In advance: Thank you to anyone who helps out on this issue, i really appreciate any info

Problem: Truck started having intermittent starting problems where power would instantly 'click off' Put key in ignition, go to turn truck over and instead get a 'click' (sounds like a fuse shuts something off) and power dies to the dash/ gauges/lights. Turn key off, and go to turn back on but battery gauge reads nothing, no power shows up anywhere. Let the truck sit for a little while and come back, put key in, turn to on, and power shows up regular strength again. If i attempt to start the truck the same thing listed above happens again.

The truck USED to be able to be jump started, but that no longer is an option. If i hook cables up to it, i can turn the truck over for as long as i want, but it sounds weak, as if it's not getting enough power to crank over. Battery is new'ish, and i have charged it and it reads strong (outside of the truck).

The problem originated from having corosion on the battery/terminals (i think). Ive had non-starting problems that were fixed before by just wiggling the battery cables on the battery.

I'm hoping/thinking that this could be a starter problem, but don't know quite how to troubleshoot this issue. Battery seems fine, cables could/should probably be replaced, (they look old), haven't looked at the starter at all, and don't know how to tell if it would be an ignition switch problem.

Thanks again for any input!!

My first thought will say to replace the battery cables. If you have power from the battery outside the vehicle (external tester), then you only have a few options when starting. If engine is turning over consistently, then the starter is engaging. I would start cheap and replace battery cables. You could still have starter issues, but don't replace more than necessary, and since wiggling the cables does make some difference and they were corroded badly, then that would be my first step. It could be just poorly connnecting battery cable ends (due to corrosion), but replacement of the cables is not too expensive or hard.

Thanks,
Jim

Even with problems when jumping? I didn't know that cables could prevent a car from being jumped, but i suppose it makes sense... i definitely will start with this, i've wanted to replace them for quite some time now... thank you

Battery cables and electrical problems in general can be real pains in the butt. It could very well be the ignition switch (a thought you mentioned). I mean, the starter could be at fault, I am just thinking along the lines of trying the cheapest easeiest fix first. There have been emails on here about how to jumper the starter relay, but I am more concerned about the electrical dead issue. That should not be the starter. Anyway, I still say my first two options would be the cables, then the ignition switch.

Check out this article: http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/ignition_switch/

Good luck,
Jim

Check both ends of the ground wire. I had one come loose not at the battery but where it met the body. Gave me a headache for awhile.