88 Pickup won't start

Discussion in 'Maintenance/Repair' started by Erik Stine, Sep 15, 2017.

  1. Erik Stine

    Erik Stine Newbie

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2017
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Martinsville, Indiana
    Truck:
    88 Pickup
    Hey everyone,

    so I'm having this strange issue with my truck at the moment.

    When I initially insert the key into the ingition I get the audible buzzing sound and it sounds normal (sometimes), but when I turn the key to acc all my dash lights dim badly and the buzzing tone changes. The problem gets worse when I turn my running lights on (lights get even dimmer), and when i turn on the headlights the entire dash basically goes blank.

    Ignoring the dimming lights, if I leave them off and try to start the truck, when I turn the key so the engine will crank I get no clicks, no cranking, just dead.

    I know the obvious thing to check would be the battery, however it reads around 12.5 (battery is from 2015)
    There is corrosion around the battery terminals, but they're tight and I've never had an issue with this before.

    I've checked for any bare wires, like wires running through the firewall where the gromits have dry-rotted, but no dice, they're all good. I did however replace a blown 7.5A ignition fuse in the interior driver side fusebox, but that didn't even help the solenoid click.

    I'm pretty stumped on this one, any ideas?

    Thanks!
     
  2. jorge cruz

    jorge cruz Member

    Joined:
    Sep 2, 2017
    Messages:
    26
    Likes Received:
    17
    Location:
    Dallas TX
    Truck:
    1985 toyota sr5
    check battery ground cable.
     
  3. Erik Stine

    Erik Stine Newbie

    Joined:
    Sep 13, 2017
    Messages:
    4
    Likes Received:
    2
    Location:
    Martinsville, Indiana
    Truck:
    88 Pickup
    Thanks Jorge,

    I have two connection points coming off the neg terminal, one to the body and the larger gauge primary. I assume you mean just in general check the ground?
     
    jorge cruz likes this.
  4. flacostaco

    flacostaco Toyotaholic

    Joined:
    May 18, 2010
    Messages:
    1,162
    Likes Received:
    19
    Location:
    Corona Southern Cali
    Truck:
    87 pickup
    hows the battery sounds like it might be old and the cranking amps arnt enough to start it
     
  5. TRUCK ACTION

    TRUCK ACTION Grand Toyotaholic

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2008
    Messages:
    4,188
    Likes Received:
    600
    Location:
    Vallejo,Ca.
    Truck:
    88 Extracab,2wd
    Do a search on this site, I posted the problem & fix for not starting.
     
    Justintheegreat likes this.
  6. jetas

    jetas Grand Toyotaholic

    Joined:
    Mar 26, 2009
    Messages:
    6,655
    Likes Received:
    1,091
    Location:
    Oxnard, CA
    Truck:
    72.5 Hilux
    X2 on this. Used the same method on my truck when i rewired it, wasnt necessary buts its a solid crank every time
     
    TRUCK ACTION likes this.
  7. Ty Schmidt

    Ty Schmidt Newbie

    Joined:
    Jul 25, 2020
    Messages:
    18
    Likes Received:
    3


    I had a similar issue and found my starter wasn’t grounding properly. So I put a frame to nut on starter ground strap and it came to life.
     

Share This Page