May have killed my taco..penny for your thoughts

For the record, the battery was past its expected life time, and I was justified in changing it out, even though it didn't solve my no crank no start only click issue.

 

Could the starter have been under water? That wouldn't explain the ding ding or codes, but I submerged a land rover starter and eventually all I got was clicking...

 

I'm thinking I should upgrade my battery wiring harness, its had corrosion multiple times over the years on the ring terminals and the exposed portions of the cable coming thru the crimped terminals.. The OEM one I already got a price on. its 573$. If there's an aftermarket set that anyone has installed on 1st gens that has done well, shoot me a link.

 

It was most certainly underwater, its on the passenger side. could have corrosion on the connections down there too. Really bummed its single digits outside. It's sunny, but 7" of snow and single digits. as soon as I can I'll get down there and check it out. Man, I wish that one member was still making custom harnesses his kits look good.

 

The starter had to have been under water as well. But it starts up after charging the battery so you must have have a parasitic draw somewhere.

 

I think you need to go with the company vehicle (and I'm sure you already know this as well).

You can't turn down a company vehicle, then run into predictable vehicle issues immediately, especially at a new job. The big plus with your Taco is you saved it from the ditch and the WV shop; you can take some time getting it back in tip top shape from here, if needed.

Edit: just don't try to drown the company car, too

 

I agree Schlapp. I really enjoy driving my truck and all, and would greatly enjoy the stipend money(mileage), but you're right.

 

Not going to let it deter me from getting it sound as I can in the next week and a half. Got till the 3rd. But I will accept the company vehicle. Oh, I did have a battery light on the dash this morning. I don't remember seeing it yesterday morning, both mornings same symptom, click, no crank no start.

 

I'm going to order a new starter. Like I've said before and I'll say again, I don't mind throwing parts at it, due to its age. That's the original starter to my knowledge, I bought the truck at 63k from the original owner(Karl Malone Toyota in draper Utah), highly unlikely original owner changed it with that low of miles on it. Any good links to battery harnesses also throw at me fellas. 573$ is silly price for the OEM. But I want one that's direct fit if it's aftermarket. Don't want to have to measure and crimp stuff.

 

I don’t have all my links or bookmarks since I sold my 1st gen, but people used to make and sell “the big three” upgrade wiring cut and crimped. Not sure if anyone is still doing that.

 

Yeah I stumbled upon a user that made them and sold them, but he was banned for some reason. His kits looked top notch though wish he was still here. The pos terminal had a voltage readout LED that was slick as heck.

 

https://www.jeepcables.com/products/tacoma-big-7-complete-kit-gen-1-1995-2004

 

CHECK OUT YOTA CABLES

 

TacoTu3 that set looks nice and the price is right as rain. Thanks im ordering a set now. This was long overdue. The silly OEM slip covers that 'supposed' to go over the posts have never fit and stayed. Even before I did the winch and sound system. Oh forgot to mention I found a set of JIS screwdrivers at O'riellys yesterday, was surprised. They only had one set, I bought them for my friend that has helped me wrench in the last few weeks a number of times. I ordered myself one as well, it'll be a few days .. I think titan brand.

 

Gonna go see if it starts up. 7degrees it’s been off for a few hours now. If I can pop the hood I’ll poke around maybe snap a pic of my crap show oem harness

 

Me? I’d replace the tensioner pulley and idler pulleys. Those will def f up your day.

 

I bet the starter is failing. I had very similar issues back with my first gen where it would click but no crank. Same thing as you changed the battery but still would happen sometimes.

Starter was failing and showing signs intermittently.

 

You’ve mentioned the battery light was on, was the alternator suspected to be in water too when dipped in the ditch?

 

As far as the alternator being completely submerged I don’t think so. The truck was on a tilt toward passenger side. But it could have been in water some.
It is charging the system . 13.9-14.1 when running. I’m ordering big 7 harness upgrade that taco linked to, along with a new starter today.
Found another issue, flipped the heat to cold and pushed ac button, still blew straight hot. Pulled the knob cap off and turned the pot by hand, turns but did nothing , just blows hot not even cool air, or ac ‘d air. I’m gonna have to yank the dash cover off and look around in there see what it looks like. Didn’t notice rpm change when I pushed ac button either.
I’ve only addressed the tip of this iceberg it seems. Drives good though!

 

Check the heater control valve on the firewall 1st, that might have broken or gotten unhooked