starting problem

[umboo]

Hello, im new here. I have a 98 4runner limited.

Today I had my Battery replaced and alternator rebuilt. i drove around for an hour or so, came home had lunch and went out to do some errands. I drove for about 5 mins and came to a stop, i noticed my gauges shut down, stereo turned off, dash lights all off, but the engine was running. I turned the key off to shut down the motor and now it wont start. no clicking, no turning over. The head lights still turn on aswell as the interior light, the door chime works when the key is in and i can hear the feul pump fire up. When I press the alarm button the doors wont lock or unlock and I cant put my windows up when the key is on the on position.

I have no idea where to start, and mech shops are closed for the long weekend. i am somewhat mechanically inclined, but this has me stumped. So if someone can point me in a direction it would be much appreciated.

 

[A.Wilson013]

Seems pretty clear that your problem is in the battery/alt that you replaced.

Why did you replace them in the first place?

 

[Jon]

Start simple and check all the fuses and connections.

 

[the great him]

its a charging problem... make sure your alternator is plugged in... i did this once drove like 120miles on a trip one time just after replacing both the battery and alternator and kept an eye on the volt gauge, it kept dropping the whole way and the charge light was on, when i got to my destination i went to swap out batteries (brought a spare) and noticed that my alternator wasnt plugged in... also check that it all has a good ground, battery too

 

[umboo]

Seems pretty clear that your problem is in the battery/alt that you replaced.

Why did you replace them in the first place?

I replaced beacause my batt light went off and when i shut off the truck it wouldnt start. replaced the batt and tested and was only getting 12v, i replaced the alt and got 14v.

 

[umboo]

Start simple and check all the fuses and connections.

is there a way of checking the starter relay? its all sealed up unlike the other small fuses.

 

[umboo]

its a charging problem... make sure your alternator is plugged in... i did this once drove like 120miles on a trip one time just after replacing both the battery and alternator and kept an eye on the volt gauge, it kept dropping the whole way and the charge light was on, when i got to my destination i went to swap out batteries (brought a spare) and noticed that my alternator wasnt plugged in... also check that it all has a good ground, battery too

i checked the batt and it has full juice. i will however check all the grounds.

thanks Kid

 

[TheDurk]

Definitely check your grounds. That one on the engine by the diagnostic plug is a frequent problem.

Also check carefully for corroded cables or loose terminals. Cables can corrode under the insulation jacket where you can't see it. If there is any bubbling on the insulation your issue is probably underneath. If the terminals have been changed, especially to the bolt-on type, they are prime suspects. Consider going to new cables if you see anything like that. At the least, redo the connection, cleaning the wire to bright copper.

I doubt this is a specific relay or fuse. The bad news is you probably threw away a perfectly good alternator. Was it tested off the rig at any point?

 

[umboo]

so it looks like my 100Amp fuse is toast. any suggestions on how to get it out? im guessing its bolted in.

 

[umboo]

ok, so I figured out how to remove the fuse. I replaced the 100a fuse and put everything back together, and as soon as I hooked up the neg on my battery it blows the same fuse. What am I missing here?

 

[Singtoe]

You have a bad alternator. The rebuild was bad. The 100 amp fuse goes directly to the alternator.

I would disconnect the alternator, the test the circuit. If the fuse does not blow, then the alternator is 100% at fault. If the fuse does blow, then the wire that goes from the alternator to the fuse block has short in it.

 

[umboo]

You have a bad alternator. The rebuild was bad. The 100 amp fuse goes directly to the alternator.

I would disconnect the alternator, the test the circuit. If the fuse does not blow, then the alternator is 100% at fault. If the fuse does blow, then the wire that goes from the alternator to the fuse block has short in it.

Singtoe your the man. I unplugged the alt and removed the power, tapped up the powerline and put it aside. I replaced the 100a fuse and everything worked perfect. the batt was brand new so I had enough juice to drive back to the alt shop and we found out that he had used a rectifier for a diffrent year 4runner and it was shorting on the alt housing.

Thanks to everyone who replied to this thread, hopefully I can help somebody one day like everyone has helped me in this forum.