2001 cranks wont start

[hkstair]

Please help 2001 V6 3.4 auto 4x4 wont start!!
Truck was stolen and just recovered by cops after 6 months, but it won't start... When I picked up car I didn't have fob so I opened with key. The alarm went off and I put the key in the ignition and turned of alarm. Tried to start just heard clicking. Looks as though thieves replaced battery in July and looks like car hasn't been running since. Put in new battery cranks but wont start. Had it towed home and checked all fuses, connections replaced fuel filter as no gas or spark... Found my fob, replaced battery thinking alarm may have been triggered since alarm light is solid (i think its VS3000 model factory) when car locked with key or remote. No start...cranks its heart out. I have all inside and outside lights working, stereo etc.. Please help I haven't had wheels all this time (somehow just new my car would be found) my boyfriend and I have been sharing one car.

 

[Waterman2112]

Please help 2001 V6 3.4 auto 4x4 wont start!!
Truck was stolen and just recovered by cops after 6 months, but it won't start... When I picked up car I didn't have fob so I opened with key. The alarm went off and I put the key in the ignition and turned of alarm. Tried to start just heard clicking. Looks as though thieves replaced battery in July and looks like car hasn't been running since. Put in new battery cranks but wont start. Had it towed home and checked all fuses, connections replaced fuel filter as no gas or spark... Found my fob, replaced battery thinking alarm may have been triggered since alarm light is solid (i think its VS3000 model factory) when car locked with key or remote. No start...cranks its heart out. I have all inside and outside lights working, stereo etc.. Please help I haven't had wheels all this time (somehow just new my car would be found) my boyfriend and I have been sharing one car.

Have you removed or pulled off the distributor cap? I'm assuming that the V6 3.4 liter may have a timing belt... if it snapped the engine will crank very easily... but (based on assumptions) will not be rotating the distributor and the valves which is a problem... Just bump it with the cap off or out of the way and see if the rotor turns... if not - don't crank it anymore...!

 

[hkstair]

Thanks, will check timing belt and distributor again first look was OK. Could it be the ECM seems like it must be electrical if I dont have either spark or fuel? Having buddy with volt tester over tomorrow...no check engine light... but VSC TRAC and VSC ON lights come on and dont go off. Hate to tow to shop if its something easy to replace keep thinking something to do with alarm since it normally didn't turn on when opening door with key, only did it the first time I opened door

 

[Waterman2112]

Thanks, will check timing belt and distributor again first look was OK. Could it be the ECM seems like it must be electrical if I dont have either spark or fuel? Having buddy with volt tester over tomorrow...no check engine light... but VSC TRAC and VSC ON lights come on and dont go off. Hate to tow to shop if its something easy to replace keep thinking something to do with alarm since it normally didn't turn on when opening door with key, only did it the first time I opened door

If the timing belt is OK and rotor is turning then you probably have issues that are electrical / ECM related... especially with the fuel thing. Disconnect the battery again... for about 1 hour then re-attach. Sometimes a reset is required and I have heard from others on this forum that this timeframe (1 hr.) may be rather important. I'm just guessing here... but some ECM/ECU have trouble if they have been without power for some time... if the thief's removed the battery and the truck sat for a while the ECM may have gone a bit wacky. Try a reset... Hope this works for you. Being without a ride is a major bummer.

 

[r34sklnnsn]

Check the wiring from the anti theft. They may have cut some of the wires to steal it. Also check the fuses and relay for the fuel pump.

 

[hkstair]

OK we tried checking fuel pump as we didn't hear it working through passenger floorboard but couldn't reach to test. My guy's dad is old school mechanic doesn't do computers, and I know just enough to know that I don't know much about cars...blind leading blind, whats the best way to check the fuel pump relay and which wires connect the antitheft. I have another friend with volt meter to look tomorrow. I have changed timing belt, water pump at 90K miles... I'm the first owner kept it in good shape but before it was stolen it was starting to miss going up hill. Also where it was found was very close to ocean... will drain gas tank maybe water in gas? No obvious corrosion but who knows mystery at this point. Thanks for input as I'm on a limited budget, happy to have truck back for now.

 

[hkstair]

One more question if anti-theft wires were cut,(I didn't see any cut under hood or in fuse box under steering wheel) would the alarm act the way it did the first time when I put in key the alarm went off. The alarm now works OK -door opens with key or remote, however when I turn on alarm with remote the red light is solid not flashing like I remember (no button to push so I think I have factory VS3000 model). This is a puzzle I would like to solve soon, thanks for your help!!

 

[jsmithjr732]

Also check the coolant sensor wire. I had a rat eat through mine TWICE and it won't allow the motor to turn over. It's above and behind the timing belt cover between the cylinder banks. By the injeftor wires (which he started on a bit as well before I got him).

 

[kball]

There is no distributor on these and the fuel pump only runs when you are cranking the engine or the engine is running. You can't just turn the key to "on" or "acc" and listen for it. I know nothing about the alarm systems on these so not sure if that is the culprit. For sure your problem is air, fuel or spark. So if your air intake is clear, and you have spark, fuel is all that's left.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

This could be the case but is the key the original key that went to the vehicle depending on year model this could be a transponder key issue which renders the vehicle useless until the key is programed to the vehicle. My 99 has a transponder key and requires programming it is possible that the ecm has forgotten its programming for that key.

 

[hkstair]

Lost Master key on 2001 4Runner SR5 V6 3.4

This could be the case but is the key the original key that went to the vehicle depending on year model this could be a transponder key issue which renders the vehicle useless until the key is programed to the vehicle. My 99 has a transponder key and requires programming it is possible that the ecm has forgotten its programming for that key.

I think the key is the issue just read other thread if I don't have master key I can't unlock glove box, which is exactly the case! I read that Toyota
USA will replace master key and reset ECM one time if all masters lost on my year of vehicle.
I have talked with dealership got new battery in remote showed them the keys and they didn't say squat about master key only said I didn't have chip in it...or about warranty on ECM. Since I'm concerned I needed new keys not sure if thief had key or not but don't want them to drive away with my truck. Dealership quoted me new door locks and ignition for $450 for just parts over $1,500 to replace. Pays to do your research!! Since my 2001 4runner is SR5 but not a Limited,I hope I just need a new master key cut and reprogrammed and not a new ECM.If I need new ECM I guess dealship will stick me for a few hundred with warranty? Those bastards!! Makes sense if car was parked the ECM memory failed... Hope this is it and just need a $14 key cut at dealership. Anything else I should beware at stealership????

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

I think the key is the issue just read other thread if I don't have master key I can't unlock glove box, which is exactly the case! I read that Toyota
USA will replace master key and reset ECM one time if all masters lost on my year of vehicle.
I have talked with dealership got new battery in remote showed them the keys and they didn't say squat about master key only said I didn't have chip in it...or about warranty on ECM. Since I'm concerned I needed new keys not sure if thief had key or not but don't want them to drive away with my truck. Dealership quoted me new door locks and ignition for $450 for just parts over $1,500 to replace. Pays to do your research!! Since my 2001 4runner is SR5 but not a Limited,I hope I just need a new master key cut and reprogrammed and not a new ECM.If I need new ECM I guess dealship will stick me for a few hundred with warranty? Those bastards!! Makes sense if car was parked the ECM memory failed... Hope this is it and just need a $14 key cut at dealership. Anything else I should beware at stealership????

Welp yea all 99 1/2-2002 TR4 have transponder keys limited and SR5, and base. This is what is going to happen you're going to need information that shows the vehicle is registered to u first(Toyota rules and federal law I believe), when they get your vehicle in the shop they are going to pull your vin in Toyota system to get a key code for your vehicle. Here is the bad new those transponder keys are 159.99 each that just the key plus labor which is .5 hr shop time. Tech going to hook it up and run the techstream and pair the key with the ECM done. Done the job 100 time and wore the hat.

 

[kevin8629]

Welp yea all 99 1/2-2002 TR4 have transponder keys limited and SR5, and base. This is what is going to happen you're going to need information that shows the vehicle is registered to u first(Toyota rules and federal law I believe), when they get your vehicle in the shop they are going to pull your vin in Toyota system to get a key code for your vehicle. Here is the bad new those transponder keys are 159.99 each that just the key plus labor which is .5 hr shop time. Tech going to hook it up and run the techstream and pair the key with the ECM done. Done the job 100 time and wore the hat.

I have a 2002 sr5 and I doesn't have chipped keys.....

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

I have a 2002 sr5 and I doesn't have chipped keys.....

Really now thats cool.. Does your vehicle not have a anti Theft either.. Hmm I was under the impression anything newer than 99 had the chip. was it a option feature in 2001 or is the chip hit or miss on year model 99-02.

 

[hkstair]

When I took keys to dealer the service mgr said my key didn't have chip...so maybe it is an option I was told only Lmt had them my year... Once I go to dealer on Monday with VIN and registration and order one Ill let you know...hope its just needs a new master key cut!!!
My dealership is under major construction barely open don't want to have to tow truck there if I don't have to. Thanks for everyone's input this site is great. Def will refer others!!

 

[hkstair]

When I took keys to dealer the service mgr said my key didn't have chip...so maybe it is an option I was told only Lmt had them my year... Once I go to dealer on Monday with VIN and registration and order one Ill let you know...hope its just needs a new master key cut!!!
My dealership is under major construction barely open don't want to have to tow truck there if I don't have to. Thanks for everyone's input this site is great. Def will refer others!!

 

[shouldbeasy]

I have a 2002 sr5 and I doesn't have chipped keys.....

Same.

Really now thats cool.. Does your vehicle not have a anti Theft either.. Hmm I was under the impression anything newer than 99 had the chip. was it a option feature in 2001 or is the chip hit or miss on year model 99-02.

No anti-theft besides the alarm / starter combo I added.

Canadian Sr5 if that makes any difference.

 

[kevin8629]

Really now thats cool.. Does your vehicle not have a anti Theft either.. Hmm I was under the impression anything newer than 99 had the chip. was it a option feature in 2001 or is the chip hit or miss on year model 99-02.

No no anti theft light either

 

[hkstair]

Bugga no luck! New master key still doesn't start.

Got master key cut at dealer funny how today with VIN look-up they couldn't tell me whether I have a chip in key or not at the parts desk. Service dept said I didn't have chip in key 2 days ago. Today the parts guy said one of my keys I had was a master, but neither opens and locks my glovebox. Good news now, new master opens/locks glovebox. First time I put in key it didn't want to turn in ignition. Locked and opened doors then it would turn crank but not start.

I understand if I have chip in key ( I don't think I do dealer said if I did have chip key valet wouldn't work) the ECM/ECU has to be reflashed or reset at dealer they said I would have to bring in my truck and I heard that Toyota NA has program to replace one time but your still stuck with labor and cost of keys. I see on other thread how to program new keys if you have a transponder, but what if you don't??

Question. If I don't have chip in key is there any reset program I can do without towing and dealing with dealer? Trying to do this without a huge bill on limited budget.

Any other ideas what the thieves could have done to my baby? Also want to prevent them coming back again dealer quoted $450 for new ignition and $1500 all new lock assembly for just parts not labor!! Whats the most affordable way to prevent repeat theft since they know where I live??!!

 

[hkstair]

Recovered 2001 4runner No transponder key, VS3200 plus alarm issues no start

When I took keys to dealer the service mgr said my key didn't have chip...so maybe it is an option I was told only Lmt had them my year... Once I go to dealer on Monday with VIN and registration and order one Ill let you know...hope its just needs a new master key cut!!!
My dealership is under major construction barely open don't want to have to tow truck there if I don't have to. Thanks for everyone's input this site is great. Def will refer others!!

Darn I don't have transponder in key so I think this rules out reprogramming key and ECM or not???

I know thieves put in a new battery in July so only got a free ride for a month and 3,500 miles,doesn't look as it been driven since. Researched if doors locked at time of battery replacement can trigger antitheft.

Could it be the VIP RS3200 Plus anti-theft alarm? First time I unlocked door with key, the alarm went off until I turned key in the ignition. And now when I arm it with key or remote the light is solid and doesn't flash as it should.
Anyone have troubleshooting info on alarm system I don't have a fax??

Again it cranks but no spark or fuel so I think it has to be electrical if both are failing???? And since alarm not acting correct. Remote works, panic etc.

Any magic bullet here?