98 Tacoma won’t start after replacing battery, likely security system issues

So I’ve read other threads on here similar to the issue I’m having, but nothing is seeming to work.
Here’s my issue: I had my truck sit for about a year without touching it and went to go try and start it one day, however, the battery was no good. I replaced it with a new one, and initially it wouldn’t start. No crank at all when trying to start, but all electronics were working and battery voltage was good. After reading around online, I read that if you put the key to the “on” position in the ignition while reconnecting the battery, it resets the security system, so I tried that and it worked. I used it for about a month before I took the new battery out to put in a different vehicle of mine. After about two weeks, I got another battery and again it wouldn’t start. I tried putting the key to the on position again when reconnecting the battery, but I had no luck. I retried disconnecting and reconnecting the battery then also tried locking and unlocking the driver door with the key, but still nothing. When I have the key in the on position, there’s a clicking noise like when the blinker is on and the factory security light is blinking.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to fix this? I’ve searched all over for an answer, but to no avail. Is there a fuse I can pull possibly? I’ve looked for a security reset button as other people have mentioned, but can’t find one on my model. As well, I don’t have a key fob remote, I’ve always used the key to lock/unlock it. Thanks in advance for any input, all input is greatly appreciated!

 

Any aftermarket electronics on the truck?

Also, have you inspected all the wiring to check for issues from rodents? I’d check everything under the hood and the steering wheel for something that stands out.

 

I'd also start looking for what type of security system you might have. Being a '98, I'd lean toward an aftermarket system, but I could be wrong. Remove the lower portion of the drivers side dashboard (below the steering wheel) and look for wires that are tapped into and follow them.

Think these kinds of taps (if it were installed by a aftermarket shop):


A factory or dealer installed system might be a RS3000 system, and I believe it would be behind the drivers side kick plate.

You need to find out what you're up against.

 

Nope, this truck is literally as bone stock as the day it came brand new from the factory in 1998. I did do a thorough visual inspection on the wiring among many other things, however, found no issues. The funny thing is I had it parked in the back part of my land where there’s bound to be some field mice and it started up just fine that first time. I drove it about 20 miles to my suburban home garage with pest control out the wazzo and continue to drive it afterwards all acting like a good ol’ Taco does. It was only after removing the battery and later and replacing it that second time that I’m having this issue
To exactly describe how stock this truck is, my dad who was 46 at the time of buying it brand new and only changed wear and tear things, drove it till he gave it to me as a daily so nothing aftermarket whatsoever.

 

Oh yeah, there’s definitely not any taps in there whatsoever, I’m about to take pics and vid when I get home to better show what I’ve got going on!

 

Okay, so he’s some pics and a vid of what I got going on. I have negative terminal disconnected for an hour (excessive probably, I know) with the key in the on position. I connected the battery terminal, and immediately I hear the noise that’s in the video. I included a pic the dash fuse box too. Maybe there’s something I’m missing that y’all may see?

video: https://youtube.com/shorts/2j_LL8zniKM?feature=share

 

Another additional piece of info, I’m not sure if locking then unlocking the driver door was able to reset the security system. However, my luck has it that the key only locks the door and won’t unlock it. Works perfectly fine on the passenger door, just not the driver door. Graphite spray maybe?

 

That's aftermarket.

You have to take the panel off to see what they spliced into. You'll be looking for where the wires go, and then looking for a model number on that unit.

I'd also bet there is a bypass button hidden somewhere. Did you check out the fuse interior block?

And your key doesn't work because either the key or the lock cylinder pins are worn.