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+battery cable issues

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by Atomic Punk 70, Mar 31, 2020.

  1. Mar 31, 2020 at 12:07 AM
    #1
    Atomic Punk 70

    Atomic Punk 70 [OP] New Member

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    I'm doing some work on my 4runner and I was wondering if anyone could give me a hand with something. I have been trying for the last two days to find some information about replacing the whole+Cable from the battery, to the starter. NOTHING IS WRONG WITH THE STARTER I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT THE STARTER!!! Only the positive battery cable. There's something like a channel, a little 1x1 tunnel that contains the +cable and goes around what I believe is the oil pan. I cannot for the life of me, find a single damn picture of, or instuctional video on, How do you access that channel that this new cable needs to go through to get around the oil pan and continue on to the starter? I don't want to crack any of the plastic tunnel so I am trying to find out if there is some small bracket that could just drop the whole thing down? Thanks for reading this and any info you come across would be greatly appreciated!! My t4r is a 2001 sr5 w/4wd.
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2020
  2. Mar 31, 2020 at 2:33 AM
    #2
    captsolo

    captsolo New Member

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    nassau bahamas
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    Replace both cables to the battery. Cables that get old can keep a vehicle from starting.

    My mechanic replaced my 4runner starter in the driveway in 30 minutes in April 2017.

    If your starter is over 7 years old I'd replace it with a new AM starter from Amazon

    Rebuilding the solonoid I would not advise unless you like doing it over and over and over again!

    Just follow the red cable for power. That's the most likely one to fail.

    https://www.bing.com/images/search?...attery+cables+4runner+2005+pictures&FORM=IGRE

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV1t5-wcoOI

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOkrg_v9Pj4

    NOTE: I didn't replace either +/- cable on my 2005 4runner starter. Not yet!

    New starter at Amazon just $100. https://www.amazon.com/4runner-starter/s?k=4runner+starter

    BTW. I'd leave the + cable if it's a hassle getting out! JMHO



    BTW2. The OEM starter that came with my 2005 4runner failed at year #4. I had it rebuilt and that rebuilt one failed in 1 year. The dealer shop that was used for the "rebuilt" said they would replace their failed starter (rather than rebuild it again for FREE), but I said if I bought them a new AM starter would they install that instead. They said YES!

    That new AM starter lasted 4 years and it FAILED. Note: the AM starter lasted as long as the OEM (4 years).

    I replaced that starter with a Quality Built starter that came with a LIFETIME warranty. I called Quality Built to say "are you serious, lifetime guarantee"?
    QB said yes, just return the failed starter anytime and they would replace it - so I kept the box and receipt ($100) in my garage.

    So, if and when the QB starter fails I'm sending it back for a new one.

    I also purchased a new back up starter for my 4 runner for when the QB starter in there today fails, and I have to take it out and put in a good starter (while I wait for QB to ship me a "new" starter).

    True story SHMG!

    I live in Nassau, Bahamas and my 4runner sees more "starts" than the average Florida 4 runner. Probably twice as many "starts" per day/year.
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2020
  3. Mar 31, 2020 at 8:22 AM
    #3
    Atomic Punk 70

    Atomic Punk 70 [OP] New Member

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    I'm in the middle of doin just that! Did you read the whole thing or just the title? I have already changed the negative cable but I am having trouble with running the +cable to the starter.
    My t4r cables didn't "need" to be replaced I just put a new battery in and I thought What the hell as long as I did the battery why not throw on some new cables. Starter works fine so I'm not replacing it, just the cables.
     
    Last edited: Mar 31, 2020
  4. Mar 31, 2020 at 9:23 AM
    #4
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    It goes on the front of the oil pan, right? I read the "tranny pan" and couldn't picture it.

    I know this spot pretty well...and it is easily accessible during a T-Belt change when the fan and radiator comes out...and the T-Belt cover, etc.

    I don't think you can get to it to easily without removing the radiator. Never tried though.

    Does the car need a T-Belt? :)
     
  5. Mar 31, 2020 at 9:44 AM
    #5
    Atomic Punk 70

    Atomic Punk 70 [OP] New Member

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    No it doesn't. The t belt was changed 13k ago. I really want to change that cable but if I can't find any info on it I'm just going to have to accept defeat on this one! I'm really glad that someone has delt with this situation. Have you ever found ANYTHING as far as information on doing this and yes you are correct, it is the oil pan. My t4r didn't "need" to be changed I just wanted something to do while I am stuck at home. Never thought changing a battery cable could be such a pain in the ass. So did you ever find any information on this?
     
  6. Mar 31, 2020 at 9:56 AM
    #6
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Well, I didn't replace my positive cable. I just know the spot because you have to get to it to do a T-Belt change.

    Watch some T-Belt replacement vids and I think you'll see that area.
     
    Atomic Punk 70[OP] likes this.
  7. Mar 31, 2020 at 10:29 AM
    #7
    Atomic Punk 70

    Atomic Punk 70 [OP] New Member

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    Well I am glad someone is familiar with the area. I'm working with minimal tools and the truck is not on stands. I only was doing it because I was planning on putting some extra electrical wiring in the t4r to bring it into this century. Just some small things, not a huge draw on the system but I couldn't help myself. Let's face it everything is almost 20yrs old so I just wanted to freshen up the system a bit. Down the line I'm replacing the cigarette lighter and the 2 extra power ports with a voltmeter and USB plugs and a little LED light set up for the interior so I wanted to give the main power system an upgrade.
     
  8. Mar 31, 2020 at 12:42 PM
    #8
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    I wouldn't replace the starter on a third gen. Mine is 18 years old and cranks just perfectly. Everyone seems to just rebuild the solenoid and has good luck as that is the part that wears.
     
  9. Mar 31, 2020 at 12:57 PM
    #9
    Atomic Punk 70

    Atomic Punk 70 [OP] New Member

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    Okay if you read the whole thread you would see that I have no interest in changing the starter the starter is fine I am looking for information about running the positive wire all the way to the other side of the engine nothing at all to do with the starter starter is great
     
  10. Mar 31, 2020 at 1:01 PM
    #10
    negusm

    negusm New Member

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    Yes, I can read. Topics don't stay on track always and shift side to side.

    'tis the internet after all.
     

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