Starting Issue

[GreenMachine]

Just picked up a 2005 4Runner sport V8 with about 125k on it yesterday. Seemed to be very well maintained, by the dealer mostly, and only one owner.

Taken it out about 8x so far without issue but today after shopping, went to go home and it would crank but not start. When cranking and the key was released, the starter would continue to crank the engine for a few seconds, which I understand is normal for this model? After sitting a bit and a few more tries, it finally started up and drove the 30 min ride home OK and has started normally a few times in the driveway just to check.

If it were the CPS starting to go, would it display a CEL, or would that code still be pending?

Intermittent fuel pump possibility?

Edit: Should also add that it was parked going up a fairly steep hill, not sure if that was a factor. Tank was about 3/4 full.

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[S4TA]

[MENTION=40560]GreenMachine[/MENTION]
Had the exact same issue with mine. Mine ended up being the key. There is a chip in the key. When the vehicle loses the code (who knows how this happens) the vehicle will crank but not start like the fuel pump is cut. When you put the key in, look to see if the security light is still blinking. If it is still blinking then you have officially diagnosed the problem.

In case that is the problem, I will try to find the link to reprogramming keys.

 

[S4TA]

One more thing. My problem was intermittent just like yours. After I reprogrammed, I never had the problem again. It isn't logical.

 

[GreenMachine]

Great info S4TA, thanks for the reply. It's difficult enough troubleshooting an intermittent issue, illogical ones are next to impossible.

Wish we'd paid attention to the immobilizer light when this happened. Next time for sure.

I did a search and found the FSM instructions on how to reprogram, but it uses the Toyota Intelligent Tester. I have a generic scan tool but doubt the immobilizer DTC's would show up. Will keep looking. Thanks again.

 

[GreenMachine]

BTW, do you remember if you were able to reprogram the master key or was it one of the sub-keys by using the master to set the system into learn mode? The latter is all I've been able to find info on.

 

[S4TA]

I didn't need anything to reprogram except I had one key that wasn't having the issue. I used it as the master key.
The key with the issue would sometimes work. I would just keep cycling it and it would eventually work.

 

[GreenMachine]

Thanks for the reply. Will be sure to bring all the keys each time out until it happens again. Do you recall the frequency of your no start condition? Curious if it was days in between, weeks, etc. I'm hoping this one shows itself again quickly.

 

[S4TA]

I bought mine and it worked for two days before it showed up. The most I could go is a day and not have it happen. It always eventually worked. Sometimes 2 cycles of the starter, sometimes 5. At the time I didn't know what the issue was so I didn't try different angles with the key. After reprogramming, it has never happened again and I've had it for about 4 months now.