03 sport dying and no one knows why!!

[Cox]

Long story short, literally overnight my 03 4runner sport started dying. It would start up but then dye 5-10 seconds later. I had it towed to a place that works on Toyotas and Lexus's cheaper than what Toyota would charge. Well 1st fix was some sort of master air thing. That Didn't work, so second fix was a new fuel pump. Still had the same problem so I finally bit the bullet and sent it to Toyota. They have 3 mechanics on it and have no clue as to what's going on. I'm already $1,600 in the hole. Has anyone had this problem? It has 146,000 miles on it. Sometimes it will start but then dye, other times as I try to start it, it does some weird stuff like continuing to turn over to the point I have to turn it off and pull the key out.

It's just my luck that Toyota wouldn't even know what to do to fix it. Please HELP if possible!!!

 

[NuclearN8]

what happened leading up to it stop working? what changed? weather, mods?
what mods are installed, if any?

sounds like an electrical wiring problem, possible short or rsca (which shuts off vehicle). Is it throwing any codes when hooked up to techstream?

lots of questions need answered before anyone here can help... the more details you can provide the better... all we're doing is guessing though....

 

[4gin007]

definitely sounds electrical. Check the battery, sometimes the obvious is easily looked over.

 

[hearno]

Someone mad at you? Sugar in your tank maybe... I've seen it before. Also, if I spent $1600 on a mechanic's guess, I'd be somewhat angry with them. I could only imagine the bashing that would ensue here if it was the dealer that had charged you that much and still not solved the issue.

 

[Stuck CAPS]

Someone mad at you? Sugar in your tank maybe... I've seen it before. Also, if I spent $1600 on a mechanic's guess, I'd be somewhat angry with them. I could only imagine the bashing that would ensue here if it was the dealer that had charged you that much and still not solved the issue.

This makes me glad I only got my tires slashed with people mad at me. Much easier replaced than fuel system. (Was a lucky break, though. I had them under warranty, and needed new tires soon anyway!) If OP's problem is that, when they changed the pump, did they change the fuel filter as well? Maybe even the injectors need replacing, since you have started it (at least it seems) quite a few times. If not, I don't know what to tell ya.

 

[Cox]

Nothing different as far as mods. I haven't upgraded anything in a while. Weather has been cold but not as cold as it was a few weeks back in the negative. As far as codes I'm not sure. They have it at Toyota running tests.

 

[Cox]

The only thing previous to it dying I can think of is I took it to an exhaust pro because my drivers side window is screeching. They had to order some parts but that wouldn't cause this issue would it? Is there anything in the window that could mess with the electronic system

 

[hearno]

I took it to an exhaust pro because my drivers side window is screeching. They had to order some parts but that wouldn't cause this issue would it? Is there anything in the window that could mess with the electronic system

???????? but I'd say it's safe to assume they're unrelated issues.

 

[JB.]

Considering the weirdness of the situation, I'd make sure and mention the window thing to whoever has it.

 

[oljedi11950]

So you spent that much & nobody pulled codes from your computer ? That is unacceptable & anything electrical can mess with anything !

 

[NJshadow93]

Someone mad at you? Sugar in your tank maybe... I've seen it before. Also, if I spent $1600 on a mechanic's guess, I'd be somewhat angry with them. I could only imagine the bashing that would ensue here if it was the dealer that had charged you that much and still not solved the issue.

My friend had honey put into his gas tank. Luckily it just clogged the fuel filter and didn't get to his engine. It did lead to premature fuel pump failure down the road though at the worst timing (in the middle of a trail). Replacing the fuel pump with a full tank of gas in the woods was an experience... (Dodge Ram 1500)

 

[gm350reratliff]

My guess is there is something wrong with the transponder in the key and/or receiver in the ignition switch. I'm not to familiar with Toyota's scanner but they should be able to tell if the key is sending the correct signal.

Only other guess would be if the ECM is not getting a signal from the cam and or crankshaft sensors. This could also include bad connectors, cracked or cut wires that are from rubbing or mice/squirrels.

 

[CXS]

My guess is there is something wrong with the transponder in the key and/or receiver in the ignition switch.

X2, that's what came to mind for me too.

 

[Cox]

So Toyota brought in their master mechanic to look at my 4runner. They did the code check and when nothing else worked the last code said to replace the ecu computer. I made sure if that doesn't fix it either that I'm not charged and they said they wouldn't. I think this is the final option. They have had it for 3 days and have checked everything.

 

[chitown40]

V6 or V8?

On the V8, the starter is located in the valley inside the "V" and coincidently mice and other small animals love to make nests and chew on wiring in the "V" underneath the intake manifold. I'd check this too. I found quite a few mice nests in my old 100 series cruiser.

As far as the ECM, Toyota has a deal where if you lose your master key and the ECM needs replacing, they will eat the ECM parts cost for the first new ECM provided you pay for the new keys, programming, and installation labor. Just FYI. Might be able to get the part for free if you sweet talk them a bit.