random starting with no key in ignition? HELP?!?!?

So a few minutes ago my brother came inside and informed me that my truck was running and had the head lights and tail lights on. I went outside to see what the hell he was talking about since it had been sitting for a few hours and was not running when i went out side about a half hour ago. Sure enough the engine was running, headlights were on, tail/brake lights were on, doors were locked(like i had left it), and the interior lights were not on. No key was in ignition and ignition was still in the off position. I put the key in and rolled it to on and off a few times which had no effect. i rolled the key to the start position which shut the engine off, but the head lights and tail lights stayed on. I started the engine again with the key and rolled it to the off position but the engine stayed running with all the exterior lights on too. i then unhooked the negative battery terminal first then the positive terminal, but the engine kept running and the lights stayed on. i rolled the key to the start position again so it would shut off, so now the truck is sitting with the battery unhooked.
This thing has me baffled as to what the issue might be, so if anyone has any idea of what has happened or any idea of what i can do to fix the problem it would be extremely appreciated.
2002 Tacoma TRD SR5 4x4 w/diff lock

 

Wow the only thing I can think of is your brother is playing a joke on you(which I guess is not the case right?). It doesn't seem possible for a starter to just turn over just because and get the engine to just turn on. And to prevent it from starting you could just pull the fuel pump fuse/relay, no fuel=no start. I know older vehicles you could start and take out the key and they would keep running,but starting by themselves that I never heard of or seen.
Post any further details or findings

 

I would like a video of it running without the key in.

 

GHOSTS!!!!

 

OP: Your post is 19 days too early. Fail.

 

its never done this before, at least to my knowledge anyway. I don't understand it at all. My brother is an idiot when it comes to vehicles so he's not messing with me.
its currently sitting with the battery unhooked, but if it does it again once i hook the battery back up i'll record it and post the video.

 

If it were to start with the battery disconnected then I be real worried......

 

i actually tried that, just to make sure i wasn't going crazy.

 

There's something way wrong for all this to happen at the same time. The most that's ever happened to mine was the starter contacts needed cleaning and if the starter got hung it would keep cranking with the key out of the ignition.


That makes no sense for it to run with no key in it though. Thats some major electrical gremlin right there

 

I don't think it would have any effect on anything but im totally lost so all bets are off. i filled the tank up from half a tank with mid-grade (87 octane) gas yesterday but i normally run the normal grade 83.

 

Just a guess... Your 87 octane is regular gasoline, and the 83 is 10% ethanol, which by mixing with 83 octane produces the equivalent of 87 octane. Cheap ass government subsidized garbage corn gas = big profits for big ag and big oil, and big campaign contributions keep rolling in for politicians.

Still 19 days too early.

 

Maximum Overdrive? Really jackass? Let me guess; when you order a clutch you have to double check to make sure it has reverse don't you?

 

well my apologies for not catching the obscure 80s reference. born in 93

 

what movie is it exactly?

 

Go to your GM dealer and tell them you need a ignition switch.
That probably won't work. But you still need a ignition switch.

 

Look for a previously installed remote start on your truck. Probably under the dash. If it's there it could be malfunctioning.

 

Aw, you take all the fun out of it. We coulda milked this guy for all kinds of spooky shit.

 

Stephen king man

On the other issue I have no idea unless there is a remote starter installed that is somehow being accidently engaged.

 

I see no one has thought of the possibility that truck might be a decepticon!

 

I have an aftermarket alarm system with remote start and my truck has done this to me a couple times. Although disarming the alarm and turning the key to on, and back off is sufficient to make it stop.