Just changed starter now 4runner dies/goes black after starting up

Hey guys, just changed the starter on my '99 4runner and now I have to jump start it to even get it running and then it dies completely and goes black after a few seconds. Wasn't doing this before changing the starter but not sure how that could have screwed something else up.

 

Maybe there’s a short somewhere inside the replacement starter? Or is it physically possible to connect the starter incorrectly?

 

Definitely a short somewhere.

Do you have the old starter? Why did you think it was bad?

 

figured it was the starter initially because I could knock it while turning the ignition and the car would start up no problem. Theres a grinding noise for about one second right when it starts up before it goes black about 30 seconds later.

 

Yeah, sounds like the starter was going bad...it's rare they do. You can get a rebuild kit to fix them and it's super easy.

So, It sounds like something is grounding out (shorting) somewhere and I'd think a fuse would blow.

The grinding noise sounds like the starter is not disengaging when starting. The throw out gear is not retracting. Starter is out of alignment or bad.

Did you get a TOYOTA starter or a cheap Chinese one?

On another thought, could also be the ignition switch not disconnecting 12v to the starter relay and keeping the starter on too long.

 

I bought a DB Electrical starter. Had heard good things about the brand. Would the starter not disengaging/misalignment cause the car to die after ignition or these be two separate issues going on now? Can't find anything about the combo online.

 

Yeah...I don't know. You have a lot of symptoms and I'm not sure exactly where the issue is. Usually best bet is to start back where you made the last change.

If you had the old starter or could just exchange the one you have...I'd get a different one to try. I'd also try another brand, preferable Toyota. Everything else is trash these days.

 

I have to ask - is there a remote start on this vehicle? I had a similar situation a couple years ago where a remote start was keeping the starter engaged after starting, as negusm mentioned.

 

No remote start. I don't have any after market electrical. I did just change a headlight bulb the same day as the starter but don't see how that could have caused the short. Seems more likely it's something to do with the starter change. Havent had to do any electrical problem solving on this '99 before though so maybe I'm way off

 

Is the alternator charging the battery? Get out the multimeter and check voltages. I can't see how a bad starter would kill the engine once it's running.

 

I was thinking maybe an internal short inside the replacement starter that's draining the battery faster than the alternator can charge it. OR - there's also a problem with the alternator (brushes worn)? Just a couple thoughts.

 

I think there must be a drain somewhere. My battery pulled 0.3v and my front right headlight is now not working, bulb and fuse are both good. Haven't checked the alternator yet.

 

You certainly have a short somewhere. Disconnect the battery terminals and charge the battery. Connect the negative side cable. Use one of those inductive type amp meters to estimate the current going with the positive cable connected to its post. If there is a short, you'll see a large current Do not use a regular amp meter as the large current will blow the fuse on the amp meter or will destroy it.
If you do see a large current, disconnect the battery, disconnect the power to the starter and repeat the above steps. If the short goes away, it is the starter.