Strange Electrical System Problem

[FatedLegacy]

I’ve had two episodes of some sort of (I think) electrical system problem. Essentially the entire electrical system seems to go out for a split second (headlights flicker, stereo system resets/reboots), then then there is a beeping that seems to come from the steering column area for 10-20 seconds. Both times it’s happened while I was driving, and I didn’t lose power or anything. I didn’t notice any dashboard lights come on, but I was traveling at highway speeds both times so I was more concerned with checking to make sure I maintained control and I could have easily missed something.

Not sure if this is a 4Runner issue, or if it’s related to my Viper aftermarket remote start/alarm. The only reason I would suspect the Viper system is that the control boxes are down under the steering column, and I’m not sure what else down there could be making a beeping noise.

Any ideas? Worth getting a professional to look at it? It’s a 2003 Limited V6 if that makes any difference, 168k miles.

Thanks!

 

[Jeffy]

What have you checked so far? My first thought would be to check that both battery terminals are secured properly, and then check the grounding cable to body.

Any other electrical problems? Does the engine turn over strong when starting?

 

[fayewong]

I’ve had two episodes of some sort of (I think) electrical system problem. Essentially the entire electrical system seems to go out for a split second (headlights flicker, stereo system resets/reboots), then then there is a beeping that seems to come from the steering column area for 10-20 seconds. Both times it’s happened while I was driving, and I didn’t lose power or anything. I didn’t notice any dashboard lights come on, but I was traveling at highway speeds both times so I was more concerned with checking to make sure I maintained control and I could have easily missed something.

Not sure if this is a 4Runner issue, or if it’s related to my Viper aftermarket remote start/alarm. The only reason I would suspect the Viper system is that the control boxes are down under the steering column, and I’m not sure what else down there could be making a beeping noise.

Any ideas? Worth getting a professional to look at it? It’s a 2003 Limited V6 if that makes any difference, 168k miles.

Thanks!

If you have poltergeist symptoms like your 4runner is being possessed. It means one of two things. Your battery is dying or your alternator is dying. Probably check on your battery connection and get your battery checked out at an automotive store before you REALLY do get STUCK.

 

[RAD4Runner]

Toyota components are almost always bullet-proof; problems are cause by poor connections/wiring, assembly, maintenance, so...

+1 to checking battery terminals AND ALL connections to battery, NOT JUST the cliched "check grounds". All connections should have bare, shiny metal tightly contacting bare, shiny metal.

Also check installation of the alarm system. Even if you trust installers verify for yourself that they did a clean job. Many after-market installers use vampire taps. These are bad because the fangs can sever strands of critical stock wiring.

If problem persists, study the alarm system and see what circuit it interrupts. Reconnect that circuit directly to eliminate doubt on malfunctioning alarm system.

 

[DZNUTS]

Agreed on verifying condition of ALL major ground connections. I also agree with checking the tap locations for the alarm into the factory wiring harnesses. If they did not twist, solder, and tape, I wouldn’t trust the connection. Even if they did do all of that, give the wires a tug. You should not be able to get them to budge if they’re soldered well.


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