Ask the Car People.SM


Toyota 4Runner Start Stall Problems

53 messages,  Last post on Mar 09, 2012 at 1:46 PM

You are in the Toyota 4Runner Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota 4Runner, Electrical, Engine, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 6

#11 of 53 Will not stay running! by benitoenr

Feb 17, 2007 (2:51 am)

I have a 1990 Toyota 4Runner, it is a V6, 4wd, and an automatic. It died yesterday and it was jump started to get it home. I replaced the alternator because it was bad. I had the old alternator and battery tested, the alt. failed the test and the battery was charged and tested good. When I replaced the new alt. the vehicle starts then dies. I checked the voltage and the electrical system and its good, I checked the fuel pressure and it was good. It has spark and power to start, but will not stay running. Could it be an electrical problem such as the computer due to the vehicle being jumped or a vacuum/fuel problem?

#12 of 53 Re: Will not stay running! [benitoenr] by trblss

Feb 20, 2007 (7:27 pm)

Replying to: benitoenr (Feb 17, 2007 2:51 am)
It sounds like the battery is not holding a charge. A weak battery may start the truck but it won't run. Try replacing the battery or check the batter voltage after it dies. A failing alternator can ruin a battery. Please post any results!

#14 of 53 Myster start up on 1990 4Runner by rustk

May 14, 2007 (9:18 pm)

I have a problem with my 1990 4Runner that really has me stumped. I go to start the truck and it starts fine. I get to my destination, turn off truck, it won't start again. I turn the key and absolutely nothing happens except a click. The alternator was bad, so we replaced it, as well as the starter, the battery and a cable to the battery. It started up just fine. And then it didn't. We wondered if it could be the clutch actuator (?) switch, since that has to be pushed in to start, and tried the clutch bypass switch, which worked once, but then AGAIN it wouldn't start. sometimes it seems to start okay if you wait ten minutes and try again. After a while, this drains the battery, though. Any ideas on what it could be?

#15 of 53 1990 4runner intermittent start by natandy48

May 25, 2007 (6:15 am)

I have a 1990 4runner, after going to destination, if i try to start,it only gets the solonoid click. wait a few hours and it starts right up. starter replaced 2 times new battery. mechanic says all electrical checked ok when it wouldnt start for him so he says it must be the starter again. 2 starters in less than 4oo miles. help!

#16 of 53 Re: Myster start up on 1990 4Runner [rustk] by trblss

May 25, 2007 (11:41 am)

Replying to: rustk (May 14, 2007 9:18 pm)
Sounds like a bad ignition switch. This truck does not have a relay between the switch and solenoid and over time the switch wears. I had the same problem and installed a 30A fog lamp relay before the starter...worked everytime. As a test: run a wire from the downstream side of the solenoid and tuck it away (insulated) by the battery...if the truck won't start touch the wire to the battery to spin the starter. Good luck and please post ANY results.

#18 of 53 Cold Start Problem by leah72

Jun 08, 2007 (8:49 am)

Please help!!! I have a 1992 4runner, what started off as a once in awhile starting problem in the morning(never when it is cold out, only when warmer weather) has turned into an every morning ordeal. The truck takes about 10-15 minutes to start,I turn the key and I must stomp on the gas the whole time and eventually it will start. Once it starts it is good for the day, it drives fine it starts great for that day. Just replaced fuel pump,filter,coolant temp. sensor, checked the cold start inject. timing switch, had it at three shops left it overnight for them to see and noone can come up with anything concrete. There are several more things they say I can try, but quite frankly I have spent enough money on things that have made no difference. Please help, single mother who knows nothing about cars!

#19 of 53 Re: 4Runner Starting Mystery - about to give up! [trblss] by 2bamboo

Jun 22, 2007 (9:30 am)

Replying to: trblss (Jul 21, 2006 10:54 am)
Wow, I am strangely happy to see that other people are having the same problem. We have a '91 4 Runner that periodically refuses to start, after getting us to the incredibly awkward place to be stranded. At first we thought it was an alarm system shut down of some sort that protects the awesome stereo that came with the car...but no manual included...but now we think it has something to do with the car thinking it's not in Park. Yesterday, after trying to push it away from the gas pump, where it refused to start up, and placing it in Neutral than Park again, it decided to cooperate and started. We have also replaced the starter, but that wasn't it. Maybe battery connection, but no. Turn the key, lights turn on, but silence. Next time you get stuck, try moving in and out of Park and see what happens. Let me know.

#20 of 53 Re: 1990 4runner intermittent start [natandy48] by vortiz

Aug 16, 2007 (1:32 pm)

Replying to: natandy48 (May 25, 2007 6:15 am)
I had the same problem. I replaced the starter and a week later there was this horrible screeeching noise, a thud and then then it died... I was able to start it up again and then it died again...
 
I was told it may be the engine or the belts. Checked the belts, they were fine. The engine, I was told, would cost me 2,000 for a rebuilt one. Is that normal?
 
I'm not sure if I take the 4Runner in, will I get screwed over? One mechanic that I called said that it wouldn't be worth replacing the engine on such an old vehicle.
 
I guess I should mention that it's a '91 V6 and has well over 220k miles... but I like my 4Runner... It has saved me from some heavy water and I hate driving the little cars.
 
Can someone point me in the right direction, please?

Messages Page 2 of 6

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement