Runner Cranks but Won't Start and I get a NOISE from engine block?

MyFirstRunner

MyFirstRunner

Member
Hi, my 2011 Limited has about 150k miles on it an we've not had any issues since we got in in 2017 with 85k miles on it. Been running great lately. Went to start it this morning and it's cranking (radio works/dash lights/etc.) but won't start. I tried it a few times and on one of the starts I got this whining sound that is coming from somewhere in the engine bay. Any thoughts? I thought the battery was good but can leave it on a trickle charger overnight if necessary.


Use this link, the top video is the sound I'm getting.

(VIDEO): Weird no-start, buzzing sound | Toyota Tundra Forum
 
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Is that with the key turned to start, cranking the engine? I'm probably way off but it sounds to me like the starter motor is spinning but not engaging.
 
I have a smart key for mine. That video was from a Tundra forum but that top video is the sound I was getting after my 4Runner tried and failed to start. The sound is basically stand-alone after the engine is turned off.
 
are you getting a CEL and any codes to read? That's where I'd start. You do have gas - right?
 
Yes, I have gas...not a full tank but I'm above the E line. I don't know what a bad starter in a 5th get sounds like but there is no clicking like I got in my 3rd gen. It really sounds like it's not getting gas or air but all looks good. No CEL but then again it will only get to the point where the dash lights are flashing and but don't have anything to check for codes. Used to have a ScanGuage II but sold it with my 3rd Gen since that was acting as my gas gauge.
 
Waiting for a friend to drop off an OBD scanner to check for codes but I used some starting fluid (brake cleaner) and did a 1 second spray in the intake and the engine finally turned over then stalled out. So that sounds like a fuel issue? Any recos on where to start...Fuel Pump Relay or could it be even easier like a fuse?
 
MyFirstRunner said:
Waiting for a friend to drop off an OBD scanner to check for codes but I used some starting fluid (brake cleaner) and did a 1 second spray in the intake and the engine finally turned over then stalled out. So that sounds like a fuel issue? Any recos on where to start...Fuel Pump Relay or could it be even easier like a fuse?
Click to expand...

My money is on a bad fuel level sensor. Common problem. Whem mine was bad it would show 1/4 tank but was empty.
 
Man, I hope I don't have to deal with that on my 5th gen also. I ran my 3rd Gen for years using the ScanGuage II as my fuel gauge.
 
It's easy enough to grab a tank of gas and try that - at the very least it will rule that out.

When you say it's "cranking" can you hear the actual engine turning over? You should hear more than just that whine.

Have you checked the fuel pump fuse?
 
So, it was out of gas. No idea how my wife got it home last night without it limping through our neighborhood. I put 3 gallons of gas in on the driveway and it started right up. Drove to the gas station and put in 19.87 gallons.

Thanks for pointing out the obvious a couple of times, I must have seen something different than I remember when trying to start it today.
 
MyFirstRunner said:
So, it was out of gas. No idea how my wife got it home last night without it limping through our neighborhood. I put 3 gallons of gas in on the driveway and it started right up. Drove to the gas station and put in 19.87 gallons.

Thanks for pointing out the obvious a couple of times, I must have seen something different than I remember when trying to start it today.
Click to expand...


My wife constantly drives her vehicle until it gets to E. I always tell her that E stands for EMPTY not ENOUGH.
 
MAXISTYLES said:
My wife constantly drives her vehicle until it gets to E. I always tell her that E stands for EMPTY not ENOUGH.
Click to expand...

I will say this, my 4Runner doesn't even turn on the low fuel light until I think the range indicator is usually down to maybe 25 miles or so. I rarely run down that low as I grew up in a family that would freak out and put gas in the car at a quarter tank, but I think the one time I ran down to about a 10 miles range I still only put maybe 20.5 gallons of gas in the car. 4Runner fuel guages seem to leave a gallon or two in reserve.
 
Well, glad you got it running. On a side note, We also have a 2000 Tundra with a few quirks - now that it's 23 years old. One is the gas gauge that reads funny when it's cold (near freezing) so I have to go by mileage. The other is the doors like to lock themselves occasionally - so I have to carry an extra set of keys to keep from getting locked out! Still runs great though.
 
MyFirstRunner said:
So, it was out of gas. No idea how my wife got it home last night without it limping through our neighborhood. I put 3 gallons of gas in on the driveway and it started right up. Drove to the gas station and put in 19.87 gallons.

Thanks for pointing out the obvious a couple of times, I must have seen something different than I remember when trying to start it today.
Click to expand...

Well I'm glad you got it running! Good reminder for everyone to always rule out the easy fixes first.
 
Reminds me of a Mazda I bought for $500. Seller says, one day it just wouldn't start.
I bought it and towed it home. Replaced a few things.. But eventually in the end, all it needed was gas... lol
 
AZ Craig said:
I will say this, my 4Runner doesn't even turn on the low fuel light until I think the range indicator is usually down to maybe 25 miles or so. I rarely run down that low as I grew up in a family that would freak out and put gas in the car at a quarter tank, but I think the one time I ran down to about a 10 miles range I still only put maybe 20.5 gallons of gas in the car. 4Runner fuel guages seem to leave a gallon or two in reserve.
Click to expand...

The reserve definitely has at least 2 gallons. I drove 40 miles past 0 miles range and indicator pegged on E. I drive very consistently and average 19.8 mpg over 36k miles.

That said, I don’t recommend driving with a very low tank as it may risk damage or reduce life of your fuel pump. Plus being stranded would suck.
 
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