04 Taco electrical problem

I've got an electrical issue! Intermittent problem with truck not starting with key but will when towed. Radio, wipers, turn signals, dash clock, and possibly other items won't work also. Replaced the ignition switch but no change. Fuses are good. Does anyone know of a connector common to these functions that might be loose?

 

When won't the radio, wipers, turn signals, clock NOT work? All those accessory items will switch off when the key is in "Start" position.

Check your battery connections. Make sure they're clean and snug. Sometimes the inner core of the wire gets corroded.
It sounds like a bad starter solenoid or connection at the solenoid. Turn the ignition key on. Test how much voltage you have to the starter.

Most auto parts places will do a free battery test for you. (Just so you can rule out a bad battery)

To test for a bad wire:Take a jumper cable from the battery negative to the block. Test for engine start.
Then move the jumper cable wire to the HOT post at the starter and the battery. Test for engine start.

 

The radio, wipers, turn signals, clock don't work at all, even with the key in any position. The instrument cluster lights do work though. The battery tested good at local NAPA and terminal connections were cleaned prior to re-installing; however, I'll do the suggested paralleling of the wires tonight to rule those out. The cables look so clean I guess I took for granted they were good.
I'm most sure the problems stem from a connection but not sure where!

 

These trucks have 2 Ignition leads. It could be potentially that you are having issues with the White lead while the white/red lead is fine which is to keep the engine running after starting. The white lead is what provides power to the Accessory circuit, and starter.

 

Well that makes sense! You may have something there! I'll definitely check into this tonight.
Thanks.

 

This May help as well. See attached

Look at Items AM1 and AM2.

AM1=40amp Fuse for your White (Start/ACC) Ignition Wire

AM2=30AMp Fuse for your White/Red (Running) Ignition Wire

Help you narrow down possibilities.

 

Thanks so much!

 

Just here to help. Good luck keep us posted.

 

I would remove and clean all the battery ground cables.

So when you turn the key you get nothing?

 

Ok guys, I had time last night to work on issue again. Interesting find!
The AM1 White wire suggestion was spot on, with a twist! Some previous owner, I suppose, had a GPS locator/tracker device installed (I Googled the number on the label to see what it was) with its power coming off the white wire. Installer cut white wire and added a relay and the GPS device. It was a very inconspicuous installation with everything taped up nice and neat with factory looking tape and the unit glued to back of a dash panel. After removing their stuff and butt splicing the white wire back together everything is back to functioning normally. The Taco is back on the road! Now to get my Cat D4H in the shop to see why the blade won't lift! Thanks for the help!

 

Thats great! Glad you got it resolved. Sounds to me like he had a GPS immobilizer installed.

 

Yes, that's what we (my buddy who owns the truck) and I figured. He's owned it for several years and has put over 250,000 of its 300,000 miles on it. After talking to some of our friends in the auto business we concluded that since he financed it with the dealer that he bought it from they installed it prior to him taking possession of it. And to clarify, its been paid off for some time now.
Thanks again for the help. We're not auto mechanics, just common sense do it yourself farm guys!

 

Nice job
Russianman92 !

 

Thank You! Just glad it was that simple.