Weird Clicking Sounds - 2003 4wd v8 Sport Ed

[raidergrad1974]

Hey All,
wondering if someone can troubleshoot the following:

Model/Year: 2003 4WD 4 runner V8 Sport Edition

Problem: Last night after fueling w/gas attempted to start 4 runner and only heard click, click, click, clicks sound. Warning lights came on ( as it would when you first start) but also the horn wanted to come on, but only a very faint sound. Basically, it appears that the anti-theft alarm was tripped and the car could would not start.

Logically, I thought it was the battery since the horn had a very very muffled soft sound. I retrieved another truck (Nissan Titan w/new battery) to pass current and the horn started blaring as if the anti theft device was tripped again. (I THEN REMOVED THE HORN FUSE TO QUIET THE HORN)

i continued to pass current to my 4 runner. After some time, I tried to start again and just heard that click, click, click, click sound. I would like to know if anyone has any ideas. I don't think it was the battery. I passed current for several minutes and also again today. I am thinking it is a Starter or can it be some type of kill switch activated by the anti-theft that I don't know about and I need to remove.

Also, how hard is to reach the starter. I saw the positive cable from the battery go under the engine. It did not look like it easily accebile. Also, one last thing I heard the click click click sound coming from "behind" the steering wheel while the car has been completly turned off.

Any ideas or suggestions. thx -- RG1974

 

[V8Man]

If you battery dead shorted no amount of jumping or charging will work. Check the voltage of the battery it should be 12.5 volts. If you disconnect the battery, it will trip your alarm when reconnected. So I think your battery is gone.
The V8 starter is under the intake at the rear of the engine.
Check starter relay too, after checking the battery. You can swap one of the same color/size for a quick check.