4Runner won't start

[Jidaran]

Please forgive me for not doing my due diligence by scouring the internet before I post a thread, but I'm in a bit of a time crunch.

2002 Limited with 190k

Vehicle was running fine all week, I've been driving it to work every day. I let the tank get a little low last night, but when I filled it up it only took about 16.5 gal, so I figured I didn't cut it that close. I go out to start it up this morning and it's turning over but won't start. Seems like what should be (in my humble estimation) a fuel or spark issue. All hoses seem to be where they should be. PO told me the fuel filter was replaced two years ago along with plugs and wires. I haven't done any work on the engine besides replacing the air filter and cleaning the MAF (which I did two weeks ago).

I guess the first step would be to get some starter fluid and try to determine if this is a fuel issue or a spark issue? I gotta head to the office (via bike) but I'm gonna swing back at lunch and see what I can figure out. Any wisdom would be greatly appreciated.

 

[spartacus]

The fuel pump doesn't rest at the bottom of the tank so it's possible it sucked some air into the system or over heated. 16.5 gallons is pretty empty. Mine was working fine when I drove it to work one morning and wouldn't start come quitting time. starting fluid is a good start. other things to look for are loose battery connections, vacuum lines etc. I ended up overnighting the parts from amazon.
Denso fuel pump # 951-001
fuel pump filter #952-006
fuel tank outer seal Denson 954-0054. They sell these in a kit as well but I don't have that part number.

 

[RandyBobandy]

I had the exact same issue and it ended up being the fuel pump, I first sprayed starter fluid into the intake behind the maf sensor to eliminate a spark issue, then I tested the fuel pump for resistance with my multimeter through the access hatch under the rear seat to determine it was bad

Not a hard part to replace, even being in the northeast where everything is rusty, new pump was about $75 from rockauto

 

[zoombyu86]

I had this same issue but mine was prefaced with falling on its face while cruising and trying to accelerate. I tested the pump with the access panel under the seat and it read good. I replaced the MAF because I had a spare and it worked...except it didn't. Eventually it wouldn't start at all and I tested the pump again and sure enough it failed. Put in a Denso and works now.

 

[LittleCaesar]

Listen for the pump turning on with the key on, engine off.

 

[Jidaran]

I got some starter fluid and that did the trick. I moved it from the street to the driveway, so the pressure's off a bit (no more worries about parking tickets).

It's starting fine now, but I'll have to check again once I get back from the office and it's been sitting cold. Tomorrow the rain should hold off long enough for me to check the pump with a multimeter.

Thanks for the pointers. I just got this last month and it's been running like a dream. It was a bit of a shock to have it straight up not start this morning.

 

[Jidaran]

Started right back up when I got home.

I guess this is something to just keep an eye on going forward? That's somewhat nerve wracking.

 

[SilverRidgeRunner1]

Started right back up when I got home.

I guess this is something to just keep an eye on going forward? That's somewhat nerve wracking.

Interesting, Checking the fuel pressure at the fuel rail could give u a indication of what to expect in the future... Seems like a air bubble