Problems resurrecting our '87 4Runner

[TokyoTessie]

Hi! We have inherited a '87 4Runner. This is a car that we know, has been in the family since 1991. Free car in theory, but...it has sat covered in an outdoor lot for the better part of 2 years, which might be fine in a place like Arizona, but not so much up here in the Pacific Northwest. We are finding lots of collateral damage as we try to resurrect it. Leaky windshield seal = water inside. Electrical system going haywire. Installed a new Optima red-top, and then right after we put it in, started it up and the charge light and emergency brake light went on. Went to move heat selector switch, something froze, then broke, sound of parts falling inside dashboard. After-market alarm went off by itself for no reason, would not turn off until battery cable pulled. Finally unscrewed alarm horn from firewall and that seemed to fix the alarm problem. Rear window suddenly stopped working. BTW, where is the relay for the rear window? Vehicle labors to start, was starting fine, but now labors to start, sputters until it gets going, then it is fine...or was until the car died due to battery got used during test run up and down our street...so obviously the charge light is telling the truth, not just a malfunctioning dashboard. Why would the emergency brake light function normally with the engine off when the key is in the "on" position, as it goes on when the brake is on, and off when brake is off, but when the engine is started, the emergency brake light is on all the time - what's up with that? This car has sentimental value for us, so would like to get it going if possible. Where/how shall we start???

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Wow! Just posting to ask for some pics please

I don't have the answer to most of your questions, but your brake light may be coming on due to low brake fluid level. The only other idea I have would just relate to electrical mayhem... it seems lots of these trucks develop leaks right over the ECU, too.

Good luck.

 

[77'911]

Here is what I would do:
1) duct tape front windshield for temp seal until you get it running
2) get rid of the after market alarm. The garbage bin is a good place for it.
3) pull the gas tank and get it clean, refill with fresh fuel
4) new plugs and filters(fuel, etc..)
5) fresh oil and filter
6) pull seats and carpet(if damp/wet) to dry things out
If you get it running, then go about replacing the front windshield seal and trim. If, or when running, go about testing charging levels and fuel pressures(rest and running, etc..).
regards

 

[fourwd1]

The BRAKE and CHARGE lights on at the same time is Toyota's way of telling you you have a bad alternator. And going from running good to sputtering backs that up, the EFI does not work well when battery voltage is low.

 

[TokyoTessie]

Thanks for the suggestions! My hubby is already out there sealing the windshield with Gorilla tape. We are going to cover it up to protect it against further rain while we figure out what to do with it. It was running fine until the latest big rainstorm with lasted a couple of days earlier this week. I will post some pics if I can figure out how to do it here.

 

[TokyoTessie]

It is dull black because the PO rhinolined the exterior instead of repainting it. Also, it was originally an automatic, but he changed it to 5-speed manual a few years back.