Strange Electrical Problem

Recently had to downgrade my 4runner from daily driver to recreational because of a head gasket issue (still runs fine - LOL). I drive it maybe once a week or so, mainly around the farm stuff. Hop in the other day and the CD player had ejected the disc, which usually means the battery has been disconnected or low voltage at some point. I also noticed the door locks not wanting to engage. I hear the click under the hood, but the plungers just wiggle a little. When I open the doors the dome lights (LED) come on intermittently. Inserting the key activates the chime, but when I turn the key it stops and sometimes the instrument panel lights up sometimes not. If I turn the key to the "start" position, sometimes I hear a little chatter under the hood, sometimes it cranks with no problem (like it should - strong), other times - nothing - no clicking starter - nothing.

The starter was rebuilt in the last year and the battery is strong. I've checked my terminals on the top side but have not been underneath. It's been raining every time I've had time to check it out.

I'm leaning towards a ignition switch problem, but have not worked on one in this vehicle. It seems that there are 2 parts, the lock cylinder and the switch. I'm not sure which would cause this issue if any.

Anyone have this happen to them?

97 Limited 3.4 AT 4x4

 

The problems you describe made me jump to insufficient or intermittent voltage... either from a bad battery or bad electrical connections. You said you checked the terminals and the battery is strong (including load test?)... so if those are totally ruled out my next guess would be ground wires (from the battery to the chassis) or similar.

 

Does it do the same thing with the spare key?
My key wore out and started acting up.
I even sprayed a bunch of WD-40 in the key hole.
Didn’t seem to effect it in any way.
But the new key worked and is still working.

 

As far as I know, the Switch portion of the key setup is the only portion of the assembly that can have any effect on the vehicles electrics. If it aint gots a wire, how can it affect the electrical systems? The lock cylinder portion of the set might prevent the switch cylinder from turning properly, thus appearing to affect the vehicle's electrical systems, but again, it's just an appearance, not an actual effect.

If it were me, before I did anything about the keyswitch replacement, I would pull the assembly out, at least to where it's reachable, and spray the switch portion with electrical contact cleaner. Plenty of cleaner. Until what comes off runs clear when the key is being turned while spraying the switch portion. Remember to place a disposable, but sufficiently heavy, cloth under the switch when spraying to ensure capture of ALL the cleaner that comes off when spraying. Also bear in mind that the cleaner, in some cases, is flammable. Use all flammability precautions, like you would when working on loose, or open, gasoline. Avoid anything that could cause sparks, open flames like a cigarette lighter, and so forth.

Once it's cleaned out, try it again to see what happens. Make sure it's completely dry of all cleaner before plugging it back in.

Good luck!
Pat☺

 

Battery cables degrade internally and you won't see it. I've had my 3rd gen and one other car show exactly these symptoms.

Replacement of the cable or cutting off 12" of the cable to get back to good copper and splicing in a repair fixed things permanently.

Take your cable terminals off the battery and "abuse" them. If the connector breaks, or if the cable feels like its crinkly when you bend it, the cables are shot.

To me, this is not an ignition switch issue. Too many other power related issues to be an ignition switch.

 

My neighbor recently acquired this 2001 4Runner and it have this intermittent voltage issue. It got a new battery and starter so it got to be the wiring. We'll just finish installing the suspension and american force wheels onto the truck this week before we can clear the garage.

 

Check the ground cables, sometimes they can cause strange problems.

I'm sure you were told this, but don't drive with a bad head gasket if you hope to fix the engine, even if it seems fine

 

Ground cable is on top of the list. He's deciding to replace the battery cable.