1996 Toyota 4Runner Starting Problem and Fuel Guage issue

MSBIXY

MEMBER
1996 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
4 CYL
2WD
MANUAL
177,000 MILES

I just bought this car used. I took it to my mechanic, who did a major service. Replaced plugs, all filters, changed all fluids, replaced a trans seal and serviced the battery. I had not driven the car but one day, before taking it in for service. After I got it back, after driving some distance (running errands) and getting back in, the car would not start. It had extended cranking, and had to go through this for 5-10 minutes before it would start, when this happens. I took the car back to the mechanic, and he kept it for 3 days, drove it around, and the problem did not happen. As soon as I was on my way home, it started happening again. I took the car back to the mechanic, and it happened there. My mechanic replaced the fuel pump. The car started great for the first day, now will not start when I turn it off after driving for some distance, get back in and need to be on my way. Today, I discovered the fuel gauge sticks at just above a 1/4 tank, and the starting problem was happening. I put 6 gallons of gas in the car thinking maybe the tank was low, but it still has the starting problem. Worse when the car is pointing uphill, even on a minor grade. This is baffling my mechanic, and me, but it didn't need a fuel pump, and when he tested the sending unit, he said it cycled up and down and worked perfect, when he tested it at the time he replaced the fuel pump. Also, I should add, when the engine is turning over, the battery is strong,and the starter is cranking the engine over. In light of the recent major service, and how the car feels when it won't start, it seems like a fuel related issue to me. Please help.

5 Replies

JDL

MECHANIC
16,098 POSTS

Hi, thanks for the donation. I'd have to do my own testing, I can't go by what somebody else says. I can't go by what somebody replaced. If it cranks good, but, won't start, I'd have to do the basic tests. Visually check for spark at the plugs. Use a gage and check fuel pressure. I need the actual fuel pressure spec, saying fuel pressure is good, won't work for me. Are there any applicable trouble codes?

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Monday, March 29th, 2010 AT 3:20 PM

MSBIXY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

I spent $5 for you to tell me you need to test it yourself? In the first place, if you read my description at all (and you're telling me you'd have to check for spark at the plugs?) I stated the car JUST HAD A MAJOR SERVICE, as in NEW SPARK PLUGS, NEW AIR FILTER, NEW FUEL FILTER. It cranks over and it gets spark. Its an INTERMITTENT starting PROBLEM, that only happens when the car is warm, not when its cold. If it wasn't getting spark, it wouldn't start at all. Its a FUEL ISSUE. And my mechanic replaced the fuel pump and that didnt' solve the problem.

This forum is to offer possible solutions, not to write people telling me you have to see it for yourself.

I want my $5 back, if htis is the best you can do, because you're just like everyone else, who has to get in there and waste hours, because the problem doesn't sound familiar to you because you have no real experience with this specific issue, and you have to "figure it out as you go" so how does that make you an expert, to even be on here?

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+1

Monday, March 29th, 2010 AT 4:19 PM

MSBIXY

MEMBER
3 POSTS

And you can't go by what anyone else has said or done? My mechanic worked for the Toyota dealership for 20 years. If you can't go by the fact that he knows how to replace a spark plug, and has done all the "basic tests" that you say you would have to do AGAIN then you are no expert. Its not your place to evaluate what the last guy did, you're supposed to take the information someone gives you, and venture a guess based on that information, not tell the person you don't trust what you're being told, don't trust that the car just had a major service, and that you have to start at square one. What kind of expert is that? Only a parts changer takes that approach.

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Monday, March 29th, 2010 AT 4:54 PM

THIS IS MIKE

MECHANIC
686 POSTS

We need actual data for example, what is the fuel pressure, do you have any check engine codes and what are they? We have to start with the basics to rule out one possible cause after another. We don't just guess and recommend you start replacing parts. Just because the fuel pump is running doesn't mean it is building enough pressure to operate the fuel injection and just because the spark plug zaps a yellow spark means it has enough voltage. We are experts and don't assume that every mechanic before us did everything they said or the parts they used are still working.

We have refunded your donation and hope we can still help you.

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Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 AT 2:11 AM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

It had extended cranking, and had to go through this for 5-10 minutes before it would start, when this happens.

This how the fuel pump operates -When you turn the key On the airflow meter grounds the circuit opening relay then the fuel pump gets powered-up.

I suggest that the EFI relay, COR and the Airflow meter be tested thoroughly and fuel pressure be verified though its new might not be producing the correct fuel pressure.

Try this jumper the Fp to BATT terminal in the diagnostic check connectoher and see if it prolongs it