Power loss when I turn the key!

[jdw2012]

Ok, so I have a 2000 4Runner LTD. About 6 months ago I would have this problem when I turned the key there would be a click and all power would go. Can't turn on radio or anything. I would move the connectors on the battery terminal and it would come back. Usually the 2nd or 3rd time of doing this the car would start. I replaced the connectors, cleaned the terminals and got a new battery. Problem solved....

Unti 2 days ago.

It's happening again, except has not started back up again.
The battery is good, the terminals are good. But, I did notice there is a clicking sound that happens in the fuse box directly behind the battery and sometimes it also clicks somewhere on the far left... Guessing something is causing it to short, but not sure how to go about finding what.

Suggestions?

 

[fourwd1]

Find out which relay in that fuse box is doing the clicking, then get back to us.

 

[jdw2012]

It's hard to distinguish which one is clicking, but whenever I reset the system (move the cables around enough) there is one click from a relay above the battery (I think it's the starter relay...) and then 3 clicks from a junction box somewhere on the other side of the engine bay.

Is there a trick to distinguish which relay is clicking?

 

[BucknutBob]

That's where a mechanic's stethoscope comes in handy. You can use a long screwdriver in a pinch, but it may not be sensitive enough to distinguish between such small items--put the metal end on the part, and the handle against your ear. You'll probably hear something with each one, but the bad one will be the loudest of the bunch.

 

[fourwd1]

A clicking relay doesn't necessarily mean the relay itself is bad, it's usually the circuit that controls it.

 

[jdw2012]

Sorry for the delay in reply. I found out the problem:

I had recently replaced the battery connectors, but the problem was where he wire hit the plate of the battery connector. Just needed some cleaning...