Taco will not start without climbing under the truck and will not come out of Park

2012 TACO TRD OR 4x4 with 160k
Aftermarket cube lights
MattGecko Bed lights
No aftermarket stereo

July 20th I came out to clean the posts and terminals as it didn’t start the night before. Once done it started right up. Went to O'Reilly's to get everything to make these corrosion issues I've had for the last 2 years finally go away once and for all.

Came out of O'Reilly's and it started after I had to clean the terminals and posts. Once I started the battery light came on and saw the battery was running at 17V, I turned it off.

Tried to start it, but this time nothing. 4hrs later and talking to several O'Reilly's employees along with waiting 1.5hrs for a tow truck to come.

The tow truck driver knew what it was after asking questions. He climbed under the truck did something with his pocket knife, and it started.

He said something about the Starter Switch and/or Ignition Switch, but I was hot, tired and frustrated from this that I don’t remember exactly what he told me.

Also, I had to use the emergency push tab in order for it to get out of park.

I know the battery is good and is reading about 12.6V. Before this I've noticed it being between 13.5V and 14.5V when the truck is running. No issues with fuses checked both under the hood and inside on the drivers-side.

Once started the following dash lights lit up.


I had basics for what came on once the engine started that included the following:
Power Brakes
ABS
Power Steering
Hazards (No blinkers)

Driving home I punched the accelerator to make it through a light and I got everything that did work before, but these lights remained.


The backstory
It seems to all stem from July 20, 2018 AutoZone Catastrophe in giving me the wrong battery. They helped me “try” to install after I had issues getting it installed. Quickly realized they sold me a battery with posts being 180°.

I was unable to start the truck once the correct battery was installed due to their mishap, which caused the 140A fuse along with several other fuses to blow from the polarity being reversed. They made it right by paying for my truck to be towed and having someone install the 140A as well as the other fuses that blew as well.


Since then it’s been a nonstop battle of battery corrosion issues.

On July 26, 2019 I had lights come up and it ended up not wanting to start, which was very similar to what happened on July 20, 2020.

July 26, 2019 it took several hours of trying many things including cleaning the terminals and posts. It finally started, but I cannot remember for the life of me what happened to get it to finally start.

I found this when searching, but it doesn’t seem to fit my issues.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...brake-light-only-battery-slowly-dying.667843/

About a year ago I read on the forum contacts corroding

 

Wow! Wall of text.....

What does it do when it doesn't start. No history lesson just this:

I turn the key to the start position and this _____________________________ is what happens.

And this _______________ is what doesn't happen.

At 160K miles you are probably needing a starter solenoid rebuild.

 

Listen carefully when you turn the key and nothing happens. If you hear a very small click then nothing I would almost bet money that the starter solenoid is in need of a repair kit. Cheap fix.

You can buy the contacts and plunger new from Nations Starter and Alternator for about 30 - 35 bucks. Much cheaper than hundreds for a rebuilt POS from Autozone etc.

https://www.nationsstarteralternator.com/Starter-Rebuild-Kits-s/37.htm


Check this video for rebuilding the solenoid on the starter.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwokxzjlYcQ&feature=emb_logo

 

With the voltage spiking up to 17V, I'm inclined to think you have a faulty voltage regulator. I would also look and inspect the condition and connection of all grounds under the hood and 12V output to the starter.

 

I know the 17V was coming from this device. Not sure if that's to be taken with a grain of salt or not.

 

I was able to hear it bunch of repeated clicks then nothing. It did not repeat itself if it tried again right after. A few minutes in between and I was able to hear the repeated clicking.

 

Thanks, but since I've had battery corrosion issues the last two years and other shit. Better to put the whole thing in than being asked later for more info. Kinda why I bolded certain parts.
issues with cor

 

I would take it to Napa and have them test your battery, alternator, and starter. Maybe something on starter fried?

 

This would lead me to believe that it's a starter issue. The tow truck driver likely started your truck by bypassing the starter solenoid with his pocket knife. First and foremost, make sure your battery terminals are sparkling clean and tight! Remove the starter and bring it in to have it load tested.

 

Way ahead of you on cleaning the battery terminals. Also doing spray painting the tie down as the paint has been going away. Gives me an excuse to turn it Orange.