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2001 4Runner wont crank

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Digologist, Apr 6, 2022.

  1. Apr 6, 2022 at 7:20 AM
    #1
    Digologist

    Digologist [OP] New Member

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    Hello. I just purchased a 2001 4runner limited. It has a new battery. The water pump and timing belt have been replaced. After getting the front of it all back together I found that the accessory lights come on but my starter will not engage. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks, John
     
  2. Apr 6, 2022 at 1:44 PM
    #2
    Kwikvette

    Kwikvette Kwik Fab

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    Are you getting a single click? Or none at all?

    Any engine codes?

    All your grounds good?

    I know just pulling off the valve cover, that wiring harness is brittle as hell. Make sure everything is intact.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  3. Apr 6, 2022 at 1:55 PM
    #3
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    You can directly jump the starter to see if it kicks over or is dead. But make sure the car is out of gear.

    If it is a bad starter, rebuild it...don't swap it for a cheap Chinese replacement.
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XlVmO8iaoI

    Otherwise, it's going to be somewhere in the wiring between the starter and the battery and maybe the ignition switch.

    Do you have a security system?
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  4. Apr 6, 2022 at 3:56 PM
    #4
    Digologist

    Digologist [OP] New Member

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    Hello, Thanks for responding. I am getting no click at all when I turn the key.
    I have not check it for engine codes but will try tomorrow, The ground from the battery seems to be tight and I replaced the battery post connector today.
    I did see a youtube video on resetting the immobilization ECU. Not sure it that will work. Security light flashes when I have the key in and try to crank it.
    Thanks for your help. I will keep you updated when I get it going.
     
  5. Apr 6, 2022 at 4:01 PM
    #5
    Digologist

    Digologist [OP] New Member

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    Hello, thanks for the info. When my neighbor pulled the front off to replace the water pump and timing belt, he never did anything to the starter and it worked fine last September. Of course I will try to jump it just the same. I have a feeling it may have something to do with the security system. I saw a video today on how to reset the ECU using a paper clip between a couple of pins. Not sure it that will work, but will try it tomorrow.
    If it turns out the starter is bad, I will buy one from Napa. Thanks for the imput. I will keep you up to date on my progress. John
     
  6. Apr 7, 2022 at 7:30 AM
    #6
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    No, don't get a cheap NAPA starter. Just replace the internal plunger and contacts. Cheap and easy and you still have a quality starter.
     
  7. Apr 7, 2022 at 7:49 AM
    #7
    Digologist

    Digologist [OP] New Member

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    Ok. will do. and thanks again.
     
  8. Apr 7, 2022 at 11:07 AM
    #8
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    PhantomTweak likes this.
  9. Apr 11, 2022 at 11:26 AM
    #9
    Digologist

    Digologist [OP] New Member

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    Hello, just wanted to share some great news on my 2001 4runner. I happened upon a short wire on the battery positive lead that had a connector but was not connected to anything. after looking around for a few seconds, I found the other end under the fuse box beside the battery. How the hell I missed that for so long, I will never be able to explain. when I plugged it in, the damn thing cranked over. I had to jump start it since I had drained my battery. But it is running now and my friend reset the chip key. Now I have to find the coolant leak. Thanks for your help. It was a newby mistake for sure. I will keep everyone up to date on the coolant leak problem.
     
  10. Apr 11, 2022 at 11:28 AM
    #10
    Digologist

    Digologist [OP] New Member

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    The starting problem was a wire that was not plugged in on the positve battery wire. It plugs in under the fuse box. Cranked up and ran great. Now I have to find and fix the coolant leak. Thanks for the help.
     
    Kwikvette[QUOTED] likes this.
  11. Apr 11, 2022 at 6:00 PM
    #11
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Thanks for the reply. Many don't come back and tell us what fixed it.
     
  12. Apr 15, 2022 at 12:41 PM
    #12
    Digologist

    Digologist [OP] New Member

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    Hello negusm, update on my 4 runner. I laid under the 4runner for and hour and a half with a inspection camera. The kind that has a tiny Camera and a video screen. Could not locate the source of the leak. Had it towed to a shop that had done work on my Silverado. The Water pump was leaking. I don't know what the guy did wrong when he installed it, but they are replacing the pump and Gasket. I just got tired of it sitting at my work. Its a bad neighborhood and with all of the catalytic converter thefts going on, I was always worried that they would get mine. It's cost me $400, but hopefully it will be on the road by Monday. Thanks
     

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