From: mfj1952deletethis@cox.net   
      
   Rastamon wrote:   
   > 93 4Runner 3VZ-E   
   >   
   > At first it would not start, unless jump started.  While running, it would   
   > all of sudden stall.  Tried to crank it, battery dead.  While the key in the   
   > ON position, no lights on the dash, then a few minutes later, power again,   
   > but would not crank.  The battery is about 3 years old, and still under   
   > warranty, so I got it replaced.  After replacing the battery, it started   
   > fine, and I removed one of the terminals to the battery to check if it was   
   > the alternator, It still ran.   
   >   
   > I'm thinking if it's the alternator or one of the relays near the battery.   
   > Any other suggestions or tests I can do?   
   >   
   > Thanks in advance.   
   >   
   >   
      I had a problem recently with a horn malfunction and tried to   
   determine where the relay was for it.  An online diagram showed it in   
   the side panel just left of the clutch, but the module I thought to be   
   the relay would not budge.  After going to the city library and   
   confirming this location, I also noted in the factory manual at the   
   library that the relay popped out of a small holder that was attached to   
   the fuse/relay box.  That holder had, over time, filled with water that   
   dripped in on that sidewall from a damaged door seal.  The flow was just   
   right that it dripped onto the relay filled the cavity of the relay   
   holder, and corroded everything in place (including the base contacts on   
   the relay itself).  I replaced the 15amp fuse, fought to get the relay   
   out of the holder, cleaned the contacts on the wire harness connector   
   with a small popsicle stick and a piece of scotchbrite soaked in   
   alcohol, stuck a new relay in and the horn works again.   
   My point is, if the door seal is not tight on the drivers side, just   
   forward of the wing vent window on your 93, water can migrate straight   
   down behind the panel and start a corrosive process.  Then it seems when   
   it is damp outside or is raining, the problems start due to increased   
   conductivity.... or resistance buildup in the case of corrosion.  And in   
   my case, that relay and fuse block was under a constant small trickle of   
   water when it rained.  I don't remember what other functions were on   
   that block, but it might be worth looking in to.   
      
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