SOS Truck won’t start it Died

[airmax233]

Unfortunately my 3rd gen won’t start again. If it’s not one thing it’s the other. After turning the key it does a low click. What’s weird is that Every time I turn it the brake light turns on. I tried jump starting it and nothing. I will be removing the battery and taking to autozone to have them check it out. I’ve replaced the battery about a few months ago. I have removed the starter like 3 times as well. I’ve have replaced the plunger and contacts with parts straight from Toyota. At this point I’m going to settle with a autozone one. That way I can rule out the starter.

 

[calimobber]

Anytime you cant jump start a car you should disconnect the battery and bypass it with the jumper cables. Sometimes super dead batteries will absorb all the power coming from the cables and non gets to the starter.

Also putting the ground cable on the engine(ground) helps with that since the starter will get some of the energy before the battery.


Good luck!

 

[airmax233]

Anytime you cant jump start a car you should disconnect the battery and bypass it with the jumper cables. Sometimes super dead batteries will absorb all the power coming from the cables and non gets to the starter.

Also putting the ground cable on the engine(ground) helps with that since the starter will get some of the energy before the battery.


Good luck!

Can you elaborate more on the bypassing the battery. So you are saying to completely disconnect the battery from the truck and use the my jumper cables and connect them straight to the battery?

 

[Traveler74]

If your battery has a low voltage, the amount of juice getting to the starter is also very low. A fully charged battery , with engine OFF, should read aprox 12.6 volts. If your alternator is fully functioning, and the engine is running, the voltage at the battery should be 13.2 and up. This will fluctuate when you gun the engine. If it does NOT fluctuate, your alternator is bad.

I'm sure you have already done this but your battery terminals must be bright and shiny and very tight.

 

[Traveler74]

Can you elaborate more on the bypassing the battery. So you are saying to completely disconnect the battery from the truck and use the my jumper cables and connect them straight to the battery?

NO ! Disconnect ONLY the neg cable and set it aside. Connect the positive jumper cable to the positive side of your battery. Connect the negative jumper cable from the negative of the jumper battery and THE OTHER END TO A CLEAN SPOT ON THE ENGINE BLOCK OF YOUR TRUCK. Run the jumper truck for a few minutes and then try to start your truck. IF your truck does NOT turn over and/or you hear that click click , your starter or the solenoid is probably bad.

 

[airmax233]

NO ! Disconnect ONLY the neg cable and set it aside. Connect the positive jumper cable to the positive side of your battery. Connect the negative jumper cable from the negative of the jumper battery and THE OTHER END TO A CLEAN SPOT ON THE ENGINE BLOCK OF YOUR TRUCK. Run the jumper truck for a few minutes and then try to start your truck. IF your truck does NOT turn over and/or you hear that click click , your starter or the solenoid is probably bad.

Got it so only disconnect the negative cable from the 4runner. Connect the jumper cable to the positive on the 4runner and the negative jumper cable to a clean spot on the engine block of the 4runner. Did I miss anything lol

 

[Traveler74]

Got it so only disconnect the negative cable from the 4runner. Connect the jumper cable to the positive on the 4runner and the negative jumper cable to a clean spot on the engine block of the 4runner. Did I miss anything lol

No, you didn't miss anything.
PS: any time you are working on something which requires you to disconnect or remove the battery, ALWAYS disconnect the negative side 1st and reconnect it LAST.

 

[det107]

Have starter load tested at a reputable builder (not autozone/advance, they do unloaded tests) to see if that starter gear shaft isn't binding. Replacing the parts from a Starter Solenoid repair kit didn't work, should be a good clue...

Another one I can think of the Neutral Safety Switch if automatic. Could be the sensor or wiring not connected.

Never had this nor encountered but the ignition setup w/key area should be looked at & ruled out.

Let us know how this mystery is solved :thumby:

 

[JLTD]

Brake lights when turning key to start makes me think there is an electrical fault. Ignition switch maybe?

 

[Outrider]

NO ! Disconnect ONLY the neg cable and set it aside. Connect the positive jumper cable to the positive side of your battery. Connect the negative jumper cable from the negative of the jumper battery and THE OTHER END TO A CLEAN SPOT ON THE ENGINE BLOCK OF YOUR TRUCK. Run the jumper truck for a few minutes and then try to start your truck. IF your truck does NOT turn over and/or you hear that click click , your starter or the solenoid is probably bad.

Very good tip, and something us DIY'ers should all commit to memory.

 

[airmax233]

Update:

Removed the battery from the truck and took it to my local autozone to get tested. The sales person said battery is fine and that it was at 100%. Was able to rule out the battery. Next I replaced the positive battery terminal it looked greasy but no corrosion whatsoever. Fired it up and started like a champ! Had a tear of joy on me lmao.t I was going to remove the starter and take it to a reputable starter shop like some above mentioned, but did not have to.

Thank you everyone for your input!