1989 1st Gen 4Runner No Start, No Click, No signal to starter

Spent some time searching through old threads here and on other sites and did not find my specific problem (I did try the other solutions as well as seen below).

This issue has come up after the key was left in the "ON" position for at least 2 - 3 weeks.

I charged the battery and nothing would happen. Cleaned terminals, verified connectivity. Battery is charged and is holding charge.

Here is what is happening:

• Turn key to on position, break indicator light shows on the dash as normal
• Turn key to start position and break indicator light dims very slightly
• I notice there is no back light to the clutch start cancel (use to be)
• No click, no start, nothing else

What I have tried so far:

• Turned key to on position and jumped the starter - Did not fire at first - replaced burned out EFI fuse (not sure why this burned out), then fired up and ran
• Replaced with known working ignition switch cable
• Replaced with known working ignition cylinder
• Replaced starter relay with known working
• Verified clutch pedal engages clutch depressed switch
• Verified all connectors connected
• Replaced clutch engaged switch with verified working one
• Verified the CSC switch working properly
• Verified all fuses good

Thoughts?

 

I dealt with a VERY similar issue with my land cruiser, i spent like 6 hours with a voltmeter, new battery etc, it end up being the ground wire from the negative post on battery to the body.

 

I am still thinking potential ground, but not sure where. I did go and check the post to body and engine ground. No change after cleaning. I have a thing for 928s and they are all about grounding. Toys are so much more forgiving, but this has me baffled.

 

I am not able to find any grounding issues. It seems like there is no signal getting to the starter from the ignition. Are there any fused relays on the 89 that I might have that went out? Or is there and connections (breakpoints in the wires) between the ignition and the starter? I am not aware of any. I rebuilt the harness on my 79 and I cannot recall anything other than straight lines between the points (ignition to starter)... in this case, ignition to starter relay then to starter. those may be points to check continuity.

 

For those of you playing the home game and for future reference:

After chasing all the wires and replacing cables, I pulled the main fuse (80 amp) and it had learned it had melted into the case and was non op (could not remove it, fried completely). Fortunitly I have a couple parts 4runners, a quick swap and all is good. During my hunts I found many questionable wire connection by the PO that likely lead to this roasting. Everything else looks solid.

I'll put the interior back together this week and she will be out climbing next weekend.