It will crank but will not run?

Tiny
ANONYMOUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 200 MILES
It was running fine and one day it just did not start. It will crank but will not turn over. I believe that I am not getting spark. The battery and starter are good and all fuses are good. I sprayed some starting fluid into the throttle body and it still did not start. I have also pulled a spark plug out and the plug was in good condition but had fuel on it. This is why I think there is no spark. What are the most likely causes? I have also pulled the timing belt cover and the belt is good. Could the ignition coils be bad causing the no start? It seems unlikely that all three of them would go out at the same time. What can I do to find the problem? Thanks
Tuesday, February 19th, 2013 AT 10:53 PM

25 Replies

Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
If your 1997 Toyota 4Runner is cranking but not starting, and you suspect a lack of spark, there are several potential causes to consider:

Ignition coil failure: While it is rare for all ignition coils to fail simultaneously, it's still possible for one or more of them to malfunction. A faulty ignition coil can result in no spark being delivered to the spark plugs. You can try testing the ignition coils using a multimeter or consult a mechanic for further diagnosis.

Ignition module failure: The ignition module controls the timing and firing of the ignition coils. If the ignition module is faulty, it can prevent spark generation. Testing the ignition module requires specialized equipment and is best done by a professional.

Crankshaft position sensor (CKP): The CKP sensor detects the rotation of the crankshaft and sends signals to the ignition system. A malfunctioning CKP sensor can lead to a lack of spark. A diagnostic scan tool can help determine if the CKP sensor is functioning correctly.

Distributor issues: If your 4Runner is equipped with a distributor, problems with the distributor cap, rotor, or internal components can cause a no-spark condition. Inspect these components for signs of damage or wear.

Faulty ignition switch: The ignition switch is responsible for supplying power to the ignition system. A faulty ignition switch can disrupt the electrical connection and result in a lack of spark. Check for any signs of a loose, damaged, or worn-out ignition switch.

Wiring and connections: Inspect the wiring harnesses and connections related to the ignition system for any damage, loose connections, or corrosion. Faulty wiring or connections can disrupt the flow of electricity and prevent spark generation.

It's worth mentioning that the presence of fuel on the spark plug may not necessarily indicate a lack of spark. It could be due to other issues, such as a fuel delivery problem.

Please check out this guide as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-not-running-advanced

Please go over this guide and get back to us.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Tuesday, February 19th, 2013 AT 11:00 PM
Tiny
GREENHORNMM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 225,000 MILES
Turns over no spark no distributor can a socket that was left and wedged between starter and flywheel cause damage.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
It can definitely do damage if it gets physically jammed in the flywheel bit there is nothing electrical in there.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
GREENHORNMM
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Owner says before not running whenever he drove car would take upwards up to 30 mins turningkey off then on. Eventually starting starter and alternator fuses both burnt out replaced em. Isnt crank senser near flywheel can it be bad cuz of socket.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,758 POSTS
No, the Crank sensor is in the front of the engine.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
LOWEE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
There is no fire coming from coil to dist.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check and test the coil, distributor pick-up coil and ignitor also the coil wire-check ignition fuse
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RFHERRICK1
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1994 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 165,000 MILES
Had 4 runner at a shop for a little over 3 weeks, they told me there was no spark so they asummed it was the firing coil, not the problem they replaced the ignitor, the computer and rotor they said it was damaged new plugs they may have tired a thing or to else but now its back at my house they said it had to be a wire broke somewhere? Maybe a after market alarm killing the engine? I looked for alarm no couldn, t locate one the nearest toyota dealer is 2 hours away costly tow any ideas would be helpful thanks
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
The NE andG signals are send to the ECU as rpm references-if it doesn't receives this it will not send an Igt signal to the ignitor to fire the coil and also no Igf going back to the computer telling it that combustion has occured and also you will not get an injectors pulses meaning no fuel.

Check the pick-up coils resistances in the distributor not to specs replace the distributor. This is the set up of Toyotas Igntion system.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RFHERRICK1
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Everything u mentioned has been done any other ideas of why my 94 toyota 4 runner has no spark.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check whether the computer is receiving the Ne and G signals if so could be the computer or ignitor.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MARK BARNARD
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1995 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 137,000 MILES
I have a 95 Toyota 4 Runner n the head gasket went of corse lol got a new motor for and not getting no spark new battery, coil, ingnitor turns over all lights work power windows work, I bought it one owner but it has a 1992 distribrator in it it was running when it blue I am disabiled n don't have a lot of $ to take it to a mechanic it sat for a year and a half
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,606 POSTS
If the motor you put in 92 and all the parts it is not compatible with a 95 due to 92 is OBD1 and 95 is OBD2
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DRAYA_DELION
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1992 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
I can't get me 92 Toyota 4Runner to start. It's not getting a spark and I don't know anything about engines what can I do to get it to start
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
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
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DRAYA_DELION
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I know nothing about cars
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-2
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HERESMIKEY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 1991 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • MANUAL
  • 152,000 MILES
I changed the oil and spark plugs and when I was done, it wouldn't start. I had no problems before I did this. I checked with everything I did and I have no spark coming from the coil. I have replaced the coil and the igniter unit and still have the same problem. I have checked the fuses in the engine compartment and they all look good. I have checked to see if I had knocked a wire loose when I R&R the plugs but see nothing unusual. The motor cranks but no spark from the coil. I checked the distributer cap and rotor and it looks fine but the problem lies before it gets here. I'm at odds now. If the oil pump went bad, will it cause the coil not to spark? Fuel pump? I remember back in the old days that when the capacitor in the distributor went bad, this very thing happens. I can't find a capacitor like that in this motor. Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
There's nothing that you did that can prevent it from starting-test the coil wire or substitute it and see what happens and double check the distributor harness.

Do you have power to the coil positive terminal?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+6
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HERESMIKEY
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I get no readings at the positive terminal to the coil. Do I need a new distributer?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RASMATAZ
  • MECHANIC
  • 75,992 POSTS
Check the ignition fuse if okay- do this get a wire that will reach from the battery positive terminal to the coil positive terminal now try to start it-

If it starts up change out the ignition switch
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+2
Thursday, May 16th, 2019 AT 2:54 PM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links