wiring short - truck won't start

The starter circuit is really strange on these trucks. 1 ignition switch starter circuit feeds the NSS which then feeds the STA relay coil. The other starter circuit in the ignition switch feeds a contact in the STA relay. With the contacts closed, power is sent to the starter solenoid.

https://www.customtacos.com/tech.ol...6toyewd/06toypdf/ewd/2006/tacoma/h/em01d0.pdf

 

This is how to test the relay. Different vehicle, but same idea.
https://youtu.be/iWbZmi-Wsac

 

Okay excellent, thank you. I'll check the fire wall.
I do have the owners ,anual as well, yes.
The stero is unplugged. I sconnected it first thing after the short.

 

Hey dolbytone, thanks for the advice. I agree with you, I havnt seen this either with a stereo install. Would expect fuses to blow, and need to be replaced.

In answer to the questions,
1) no, haven't charged the battery. But that does not seem to be the issue. Lights are full strength in the ACC ignition position. Batt seems to be draining after I try to crank and get the click of death, but I've been leaving the wires disconnected unless im working on it.
2) I have not verified the charging system is good. Working on it. But, seems tricky without the truck being ablemto start. Trying to go through & test continuity but not finding a good ground in the cab. Chilton manual is helping me here. According to them, if the charge light is illuminated on the dash when the ignition key is turned on, its getting charge. Mine is on.
3) got just under 3k mi on the new motor.
4) same since motor swap to stereo install.

I think you may be right. Need some help on finding the fusesble links though. Where are they?

 

Thx! Yeah I actually watched this. Pulled the starter relay last night, and tested with a 9V battery. Seems to be actuating fine...
Ill check continuity this am.

 

You need to charge and check the battery before moving on.

 

Thank you. will do! I have pulled this fuse(?) before. it looks fine. but, i'll keep checking. thanks

 

Thank you for this wiring diagram. Printing it out now and will chase this down too.

 

Stereo was the last thing installed before the no start, proper diagnostic process entails working backwards from the last point of work.

Because of how the newer vehicles are set up, the stereo can definitely cause a no start. Just like a starter can cause battery drain even when it is not running.

Wiring is all interconnected these days. Since the truck did a bit of flash dance on the dash lights after the stereo, the logical step would be to check cables from the cab to the engine. It is possible that the battery is low, it is also possible that the stereo was crossed and burnt a relay or even the ecu.

ANYTHING is possible when it come to lectricity.....must think outside the box.

 

Were the engine not swapped, I would agree. I also don't totally disagree, yes you want to check the last work that was done. "Proper Diagnostic Process", however, is to begin at the power source and my comments are grounded on all of the information that was given, and some that was not, like the fact that the battery has not been verified good.

So, once again, now that the stereo has been given a quick once-over, start at the battery and go from there.

 

Op did say the engine RAN BEFORE the stereo install.......which the battery should be verified as good, yes, the real question is what went south when the stereo was hooked up?

The power wire for the stereo intersects with the ecu, bcm, air bag system and a couple of others.

The fact that he has power at the engine control box is a good thing,
The truck wiring needs to be checked, not the stereo.

Op really needs a Toyota wire diagram for said model. All else is academic.

 

Update: reconnected the battery this am.
Tried to start. made mulitplw clicking sounds. Like it’s trying to start.

With key in ACC position, I tried to turn the lights on- flash dance w dash indicator lights ensued.

I’m going to start chasing the lighting circuit now, see if somethings array there.

 

Have you put a multimeter on the battery to see what your voltage is?

 

Literally, personally had a fusible link fail as I was driving down the highway before. Know how the problem was found? I started at the battery and went from there. You might be super cool with throwing darts at problems, but it's impossible to move forward with confidence unless you check things off the list in logical order.

I don't know how old this battery is.
He said it hasn't been charged.
There's no reason to assume anything at this point so the only methodical approach is to verify the power along from its point of origin.

 

I’ve tried but IDK if I’m not doing it right or the battery is just dead. Meter reads nothing, no matter what setting it’s on.

On yall’s advice I am taking the battery out and charging. My charger says it’s dead.
I appreciate everyone’s ideas. No bad ideas here IMO. It’s all good, brainstorming etc.

Also- I should mention that the rear back up lights have never worked. I have not chosen to tackle that issue previously, but am now thinking it may be related to the short.

Pulled the rear tail lights out and turned the lights on again to test. They work.

So, I am thinking the short is in the back of the truck now near the bumper/ tailgate.
It’s a rusty mess back there w zip ties and tied wires, etc. so, yeah.

I’ll try and start it again after the battery charges, still w the tail lights out and we’ll see if it starts.

 

It actually does not have a window on this fuse..? Not sure how I tell if it’s bad

 

Good fuse-



Bad fuse-

 

Totally agree .Start with the basics before you start chasing your tail . Had a member on here had no start after doing cab mount chop .Checking everything and he concluded it was the computer .Recommended he check voltage at battery the post and go down the line . Finally said he cleaned battery post and it started .
Learned a long time ago not to assume things when working on cars . Wasted many minutes, hours assuming . Good luck op. Hope its your battery . Easiest fix

 

I should have quoted this .Well said

 

Thanks... wasted a whole Saturday chasin my tail today! Lol
Charged the battery. No difference. Same issue.

Even fixed a broken circuit to my tail lights (I think).
But, alas. Did not fix it either.
I have tore off multiple interior panels, center console, tail lights, etc now trying to chase wires.
Will keep at it. Thanks for the encouragement and advice.