Let it sit too long, will not start?

REBSB316

MEMBER
2002 TOYOTA TACOMA
3.4L
V6
2WD
AUTOMATIC
163,000 MILES

I replaced the battery. I could not siphon out the tank. I added new non-ethanol gas, because I could not siphon the old. Changed oil because it sat so long. I can seemingly turn the engine over by hand. Truck doesn't crank or start, but the battery draws down when trying to start.

I became frustrated with it, so it sat some more (not about 7 months, previously about a year. It ran before it sat.)
I am wondering if I should replace the fuel filter.

I don't hear any sounds from fuel tank (cap open) when I have the key "on". Shouldn't I hear the fuel pump? (A little nervous about dropping the tank but also concerned about what condition the gas will be in.)

One time when it did run, the alternator was "stuck" and suddenly became unstuck after about 25 minutes of engine running.

I am relatively mechanical but haven't done anything substantial in a longtime, so I am lacking some measure of confidence.

I want to get this truck running. I have someone interested in buying it, and it needs a new life with someone else.

Thursday, April 10th, 2025 AT 7:50 AM

1 Reply

AL514

MECHANIC
5,505 POSTS

Hello, the fuel in the tank is definitely going to be bad. At least what was in there, adding new gas to the old may or may not help it start when it comes to the fuels condition, but the battery voltage dropping off sounds like it most likely will need a battery, which would be good considering you want to sell it. But go through with a test light and check all the fuses with the key on to make sure they are all ok. When vehicles sit for a long time, rodents and critters like to make a home in them, they also like to chew on wires because they like the taste of the chemical in the wire's insulation, I have seen that more times than I would have liked.
Here's some guides to help check the fuses with a test light or multimeter, I recommend a test light, its much faster and they are pretty cheap at a local auto parts store. Check the fuses in the engine compartment and the fuse box under the left side of the dash. If you have any questions regarding any of this so far, just ask, and if you find fuses without power we will go from there, as well as checking for power at the Starter motor, but start with the fuses and a visual inspection of the wiring harness.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-a-car-fuse

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-voltmeter

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Thursday, April 10th, 2025 AT 8:07 AM