I have a 1996 t4r sr5, last week while moving backed into something, dented the tailgate and shattered the window. I went to start it last night and couldn't get it to turn over. Lights, radio work but it just clicks repeatedly. Haven't tried jumping yet since its been a constant downpour. I think I may have cut a wire in the tailgate and it's causing the power to drain, so my question is, if I disconnect the tailgate control module will this stop the draining and will it not interfere with the rest of the car functioning? Looking for a quick fix since its our only vehicle. Thanks
Question about tailgate control module
- Thread starter agw1283
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19963.4lsr5
New member
It's worth a try
TheDurk
Elite Member
You will lose all tailgate functionality, obviously, plus wireless door locks--the receiver is in the Rear Door ECU. Normally a cut wire will cause a short and blow a fuse, not a parasitic drain. There are lots of how-to's on how to chase parasitic drains, it's better to troubleshoot than guess, but I get tired of saying that.
OK, so update.... Took the battery to get tested, they say it's fine. (took a jump and started but wouldn't restart after turning it back off) Already did a thorough cleaning of posts and cables, still won't turn over. Same as before, dash lights and radio turns on, but it just has a rapid clicking. From what I've been reading out sounds like the solenoid on the starter. Thoughts? We're trying to get her fixed as cheaply and quickly as possible. I would say I'm slightly mechanically inclined, usually do most of my own work but usually out of necessity due to cost. Any ideas or pointers would be very much appreciated. Thanks guys!
IBallEngineer
New member
please forgive my idiotic question...is this what I need to replace the contacts?
1996 Toyota 4Runner Starter Brush Holder Assembly 4WD V6 3.4 (Genuine)
I just want to make sure I'm getting the right stuff. THank you all for helping this semi mechanically inclined person!!
IBallEngineer
New member
Chime in on Starter contacts
Yes themz iz the onez!
What is this rain you speak of? I think it rained here about 5 years ago, don't remember it though.
:violin:
Yes themz iz the onez!
What is this rain you speak of? I think it rained here about 5 years ago, don't remember it though.
:violin:
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Ok guys, so my father in law is adamant that it is NOT the starter. He says if it was the starter we wouldnt be able to get it started from jumping it. Is this the case?
just to refresh...
runner was starting fine, no indication of any problems turning over, one night(after a few days of constant rain) went to start it and the dash lights and radio came on, but wouldnt turn over. I heard rapid clicking but nothing else. Occasionally it will start(its been like 2 of 10 times maybe) and turn over like theres nothing wrong, but usually its the same thing: click, click, click, click....there have been 1 or 2 times that I've only heard a single click. Dash lights always seem to come on and may dim slightly when trying to start, but not always.
Ive taken my battery to autozone and o'reilys they both say the battery is fine. I do not have a voltmeter, and funds are EXTREMELY tight.
Oh, earlier today it did start by its own power, but as it was turning over there was a low growl/grind type noise(one that ive heard is an indicator of the starter going bad)
So I guess, bottom line: does it sound like the starter or something else?? also, how much should my battery be putting out?
Our t4r has been very loved and appreciated, has over 240K miles and until this was still running strong. Its been rolled several times by previous owners and the thing is a beast, I love it and want to get it back on the road.
Any help is super appreciated as Im starting to get very overwhelmed with not having a vehicle and trying to fix it. Thanks so much!!
IBallEngineer
New member
Do yourself a favor, Do a search on this site for "starter contacts", or google it. Hundreds if not thousands of people with the same problem, lots of ideas, almost always the same results.
:horn:
Chrez
New member
Something to check out?
I agree it doesn't sound like a starter or starting system related, because you can jump it fine.
I would suspect a parasitic battery drain?
And because you slammed your tailgate pretty good, it may be the rear window motor. Mine doesn't need ignition to open/close. I'm suggesting that because of the collision the motor is constantly trying to close or open that rear window. It's probably related to the rear door lock key switch.
All of your relays, lights & switches are controlled by gremlins when there is not enough constant power from the battery.
Charge the battery fully separated from the vehicle, hook it back up & see how it all works. If it works gremlin-less, disconnect to rear window motor.
Just @ thought?
I agree it doesn't sound like a starter or starting system related, because you can jump it fine.
I would suspect a parasitic battery drain?
And because you slammed your tailgate pretty good, it may be the rear window motor. Mine doesn't need ignition to open/close. I'm suggesting that because of the collision the motor is constantly trying to close or open that rear window. It's probably related to the rear door lock key switch.
All of your relays, lights & switches are controlled by gremlins when there is not enough constant power from the battery.
Charge the battery fully separated from the vehicle, hook it back up & see how it all works. If it works gremlin-less, disconnect to rear window motor.
Just @ thought?
If that is the problem and I disconnect the tailgate control module will this fix the battery drain and allow it to turn over? I'm obviously not worried about any power to control the tailgate and window functions,as the tailgate won't open from the outside and I no longer have a glass window, just want to make sure nothing vital (lights, brakes, engine, etc) it's non operational due to disconnecting the module. Not worried about power door locks as I can easily unlock the door manually if need be.
I'm 2 bolts away(other than that stupid trans dipstick tube) from being able to pull the starter.
I've already done this and was coming to the conclusion that it's the starter myself. Thinking maybe I'll just pull it and see.
has this been solved?
i dont know if this has been solved yet or not from being too lazy to scroll yet somehow not lazy enough to type this up. I had a very similar problem to mine and i think its related to your battery contacts, either the contacts are loose or the wires on the contacts loose, another fix i did for my car is tied an extra ground wire to the frame with a bolt
wiggle the ground wire maybe and see if that gets it to start (if they are loose)
i dont know if this has been solved yet or not from being too lazy to scroll yet somehow not lazy enough to type this up. I had a very similar problem to mine and i think its related to your battery contacts, either the contacts are loose or the wires on the contacts loose, another fix i did for my car is tied an extra ground wire to the frame with a bolt
wiggle the ground wire maybe and see if that gets it to start (if they are loose)
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8 years… The post you are quoting is from almost 8 years ago. Not in the top 10 for necromancy bumps but still up there.