Cranks but will not start

Hi and welcome to 2CarPros.com.

If you have spark, either there is a timing issue, low compression, or the fuel pressure too low. Based on how it happened and how you described it, my first suspect is fuel pressure. Even if there appeared to be pressure, it may be too low.

Here is a link that discusses common causes of a crank and no start condition:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

A quick way to determine if it is fuel related, see if it will start for a couple seconds with starting fluid. If it does, the problem of fuel related.

Here are general directions for testing fuel pressure:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle for testing pressure. All attached pictures correlate with these directions. Also, fuel pressure specifications are included on the directions.

FUEL PRESSURE TEST
INSPECTION

CHECK FUEL PRESSURE
(a)Check the battery positive voltage is above 12 V.
(b)Disconnect the negative (-) terminal cable from the battery.

(c)Remove the union bolt and 2 gaskets, and disconnect the fuel inlet hose from the fuel pipe support.

NOTICE:
- Put a shop towel under the fuel pipe support.
- Slowly loosen the union bolt.

(d)Install the fuel inlet hose and SST (pressure gauge) to the fuel pipe support with the 3 gaskets and SST (union and adapter).
SST 09268-45014 (092684119O, 90405-06167)

Torque: 29 N.m (300 kgf.cm, 21 ft.lbf)

(e)Wipe off any splattered gasoline.
(f)Connect a LEXUS hand-held tester to the DLC3.
(g)Measure the fuel pressure.

Fuel pressure:
301-347 kPa (3.1-3.5 kgf/sq. cm, 44-50 psi)

If pressure is high, replace the fuel pressure regulator. If pressure is low, check these parts:
- Fuel hoses and connections
- Fuel pump
- Fuel filter
- Fuel pressure regulator
(h)Disconnect the LEXUS hand-held tester from the DLC3.
(i)Start the engine.
(j)Measure the fuel pressure at idle.

Fuel pressure:
301-347 kPa (3.1-3.5 kgf/sq. cm 44-50 psi)

(k)Stop the engine.
(l)Check that the fuel pressure remains as specified for 5 minutes after the engine has stopped.

Fuel pressure: 147 kPa (1.5 kgf/sq. cm, 21 psi) or more

If pressure is not as specified, check the fuel pump, pressure regulator and/or injectors.
(m)After checking fuel pressure, disconnect the negative (-) terminal cable from the battery and carefully remove SST to prevent gasoline from splashing.
SST 09268-45014
(n)Reconnect the fuel inlet hose to the fuel pipe support with 2 new gaskets and the union bolt.

Torque: 29 N.m (300 kgf.cm, 21 ft.lbf)

(o)Reconnect the negative (-) terminal cable to the battery.
(p)Check for fuel leaks.

_________________________________

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

See picture 2 it shows the union. It is on the top of the engine near fuel rail.

Hi again. It should be on the top.

I believe I can see it in your sixth picture. It is blurry, but it appears to be on the left side. First, remove the plastic cover on top the engine. Then you will see the injector rail and the injectors. At the end of the fuel rail is where the union is located. I found a better picture. See if it helps.

It sounds like you did it right. If the pump did not run when you hooked it up directly to a battery, it is bad and needs replaced.

Here are the directions for removing and replacing the pump. You are lucky it has an access port. On most vehicles, the tank needs removed. All attached pictures correlate with these directions.
________________________________

REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
REMOVAL

CAUTION: Do not smoke or work near an open frame when working the fuel pump.

1. REMOVE REAR SEAT CUSHION
2. REMOVE FLOOR SERVICE HOLE COVER
Remove the 3 cap nuts and service hole cover.
3. DISCONNECT FUEL PUMP & SENDER GAUGE CONNECTOR
4. DISCONNECT FUEL TANK MAIN TUBE (FUEL TUBE CONNECTOR) FROM FUEL SECTION PLATE

CAUTION:
- Perform disconnecting operation of the fuel tube connector (quick type) afier observing precaution.
- As there is retained pressure in the fuel line, prevent it from splashing inside the vehicle compartment.
(a)Remove the tube joint clip.
(b)Pull out the fuel main tube.
(c)Plug the port of the fuel suction plate with a clean rubber cap.
5. REMOVE FUEL PUMP AND SENDER GAUGE ASSEMBLY FROM FUEL TANK
(a)Remove the 8 bolts and fuel tank vent tube set plate.
(b)Lift up the fuel pump and sender gauge assembly, and disconnect the fuel sub suction hose from the fuel return jet tube and remove the fuel pump, sender gauge assembly and gasket.
6. REMOVE NO.2 FUEL SUCTION SUPPORT
7. REMOVE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR AND FUEL RETURN JET TUBE ASSEMBLY
8. REMOVE FUEL SUCTION FILTER
(a)Remove the clip.
(b)Pull out the suction filter.
9. REMOVE NO.1 FUEL SUCTION SUPPORT
(a)Using 2 screwdrivers, disconnect the 4 snap claws from the claw holes and remove the fuel suction support.

NOTICE: Be careful not to damage the suction support and suction plate.
(b)Remove the No.2 fuel filter cushion.
10. REMOVE FUEL FILTER AND FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY
(a)Disconnect the fuel pump connector from the fuel pump.
(b)Pull out the fuel filter and fuel pump assembly.
(c)Remove the No.1 fuel filter cushion.
(d)Remove the O-ring from the fuel poet of the fuel suction plate.
11. REMOVE FUEL PUMP FROM FUEL FILTER
Pull out the fuel pump.

INSTALLATION
1. INSTALL FUEL PUMP TO FUEL FILTER
Push in the fuel pump.
2. INSTALL FUEL FILTER AND FUEL PUMP ASSEMBLY
(a)Install the No.1 fuel filter cushion to the fuel suction plate.
(b)Apply a light coat of gasoline to a new O-ring and install it to the fuel port of the fuel suction plate.
(c)Align the fuel port of the fuel suction plate with the fuel port hole of the fuel filter.
(d)Push in the fuel filter.
(e)Connect the fuel pump connector.
3. INSTALL NO.1 FUEL SUCTION SUPPORT
(a)Install the No.2 fuel filter cushion the fuel filter.
(b)Push the fuel suction support, and attach the 4 snap claws to the claw holes.
4. INSTALL FUEL SUCTION FILTER
Install the suction filter with a new clip.
5. INSTALL FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR AND FUEL RETURN JET TUBE ASSEMBLY
6. INSTALL NO.2 FUEL SUCTION SUPPORT
7. INSTALL FUEL PUMP AND SENDER GAUGE ASSEMBLY TO FUEL TANK
(a)Install a new gasket to the fuel suction plate.
(b)Connect the fuel sub suction hose to the fuel return jet tube.
(c)Attach the fuel pump and sender gauge assembly to the fuel tank.
(d)Install the fuel tank vent tube set plate with the 8 bolts.

Torque: 3.5 N.M (36 kgf. Cm, 31 in. Lbf)

8. CONNECT FUEL TANK MAIN TUBE (FUEL TUBE CONNECTOR) TO FUEL SUCTION PLATE
(a)Attach the fuel tube connector to the port of the fuel suction plate.
(b)Install the tube joint clip.
9. CONNECT FUEL PUMP & SENDER GAUGE CONNECTOR
10. CHECK FOR FUEL LEAKS
11. INSTALL FLOOR SERVICE HOLE COVER
Install the service hole cover with the 3 cap nuts.
12. INSTALL REAR SEAT CUSHION

____________________________

I hope this helps. Since you did try running power directly to the pump and it failed to run, it must be bad. I also recommend replacing the fuel filter while it is apart.

Let me know how things work out for you or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

Oh, I thought you said it did not run when you ran power to it. Regardless, what was the fuel pressure when tested?

Hello, I am Danny.

I agree with Joe. What was the fuel pressure reading? Just because you heard the fuel pump making sound does not mean it is working at full output. Put a fuel pressure tester on it. It should be between 44-50 PSI. I have attached a tutorial showing what is involved. Just adding my two cents and hope this helps. Thanks again for using 2CarPros.
Danny-

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Hi and welcome back.

The regulator can cause high pressure not low, but you still should be getting something. Here are the recommendations for low pressure. It includes the fuel filter. Also, are you certain the pump is turning on when you turn the key to start the car? Please keep in mind, although the pump ran and pumped fuel out of the vehicle does not mean it is producing enough pressure even to show on the gauge.

Fuel pressure:
301-347 kPa (3.1-3.5 kgf/sq. Cm, 44-50 psi)

If pressure is high, replace the fuel pressure regulator. If pressure is low, check these parts:
- Fuel hoses and connections
- Fuel pump
- Fuel filter
- Fuel pressure regulator

Can you hear the pump turn on now that it is in the vehicle? Are you certain there are no pinched or kinked fuel lines?

Let me know.

Hi and welcome back.

The cam sensor is held in by two bolts. Once the bolts are removed, it should pull straight out. Here are the directions specific to your vehicle:

___________________

REMOVAL

1. DRAIN ENGINE COOLANT
2. REMOVE OIL DIPSTICK AND GUIDE FOR ENGINE
3. REMOVE OIL DIPSTICK AND GUIDE FOR A/T
4. REMOVE AIR INTAKE CHAMBER
5. REMOVE VACUUM CONTROL VALVE SET AND NO.2 VACUUM PIPE
6. REMOVE NO.3 TIMING BELT COVER
7. DISCONNECT HOSES AND ENGINE WIRE
(a)Disconnect the air assist hose from the intake manifold.
(b)Disconnect the water bypass hose (from the water outlet) from the throttle body.
(c)Disconnect the 2 ground terminals from the intake manifold.

HINT: At time of the installation, place refer to the following item. Tighten so that each calking part should inside.

(d)Disconnect these connectors:
- Throttle position sensor connector
- 6 injector connectors
- Camshaft position sensor connector
- Knock sensor 2 connector
- Starter connector
(e)Disconnect the engine wire clamp from the clamp bracket on the intake manifold.
(f)Remove the 3 nuts, and disconnect the engine wire protector from the intake manifold.

8. REMOVE FUEL PRESSURE PULSATION DAMPER
9. REMOVE PS PUMP REAR STAY

Torque: 39.2 N.M (400 kgf. Cm, 29 ft. Lbf)

10. REMOVE INTAKE MANIFOLD ASSEMBLY

11. REMOVE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
Remove the 2 bolts and camshaft position sensor.

Torque: 9.0 N.M (90 kgf. Cm, 80 in. Lbf)

INSTALLATION
Installation is in the reverse order of removal.

____________________________________

As far as picture 2, I cannot tell what I am looking at. Can you get a closer picture of the part the hose came from?

I can tell you, there is a really good chance you are referring to the positive crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve. If that hose is disconnected, you are going to have a bad vacuum leak and most likely, it will cause the engine to stall.

Look at picture 2 and see if you can tell if that is what you are referring to.

Take care,
Joe

Hi:
I believe that is the engine oil dipstick tube. In the picture, the end that is sticking up should have an o-ring on it to prevent leaks. Make sure to lubricate the o-ring with oil prior to installing it into the engine. That end will go to the engine. The other end will bolt up top. I have attached the best picture I could find. It shows the part and has lines going to where the bolts are placed.

As far as the PCV, if you do not repair that, either the engine will not stay running or will run really bad. That is a big vacuum leak without it connected. Feel free to ask if you have questions.

Also, the directions for removing the sensor are extreme. If you are able to access it without doing one of the steps, you should be fine.

Let me know the results or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe