I have a 1998 4Runner with a 4 cylinder engine. I tried to start it this morning and it took 3 times for it to start. The first two times it seemed like the battery was dead (i.e. no engine noise) however the radio came on (I can't remember if any of the dash lights were on). The third time it started right up. I took it to AutoZone and they said the battery, alternator and starter were fine. This may be unrelated but I will mention them anyway. A few days ago I noticed that my clock seemed really dim. Since then it has been fine. Also for quite sometime now, I have been having intermittent problems with getting power from the cigarette lighter socket.
I have recently been having the same problem with my 98 4 Runner 6 cylinder (146,000 miles). I had the battery replaced and the alternator tested fine at two seperate toyota dealerships.
The engine usually turns right over - 1st try, but I notice that if the truck sits for a few days, it has a tendency to not start on first try. Sometimes I here a clicking noise coming from the left side of the engine when I turn the key. When this happens, it will start after subsequent tries three or four times turning the key. The dealerships that I go to have been unable to duplicate the problem, so this has not been fixed and it is still an issue.
If anyone has any insight as to what the problem could be, please let me know.
We, too, have a 2WD in-line four 4Runner (86K) and so far nothing like that in the first description, it cranks, though there's been times when it took a second key-turn to start-not like the description. So I checked all the grounds, checked the battery, checked the plugs, cleaned the air filter though it didn't need it, checked the rotor and cap and chipped off that little bit of aluminum oxide and it still does it from time to time. Checked all the lines, checked electrical connections, tested the engine. Compression is fine, everything seems to be fine. I even tried wiggling wires and drinking coffee while standing on one foot and eyed the neighbor's cat as a sacrifice to the gods. I know what you mean though, that hesitancy to start. The people on this NG are really sharp and someone probably has an answer.
I have a 97 4 cly engine 4Runner. It now has 207K on it. About 90K ago, I stalled the engine (manual) and it wouldn't start. It turned over, but it was like it was not getting fuel or spark. On the third try (perhaps the magic number), it started. That happened 3 times. Since then, it never happend again. I do my own work and have checked everything and found nothing wrong.I blame the computer. Perhaps it was in a reset stage.
As for your problem, since the cigarette lighter isn't working, I would tear into the dash. It's fairly simple to disassemble, but take your time. You don't want to break the plastic bezzle. Once you get that off, I would check the wiring. It's quite possible that you have a short. Maybe the cigarette lighter feed fell off and is touching ground.
On a lighter note, once you have that repaired, keep the car. Just change the oil and maintain it. It will last forever. At 207K miles, I replaced rotors once (they didn't need it, but at 150K, I decided it was time. And changed the drums at 203K. I finally am replacing the exhaust manifold, which cracked at 50K, but only because the check engine light is on all the time now. The only "major" repair it's going to need is that the syncs in the manual tranny are going out and it sometimes pops out of gear when I release the clutch. Other than that, it's a great on and off road vechicle.
That's neat to hear. We like our Yoda and it's been a real trooper for us. Is yours the 4WD (if they made it that way) or 2WD? We stuck on a ARB Airlocker and you wouldn't believe the places we've taken it. Let's see, yours is the 2.7 L, right?
I have the exact same problem. I turn the key and it clicks one time for every key turn or one time for every clutch push. Eventually it starts and runs fine though. I thought it was the battery so I replaced it and it didn't work. 1 dealership said there was nothing mechanically wrong with my car maybe it was the clutch switch. I replaced it. It didn't work. The next dealership said it must be the battery and the starter. Since I previously replaced the battery I think they are giving me a line. I'm thinking it is the positive battery cable from the battery to the starter since the problem is intermittent. Some days it starts right up other days it takes 10 mins. I'm thinking its not the starter or the problem would be consistent. If anyone has any other ideas please please please let me know.
Yup, 4WD for me. I figure about 10% of all my driving is off road. Mostly in northern Nevada. I have a 2.7L in mine also. You know, I really don't like the new 4Runners. Cost too much and you can't get them in a stick. At the price of gas, I don't want an 8 cyl! Mine is all stock except for the K&N air filter.
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