2003 4runner won't start.

[WilliamShomidie]

Hi all, today I went to start my 4runner and it started acting kinda weird. It started and everything, but then i noticed it acting strange. it kept trying to rev up or something. it went to 2 on the rpm dial and then dropped to 0, then went back up to 2, and continued to do the same cycle until i tried putting it in drive, then it rolled backwards continueing to try and keep started. so i put it in park and turned it off. now when i try to start it, it turns over then dies. im not too knowledgable with this kind of stuff, lol. i checked the fuse box as other people suggested for people experiencing similar problems and ll looked fine. any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ebg18t]

Are you getting a CEL? Do you know anyone with a scan tool?

 

[WilliamShomidie]

Yes it came on and no, i just moved to ky so dont really know anyone.....

 

[WilliamShomidie]

All fluids look fine besides my brake fluid is low, i just had my oil changed, the fuses look to be all good, battery is new..... Seems like somthing messed up the first time and now it wont start (stay on) at all. hope its not damaged.....

 

[ebg18t]

See if you can rent a scan tool from the parts store and post up the codes. There are a few techs on here that will be able to help more once we know the codes.

 

[Sparky18]

I had a similar issue with mine which was the same year. It ended up being my timing belt.

 

[TOY2G]

Hi all, today I went to start my 4runner and it started acting kinda weird. It started and everything, but then i noticed it acting strange. it kept trying to rev up or something. it went to 2 on the rpm dial and then dropped to 0, then went back up to 2, and continued to do the same cycle until i tried putting it in drive, then it rolled backwards continueing to try and keep started. so i put it in park and turned it off. now when i try to start it, it turns over then dies. im not too knowledgable with this kind of stuff, lol. i checked the fuse box as other people suggested for people experiencing similar problems and ll looked fine. any help would be greatly appreciated.

Sounds like your timing belt may have jumped a tooth to the tensioner is failing (or both).

Dealing with the same thing on my 4.7 Tundra right now.

 

[WilliamShomidie]

How much would that cost to fix and is there a way i can check it myself? and thank you all so much for the replies. much appreciated

 

[Rancid13]

Advance Auto will check codes for free... Diagnosis is another thing but maybe someone on here would be able to steer you in the right direction once you get the codes read. Good luck man

Edit: Sorry, I guess getting the 4runner there would be the issue.. Yeah, try renting one?

 

[Stuck CAPS]

Advance Auto will check codes for free... Diagnosis is another thing but maybe someone on here would be able to steer you in the right direction once you get the codes read. Good luck man

Edit: Sorry, I guess getting the 4runner there would be the issue.. Yeah, try renting one?

Renting a 4runner or a scanner? OP: I'd suggest renting a second runner to TOW your runner. Or you could... do what everyone else is saying and rent a scanner... but who am I kidding, you just won't look as cool. You could look into buying one of those OBDII bluetooth adapter things and a reader app like TORQUE for iPhone/Android. That way, if you get a code again, you're set.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Sounds like your timing belt may have jumped a tooth to the tensioner is failing (or both).

Dealing with the same thing on my 4.7 Tundra right now.

Lets hope its only a tooth and not any more, last thing he needs is a ruined engine.

But at this point you're bound to have some DTCs stored in the ECM, so let us know what they are and we can start forming a picture based on symptoms and DTCs.