Start by jumping, good battery test

Been having some starting issues with my 2008 4-Runner. Replace the battery in May 2023. I primarily only drive it on the weekends. I attempted to start it up a few weekends ago, and it wouldn't start. I jumped it and it started fine, drove it for the weekend and pulled it into my garage. Attempted to start it last weekend and it wouldn't start again. I had the battery tested at O-Realty's and the battery tested "good". When I attempted to start under the failed attempts all of the lights and dash functions just a click and not a continuous click.

Any ideas?

 

Welcome. I wouldn’t necessarily trust an auto part stores test of your battery. I’ve had these places give the wrong diagnoses many times in the past. Their goal is to get you to throw parts at a problem and not find the root cause. The issue that you have does sound related to the battery, so you’re on the right track.

When you jump it and drive it, does it need to be jumped again that day?

 

I was able to drive it the previous whole weekend with out jumping. Could there be a ghost short? I don't think this is a problem as the dash lights up as normal.

 

Sounds like a good battery and some type of parasitic draw. These are usually easier to find if some aftermarket accessory is causing it. Other 4th Gen owners may know of existing issues and will chime in shortly.

 

How long will it stay good if it keeps getting drained that low?

 

What’s your mileage? Could be the alternator.

 

#1 diagnosis method employed in the electronics sector, split the problem up...

Next time after you've driven it and go to park it for an extended period, fully disconnect the battery. The next time you go to fire up the engine after reconnecting it you'll find out if its the battery (without any discharge path) or something in your truck's electrical that's draining it.