RZN 'Lux Electrical Problem

[Timmie]

I have a 2004 hilux with the 3RZ and recently it has been having the most bizarre electrical problem. Sometimes (it has been happening more frequently, but still completely random) when I turn the key from ignition to start, all the electronics in the car turn off.
The best way I can describe it is the same as a circuit breaker flipping in a house. The dash lights don't work, the headlights don't work, not even the dome light or the horn works.
It seems to sort of fix itself If I leave it for a few minutes or disconnect and reconnect the battery. This lets the lights and stuff work again and it usually starts the car when I try it, but sometimes I will turn to START again and it all shuts down.
I've looked through the electrical diagrams in my Haynes manual but can't find any part that would completely cut power from the battery to the rest of the car that isn't a fuse, and all the fuses are fine.
I think it might have something to do with the starter relay, just because it's when I try to start is when everything stops working.
Can anyone help?

[toyboyracer]

Buy a $4.99 battery post cleaning tool & clean the posts and clamps.

Pull out ALL the fuses in your fuse holders and look for corrosion / oxidization.

When it doubt just Inox the crap out of everything - IT'S SAFE TO DO

Could be a dodgy fuseable link connection on the + power cable too..

[Timmie]

I've definitely checked all the fuses and no corrosion. It could be a fusible link. Do you think the link could be partly damaged and failing under the heavy load of the starter? I thought they either worked perfectly or not at all. Also, the starter motor never actually turns over when this problem happens. As soon as I turn hte key everything shuts down. Thanks for the input though

[toyboyracer]

Worked on onough cars to see HIDEOUS fuseable links that have melted (almost) totally and where 1 strand of wire is supply ALL the power to the car

Did you do all the fuses (check) under the bonnet - Dodgy relays can also cause dramas.

[Timmie]

Yeah all the under hood and in cabin fuses are perfect. Inside the fuse box under the hood is pristine. No dirt or anything, you would think it was brand new .
Just looking through the electrical diagrams again. I can't seem to find a common fusible link that would shut down ALL the power from the battery. According to haynes, the interior dome light doesn't even have a fusible link in it's circuit. It only has a 15amp fuse which isn't blown.
I am really stumped. As far as I can tell, if a fuse or link somewhere has blown, then only that system should be shut down, not the entire car.
Is it possible a relay or something is shorting it? I honestly have no idea. I know my way around electrical diagrams and car electronics in general and it seems to me that this just shouldn't happen.

[toyboyracer]

Okay, switch the same EXACT relays around & if it's all good and then say the headlights only work sometimes you'll have found a dodge relay.

What about engine bay loom harness block connections ?

Pull them apart (uuuuuurrrgh) and again Inox the connectors.

[Timmie]

Good idea with switching the relays. I might try that.
I was also looking at the connection to the block and they didn't look very friendly to get to so I think I will try the other options first
Plus I had to drive it this morning so it is still bloody hot lol.

[Timmie]

Curiouser and curiouser.
I just had a look at my relays and according to the back of the fuse box, I have no starter relay installed.
Here is a pic I took

I don't know if that will work though, i've never used photobucket before.
Anyway, If there is no starter relay where there should be one, I wonder if someone has relocated it. Because the car still starts when it isn't having a tantrum.

[toyboyracer]

I wonder if someone has relocated it.
Because the car still starts when it isn't having a tantrum.

There's a statement only a $110 / hr auto electrician should utter !

[Timmie]

The damn car just played up again.
Here is a clearer picture of my under bonnet fuse box.

Does anyone know if either a) the fuse box lid isn't showing the right labels or b) my starter relay isn't where it is supposed to be?
This entire mystery is just too baffling
Thanks for any help

[toyboyracer]

You seem to be lacking ABS too !

[Timmie]

The abs have their own relays on the other side of the car. No idea why but they're in their own box and everything

[Timmie]

OK.
I've come to the conclusion that the only way this problem could be happening is if the battery is shorting itself out when the starter relay activates sometimes. For some reason.
Would it be more likely that the a)relay is shorting somehow, b) the starter motor is shorting or c) the wiring has lost insulation somewhere. Any of these options don't seem nice though

[pandaah]

have you tried another battery?

[Timmie]

Haven't tried another battery yet but the battery still seems fine. Has ~12.8Volts when car is off and connectors are good. Unless you are suggesting it could be somehow screwy inside?
It seems a good idea though. It's never shown any problems when driving. Just sometimes when starting.