4Runner turns over when I push the clutch in.

So I have an odd problem that just started this morning. When I push the clutch all the way in (like to the floor) the 4Runner will turn over like its trying to start. The ignition is in the lock position with the key out of the ignition and it will turn over as long as I have the clutch pushed to the floor. It will not start just turn over. Any thoughts?

 

You are getting power to the starter relay.

Remove all aftermarket devices, especially alarms and security systems.

Then you will need to look at the wires that go to the starter relay. You didn't specify what year car you have but with a manual it will be 2000 or earlier.

The 2002 wiring diagram shows a few things that are connected to the starter relay.

A black wire with white stripe goes from the starter relay to the STA pin on the ECM. This also splits and is connected to the Neutral Position switch (for an automatic). I think a manual has a similar switch when you push in the clutch.

The other side of the Neutral Position switch is tied to the ignition switch and gets 12v when the ignition switch is on.

My guess is that your ignition switch shit the bed and has 12v all the time running through the Neutral Position switch.

I would test this out by checking voltage, with the key out at the Neutral Position switch.

 

Hey, thanks for the ideas. It is a 1998 V6 Manual. I disabled the remote unlock which is the only aftermarket electrical component I can think of in it. I tried (not very successfully) to find a wiring diagram, but what from what I was able to find and your info, it seamed pretty likely that it was a bad ignition switch, so I went ahead and replaced it but I am still having issues. But they are somewhat different than before.

So anymore I have not been able to get it to turn over with the key out of the ignition. However now when the key is on, and I push the clutch in, it will act like it is trying to start on a low battery (lights flashing and clicking noise). If the vehicle is running and I push in the clutch all the way, it will click and and the vehicle will die. I also just noticed that when the clutch is in, the break light will be on (for the parking break). All of this doesn't seem to happen every time, it seems like it happens more once it is warmed up a bit and it seems like it is getting worse.

I had heard that something similar could happen if the starter relay was bad/stuck, so I pulled it and tested it, and it appears to be working just fine.

Any more thoughts would be appreciated, and if you happen to have anyway of sharing the wiring diagram you have, I would be very grateful. I am unfortunately almost to the point of taking it to a shop which I would really rather not do.

 

https://ether3al.com/runner96-02fsm/wiring.html

Found this online version of the 2022 wiring diagram.

Did get a TOYOTA ignition switch? If not, I would try that. It's up to you but I never trust aftermarket parts anymore.

 

Do you have a "clutch start cancel button"? This is something that looks like it participates in the starting sequence.

You will definitely need a year appropriate wiring diagram to figure this out.

I would also make sure I ONLY get a TOYOTA ignition cylinder and supply the VIN to the dealer so they get you the correct part if there are different cylinders for Automatic/vs manual.

 

Found the problem! Rats made a nest on the wiring harness right against the firewall and had chewed on the wires causing a bunch of stuff to short out. Unfortunately where they chewed means that I am going to have to completely pull out the wiring harness to be able to repair the chewed wires.