on these trucks. The battery needs at least 13.8V to charge properly.

These trucks also have problems with the wiring for the starter circuitry degrading over time, creating symptoms like yours (although its not the only cause).
As stated above, it could also be the starter, and banging on it while the key is in Start position can help decide.