My car won't start

Tiny
LUSINDISOS
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 TOYOTA CRESSIDA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 50,000 MILES
Hi, I have problem were my car won't start. It show that a battery is flat, but I bought a new one it won't start still.
Do you
have the same problem?
Yes
No
Friday, April 24th, 2009 AT 9:04 AM

38 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Does it crank and will not start or just won't crank at all/nothing

This guide will help

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

Please run down this guide and report back.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 1st, 2017 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
EXTRUDEDCOW
  • MEMBER
  • 27 POSTS
The Cressida was only produced until 1993, and only produced with a 4 cylinder motor in the late 70's in New Zealand. You may receive better advice if you post in the proper area.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Wednesday, November 1st, 2017 AT 8:25 PM
Tiny
PEREZRX
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1989 TOYOTA CRESSIDA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
I was driving my car and all of a sudden it just cut off
and now it won't start. Any idea's?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Hi perezrx, Welcome to 2carpros and TY for the donation

Let's do below for a start to determine if its fuel or spark related issue and get back asap.

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine atleast 3/16 away from ground-have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-2
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TRA-C
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1987 TOYOTA CRESSIDA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 19,600 MILES
The car turns over but will not start. Have checked the plugs, wiring, vaccume lines, what s wrong?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Cranks and no start

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 away from ground -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GIVEADAMB
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1987 TOYOTA CRESSIDA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 225,000 MILES
The car stopped working on my way home one day. Got a boost to get home. The battery is new and was charged so I changed the alternator but after retrying to start it with fully charged battery the enginge won't turn over could it be the starter. Fuses appear fine voltage at the battery was 12.4v. If so where what part of the car is the starter located.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BOBISME2005
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
REPLY: That exact same thing happen to my Cressida. The Starter is under the car to the right when you are facing it. I can only get one bolt out the second bolt is in the worst place possibly.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RAYK5799
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • TOYOTA CRESSIDA
I have a 1989 Toyota Cressida that is recently having starting problems. It has 145,000 miles. A couple of days ago, if you pushed the gas pedal, the car would move forward but it seemed as though it was missing, then it would smooth out but it would run rough again in the next gear until the rpms would increase. Then today, the car just wouldn't start. It cranks over but it seems to almost recoil alittle bit. I am totally baffled. Someone said that it the throttle position something? Please help.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
I got an 87 5M-GE that does that before it all comes down with the TPS. Make sure you adjust it right.

TPS will not cause it not to start-Check your fuel pressure. Also the cold start injector and its time switch. But the MAF will.

I call mine a Toyo Cadillac everything is electric and also its build-in computer diagnostics by a push of a button.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TERRYM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • TOYOTA CRESSIDA
I have a 1985 Toyota Cressida that hasn't been started in almost 2 years. It has a straight 6 and 206,000 Miles. I have free air flow and fuel at the rail. I checked and foound that there is spark although maybe weak. I have replaced the fuel pump and the coil/condenser. I checked the timing belt and it seems fine and in time. What can I do now? Thanks.

Terry
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
5M-GE or 7M-GE?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MASHAO
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • TOYOTA CRESSIDA
I have a 1988 toyota cressida GLI6 that was stationary for about 2 years & has done about 200000km. It had had no problem problem starting and was in running condition when it was parked. But now it just doesn't want to start. Everything seems & sounds alright (there's petrol by the injectors, changed the battery, checked the plugs, makes the rite & promising sounds) but it just won't start.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
I'll try checking the fuel pump pressure to nail this one. 2yrs I wonder how it looks like in the tank with that old fuel in it especially the pump.

EFI don't like non specification pressures
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BENJAMINCHEA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
  • 1983 TOYOTA CRESSIDA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 225,000 MILES
It's an '83 Toyota Cressida inline 6 with 225k miles. A couple of days ago car went dead silent while driving. Suspected to be out of fuel (coming very close. Fuel guage is misleading so I guess-timate from miles driven). Added more fuel. Cranks but no start. Battery OK (recharged after cranking many times), sparks at all plugs, fuel pump is working, no air/vacuum leaks (visibly). After doing the above, car started for a few seconds then died. Now it is back to the original state. No start. But will crank. Starter is fine (solenoid is attached. Pretty sure it is also good). I believe all components of the ignition system is okay. Any suggestions? Thank you so much for your time and response.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Could be a jump timing-remove distributor cap-have helper crank engine over while you look at the rotor is it turning?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BENJAMINCHEA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I disregarded the distributor and rotor when I performed the modified spark test where I ground the plug and crank the engine. The results were all six plugs fired. Is it conclusive enough to say it is ok?

Thanks rasmataz for the quick and helpful response!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
What engine is this 5M-GE or 7M-GE

Yes the ignition is good it made all the way to the sparkplugs-color of spark is a snapping blue spark or orange looking?

Remove tube at throttle body and spray some carb cleaner in it and attempt to start-if it fires up. Do a fuel pressure check-to rule out the fuel pump and comeback and tell me what's happening. I got the 87 model/5M.

Open a few sparkplugs and look for coolant-the 5M their head are known to be bad corrosive/erodes.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BENJAMINCHEA
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
The engine type is 5M-GE and the color of the spark was bluish (had white color to it. Sure it is more blue than orange).

When I pulled the plugs (all of them) to test them for sparks I took a look at the piston heads. From what I can see and touch with my screwdriver, there is carbon buildup. No signs of coolant.

Here is something I found: After drying out plugs and chamber overnight from excess gas. Put them back in. Crank. Car started for few seconds and then shuts off. I then cranked the engine and stepped on the gas peddle and the car kicked over but ran rough until I let go the peddle (then it shuts off). White smoke was coming out of the tailpipe. I could smell the gas also. Now the car is back to original state again. Just cranking. I think the the fuel is going to keep on injecting no matter if the car starts or not. Now it probably is filled with excess gas again.

I need to check for the jumped timing like you mentioned because that could be a significant factor. To do it, do I turn the engine manually and set the 1st piston to the top where the pressure (air) releases and then check to see the location of the rotor?

I am going to check the compression today and leave the fuel pressure out for now as I don't have the tool for it. That way, I would be able to eliminate the culprit down to a bad engine (whether it be of piston or valves), bad computer (since it is an electronic fuel injection system), injectors not closing a valve or something, or bad fuel pump.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Remove no.1 plug then crank engine in short burst till you feel pressure on your finger or whatever. -Stop and manually turn the crank to line the marks at the pulley. Now open up the cap and look where that rotor is pointing it better be pointing to no.1 cap tower if not you've found your problem.

Good luck I'll be standing by-Happy New
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Tuesday, May 26th, 2020 AT 8:10 PM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links