Dead start issue

I have a 96 DLX Tacoma 4x4. It has been having a dead start issue all yr. When I go to start I get 2 clicks on the ignition I have lights on in dashboard, I turn over and...nothing. Instrument panel goes blank. No power. Then, as you keep turning the ignition the lights become dim to bright to the Taco actually starting. I have had it towed many times just the way it sits after a dead start and gets to shop and it starts right up. Both mechanics think I'm crazy because I've replaced everything except ignition and ignition switch. Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

Let's start with you listing out "everything except ignition and ignition switch" that you have replaced. Everything seems to mean different things to different people.

Say... have you replaced the battery and alternator?
Have you checked the ground cables? One on the engine block under the oil filter and one to the inner fender near the battery?

 

How’s the battery terminal connectors?

 

New battery, new starter, new battery ground wire inner fender (was gone for some reason), checked all ground wires as questioned, have not done alternator as it checks out when I run a diagnostic on it

 

Battery terminals are new as well.

 

Thanks for the feedback! Much appreciated

 

Sell your truck it seems to not like you!!

Do you have a good ground at the starter?

I have had to run a ground to the starter bolt.

Has the positive cable to the starter ever been changed??

Does this happen only when the truck is hot after towing things are cold it starts right up??

 

Can't sell my 96. 350,xxx good miles on the same block 3 timing chains in. Truck is very important to me. I have inspected the ground to starter and looks good from what I see. However, I will get down there today and look again. Maybe I just run a new ground as you did. Seems like this happens when I do a short run. Like go to drive through stop and eat. Wont start or like yesterday, go to get gas. Gas pump out of service. Start up move get gas, and go to leave nothing..

 

You have tested the voltage at the starter Solenoid when it will not crank

You do know how to test if you have a good ground at the starter ??

Do a voltage drop test at the starter??

You might not know.

 

Honestly I did not know. I will try it out for sure. Thank you very much for letting me know. I learn so much here

 

Finally back on; Long story short it was a loose ground wire coming off starter. Found from wiggling the big group of wiring in a bundle and heard some faint shorts I thought. Tightened up was fine. Sold Truck recently after many good years. Just my Gen 3 now