1999 Tacoma intermittent starting issues

Hey guys I’m currently having an issue with my Tacoma I have a 99 single cab Tacoma with a manual trans and a 2.7 recently I have had an issue where when I turn my key to accessory or on the lights on the dash flicker and go out or stay very dim after this happens the truck will not start and the lights will not work or any of the functions the only thing that does work is the chime for the key being in while the doors open I have replaced the ignition switch believing that was the issue but I was wrong

 

What do your battery cables/connections look like?
Have you had the battery load tested?

 

I I have and the battery is still good I replaced it a little over a year ago with an agm battery the truck will start just fine most of the time but intermittently I turn the key the lights on the dash come on and then I turn it again and they flicker and shut off and then the truck is dead today what fixed it for me was pulling the key back out of the ignition while turning it and the dash lights stayed on the whole time

 

That really sounds like a bad battery cable or a main power/ground connection.

What do your battery cables look like? Are they clean and tight?

 

You were right I checked my terminals and they were clean but the postive wasn’t tight it seems to work now but ima keep an eye on it just to be sure thanks again tho

 

The clamp itself is broken because you can push it farther down on the stud and tighten it but with the slightest wiggle it comes free and looses a up so I will need to replace that

 

Not uncommon with Toyota battery cables, typically it's from them being overtightened at some point.

 

Alright well I’m glad it was something simple thank you for the help

 

Just get the OE type :

$10 Battery Terminal Positive and Negative for Nissan Infiniti Toyota Lexus 90982-05035&90982-06022 24340-7F000&24340-7F001

https://www.amazon.com/X4XZ-90982-05035-90982-06022-24340-7F000-24340-7F001/dp/B09TB2WT6X?th=1

Do not use this. It will likely cause issues later.

 

Recently had similar issue. Fixed by cleaning connection at starter. The main ground is threw that connection. Haven't had any problems since.

 

No it is not!!

Your starter grounds through the Bolts into the bell housing.

A few times over the years I have needed to run a ground cable direct to a starter mounting bolt to cure a poor cranking issue.

 

Explain pulling the key back out while turning the lock cylinder please??

 

While I was turning the key I was pulling it back against the lock cylinder like I was trying to remove it while turning it and it worked but I think it was just a coincidence

 

Could you say more about this? I added this type of terminal connector but your post is making me wonder if I should switch back to OEM style.

 

The other type work for a while.
But are bad to corrode and loosen up where the cable is "clamped on" after about 5 years or so.
If it's on there already, just keep an eye on the 2 bolts and plate that clamps down on the cable.
If battery acid gets on them, it eats them up pretty quick.

 

While your neck deep in battery woes, might as well add a few extra cables to rejuvenate the stock system, they can really help. Suggestions:

1) Stock Neg. terminal has a big cable and small cable: replace the small cable with a larger one (10 gauge is good), and add an addition 6 gauge or better to an alternate location (bolts for fender are good spots).
2) run an additional cable from where the negative cable connects to engine block to a close grounded bolt (anything that connects to the frame).
3) I've seen some folks run an addition Pos cable to the connector on the alternator: I'd suggest watching a few vids on this so you don't blow anything by accident.

Make sure each connection point is cleaned with carb cleaner or similar, and brushed with a brass brush to clean off good.

The stock system is "OK" at best in it's new condition. After 25yrs it needs some support.