No Crank No Start After Transmission Swap

So, I swapped out a used automatic transmission on my 1993 Toyota 4 runner, automatic, 4x4, SR5, 6v, 3.0, with the hopes of keeping it from getting towed. It is in my buddy’s shop still. We kind of messed up by removing the wrong bolts on the starter and put it back together after it came apart.

It seemed to be fine, but after the tranny swap the starter wouldn’t engage.

1. We replaced the starter and it still will not engage.

2. I took off the shifter link to see if it was not in park due to improper
install, but no matter where I put the shifter it still will not engage
the starter.

3. I have radio, window and lock action, the dash lights up bright and the
battery tests full.

4. On the starter wires I have continuity between the two connecting
wires.

5. All the wires seem to be connected, functional, and the battery is well
connected.

6. I have not tested the alternator, but everything worked fine before the
tranny swap.

I don’t know much about transmissions, that is why I took this leap of faith. So does this troubleshooting process lead me to a sensor that is not working in the transmission? Is it the shift position sensor? What other sensors would cause this problem? Did I miss anything but the alternator in my diagnosis leading of to the transmission? Everything worked fine before, and the starter was replaced, so if the transmission swap changed that then must it be the transmission? Please help.

 

You should get the wiring diagram for your car. Study it and see what participates in the starting process.

You can have a bad ignition switch, bad starter relay, shift position switch or bad wiring.

If your starter relay is clicking, then you have power to that and can ignore the ignition switch and shift position switch. Focus on the wiring to the starter.

If it isn't clicking, then you need to focus on the relay and the wiring and circuit for the ignition switch and shift position switch.

I doubt the starter was ever bad. The alternator should have nothing to do with a no start either.