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From: Susan on 2 Oct 2009 22:23
On Fri, 2 Oct 2009 14:53:28 +0800, "snow" <snow(a)suchas.com.au> wrote:

>check your fuses first ,if not that it could be two of the batteries
>plates touching together when you try to start the motor,which will create a
>dead short ,i would try another battery first before the starter motor
>

And this would be the case even if the battery was working fine
before, is fully charged, and is fairly new? (But swapping batteries
is a good idea...! Maybe I could try the battery out of my folks 2001
Toyota Highlander.) Still, it seems like if it was a battery problem,
the battery would be low, dead or old. ?

IAC will try more stuff tomorrow, but was busy today all day, and now
it's dark.
From: Jeff on 3 Oct 2009 16:46
Since it's an automatic, the problem COULD be the Neutral Interlock
Switch. Located on the transmission, it prevents the starter from
engaging in any gear except Park (or Neutral).

The shifter IS in Park (or Neutral), right? Have you wiggled the
shifter while you attempt to start it?

From: Handyman on 4 Oct 2009 00:24
On Oct 1, 8:25 pm, Susan <su...(a)rooftop.com> wrote:
> Hey folks,
>
> 1991 SR5 4x4 Truck
>
> Kept in excellent condition. Parked it in the backyard and didn't
> happen to drive it for about 10 weeks. Had a solar charger attached to
> battery. Went to start it and nothing. Doesn't click, doesn't turn
> over, doesn't make a sound. The battery is fully charged (checked it
> with a battery charger) and the warning lights come on when I turn the
> key to the on position. Also has auto door locks and they spring up
> and down with the keyfob nice and strong, plus the headlights work.
>
> Things I checked:
>
> Not in gear
> Placed foot on brake when I tried to start it
> Alarm system is off as it should be
> Wheels are not turned
> Plenty of gas
> Distrubtor cap, wires and plugs under 1yr old
> Battery newer and terminals totally clean
>
> It was driving perfectly when I parked it last, and has not had any
> problems with starting or even intermittent problems starting.
>
> So with the battery good and strong, and NOTHING when I turn the key,
> are we looking at a starter that just died? Is that how they go? All
> at once?
>
> Thanks for any guidance.

I'd try jump starting first. That will rule out the battery. Also
try putting the transmission in neutral and starting, also back in
park. You may have to check the contacts on the neutral start
switch. Another thing to check is the starter relay. Usually a green
relay either under the hood or behind the driver's side kick panel
depending on the year. The starter contacts are a common problem but
you should hear the click of the starter relay and the click of the
starter solenoid if they were the problem.
From: Susan on 4 Oct 2009 01:08
On Sat, 03 Oct 2009 13:46:17 -0700, Jeff <Not(a)dot.net> wrote:

>Since it's an automatic, the problem COULD be the Neutral Interlock
>Switch. Located on the transmission, it prevents the starter from
>engaging in any gear except Park (or Neutral).
>
>The shifter IS in Park (or Neutral), right? Have you wiggled the
>shifter while you attempt to start it?

It was in park and I moved it out, then back in. Tomorrow I will try
putting it in Neutral to start (just to see) and then will try
jiggling while in Park to see if there is any response.

I live with my folks who are elderly and have been very busy with them
the last two days (and will be again tomorrow) so I haven't had the
time to devote to this that I planned on when I first made the post!
So I apologize for not being quicker with responses! Thanks again for
helping.
From: Susan on 4 Oct 2009 01:17
On Sat, 3 Oct 2009 21:24:20 -0700 (PDT), Handyman <sgt_az(a)yahoo.com>
wrote:


>I'd try jump starting first. That will rule out the battery.

I tried starting it with the battery charger attached and in the Jump
(or Start Engine) position. Made zero difference. No click. No
nothing.

> Also try putting the transmission in neutral and starting, also
> back in park.

Yes, I will try this tomorrow.

>You may have to check the contacts on the neutral start
>switch.

Okay, I will look for info on where it's located.

> Another thing to check is the starter relay. Usually a green
>relay either under the hood or behind the driver's side kick panel
>depending on the year.

How do I check it to see if it's bad? (Sorry for being so clueless!)

>The starter contacts are a common problem but
>you should hear the click of the starter relay and the click of the
>starter solenoid if they were the problem.

Yeah, no clicks, so I will look into these other suggestions! Thanks
for your help.
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