non-start = diode jitter? help diagnosing

[jimnto]

Howdy
Owned an '87 4runner since August - I love it! a lot. Needs some interior parts but I need help with this problem that has happened a few times.

Most recently - yesterday I came out and suddenly couldn't start. Looks like no juice to even kick the solenoid. Weird things like the radio was quickly cycling on an off (not fully but kind of fluttering) until I opened a door or put any load (eg hazard lights etc.) When I turned on the ignition no ignition lights or anything. Intermittently, the interior lights would work - until I turned the ignition on then blackout.

Tried to boost it and - nothing - not a thing.

Tried to swap the battery out - couldn't and - get this - when I reinstalled the battery it started right up. Not an issue.

My brother suggested Diode jitter. How can I test and fix this. Does it sound plausible> Any other ideas?

My other brother thinks ignition. I can take the key out with it running so.....

Thanks
Jim N
Toronto

 

[fourwd1]

You'll have to define "diode jitter".

Based on all the symptoms, and then results after reconnecting the batt, first thing I'd say would be a flakey battery connection, esp the ground.

But then the key thing does make you wonder about the ign sw.

 

[jimnto]

good call!How in the world to snap the ignition relay out?

There is a wire running off the main positive battery lead and besides the contact being suspect, someone had done a pincher connection and it had bitten part way through the wire.

I want to replace that wire - how in the world do I sanp that connection out of the fuse box and expose the connection. It is the wire going direct off the battery lead to the 80 amp relay in the box. It wiggles and I can see brass nuts holding it under there. Hoow do I snap it out of there?
THanks