Strange Power issue when starting.

[petron5000]

So here’s a weird one on my 5th gen.

If I push the push button start all the way down and hold it, my 2012 Limited starts.

If I push it in but don’t hold it, like for accessories, I lose all power and I can’t push it again to start or even power the radio.

Now, if it wont power up and I open the hood and jiggle the positive terminal, I hear a click and the car gets power again. Clock resets to 1:00 and I can start the car again.

Battery is new. I do have a pedal commander and a hardwired radar detector but I don’t see how they’re causing anything.

 

[jrandom]

Sorry no help other than clean, rough up (ie sand with coarse grit emery cloth) and tighten the battery terminals...

but resident e-wizard [MENTION=83083]rigtec[/MENTION] may have an answer, he even has a 2012 Limited.

 

[rigtec]

So here’s a weird one on my 5th gen.

If I push the push button start all the way down and hold it, my 2012 Limited starts.

If I push it in but don’t hold it, like for accessories, I lose all power and I can’t push it again to start or even power the radio.

Now, if it wont power up and I open the hood and jiggle the positive terminal, I hear a click and the car gets power again. Clock resets to 1:00 and I can start the car again.

Battery is new. I do have a pedal commander and a hardwired radar detector but I don’t see how they’re causing anything.

Hi petron,

At first glance of your description of the trouble, I looks like one of the POS power lines are loose e.g., Battery POS terminal, or the other-end at the Alternator output cable/term, or at the Main fuse box under the hood; either the feed near the master cylinder, or coming out twds the battery... so there're four connections that could potentially be loose!

I would check those FIRST because just by you touching the POS cable, the trouble goes away; which involves all connection points that I've mentioned! If you check those 4 points and find nothing unusual, Next we pull the Push-Button Start trim panel out to examine the connections, and test the switch...

...no need for alarm, it just snaps out, IIRC, it's a part of the "Party-mode" button trim panel... I've had that out before, and it's no biggy! Be sure to come back and let us know what you find out after analysis! ...and thanks [MENTION=99702]jrandom[/MENTION] for remembering me; you're very thoughtful! 'Best to you ALL'

rig, Cheers!

 

[flyrv9]

After reading this, I thought I'd mention another possibility that I've experienced. That is, each end of each connection is really two connections and therefore 2 places that can be the cause of the problem.

By that I mean each cable end has a terminal or lug bolted or crimped on (one connection) that is then connected to a battery post, alternator terminal, etc. (second connection). So you could have that terminal end properly connected to the battery post; but have a loose crimp right behind it where the cable connects to the terminal. Wiggling this would create the results mentioned above.

To check for this, you can disconnect from the battery, alternator, etc. and twist and pull on the crimped/bolted contact and see if it moves. Also check for corrosion that can wick under a loose or poorly attached contact.

If you end up replacing a length of cable, make the new section a little long; so you can re-terminate if necessary. 2 or 3 extra inches won't really make any electrical difference.

 

[rigtec]

G'day "A-Team"

I know this is NOT directly relevant to petron5000's electrical issue, but I've covered sooo much of our Gen-5 electrical systems across time, that I thought to include this thread here because it covers much of the electrical theory that we "DIY'ers" Must deal with on a daily!

Having said that, I'm leaving this link here for anyone who may find it useful at some point in their travels and adventures in the future; "See below":

4Runner alternator upgrade (gen 5)

Hoping some may find this data useful!

rig, Cheers!

 

[petron5000]

Somehow the positive battery terminal screw was loose. Turned it with a wrench about 4 times and no more issues!

 

[rigtec]

Somehow the positive battery terminal screw was loose. Turned it with a wrench about 4 times and no more issues!

Now that's what I'm talkin' bout petron5000, Good job! 'Best'

~rig~ Cheers!

 

[jrandom]

Somehow the positive battery terminal screw was loose. Turned it with a wrench about 4 times and no more issues!

Simple fixes are the best fixes