A friend has a 94 4runner (115k) with an electrical problem.
Chassis electric cuts out (gauges drop, windows wont work, lights go out). Radio still works and vehicle runs fine. After it is parked she is unable to get it to come out of park.
This problem occurs intermittently.
Fuses are OK and after the battery is disconnected and reconnected (reset?) things are ok till the next time is goes out.
Short? Cold solder? Voltage regulator.
I would inspect the battery cables very carefully for a broken wire.
Sure sounds like an intermittant wire or connector somewhere. Considering the MILES of wire in a modern auto, good luck!
Also, check the Fusible Links...one may have just worn from age, but hasn't quite snapped yet, or the isulation is JUST holding it together.
This is NOT going to be fun! You'll have to check a LOT of wiring, but given the symptons, you're looking for something VERY dlose to the start of the electrical system; wiring to the battery, alternator, the Links, the fuse block under the hood and the connectors under the hood.
Try jiggling, re-connecting, etc with someone turning the key occasionally to narrow it down.
I'd use some rubber insulated gloves and goggles while doing this chore, myself...
Also check the wiring to/from the key switch, and the switch itself.
Besides the suggestions that others have posted, check the ground for the fuse boxes under the dash and in the engine compartment.
The Electrical Manuals usually have a Power Source tree-like diagram. This used in conjunction with a table of symptoms can lead to a specific 'branch'. The same documents have location information for all electrical components.
I don't get paid for this (and that's not a hint)...
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