Challenge for Repair Enthusiasts ....1997 Toyota Prado (colorado)

[bossaco1]

Challenge for Repair Enthusiasts ....1997 Toyota Prado (colorado)


Hi I'm Eric
I have a 1997 Toyota Prado VX 5 door

Engine : 5VZ-FE, 3378cc, (gasoline)petrol, V6, efi

Problem : Hard Starting

When i start it up the engine will crank but it will not start, then i will try it a couple
of times eventually the engine will start.... then when i turn it off for just 20 minutes,
it'll have a hard time starting again. If I turn it off and on within 20 mins it will run
fine....and take note, the check engine indicator is not lit.

The solutions I have done:
1. I thought it was the starter-I bought a new one
2. I also had the oil changed and replaced the-spark plugs, fuel filter, fuel pump,
air filter and high tension wires
3. I drove it to a Toyota Service center-since the check engine indicator is not lit, they
cant diagnose it, because the car wasnt sending any OBDII codes. Instead they checked the
engine compression, and found out it was fine.

Hope to Hear...h

[Deep Thought]

OK, how many miles has it done. Are you sure its getting enough fuel to the injectors. Speaking of the injectors how are they performing. Just my initial thoughts.

Regards
D.T.

[Tatunka]

What about a fuel rail pressure test, before starting and after. Oh and sorry to hear it's not a diesel

[UpsideDown]

Originally Posted by bossaco1

Challenge for Repair Enthusiasts ....1997 Toyota Prado (colorado)


Hi I'm Eric
I have a 1997 Toyota Prado VX 5 door

Engine : 5VZ-FE, 3378cc, (gasoline)petrol, V6, efi

Problem : Hard Starting


3. I drove it to a Toyota Service center-since the check engine indicator is not lit, they
cant diagnose it, because the car wasnt sending any OBDII codes. Instead they checked the
engine compression, and found out it was fine.

Hope to Hear...h

Wow.... this kind of thing is becoming more common (or so it seems) nowadays. So many technicians can't/won't solve problems if their diagnostic tools don't tell them what to look for!

It's really hard, also, to diagnose things without the vehicle on hand. You might try doing a search online for similar problems in your vehicle or related vehicles. If no OBDII code is coming up at present, you should also check for pending codes or memory codes.

Hard start issues can be tough. When you experience one of these situations, you should almost do a few basic tests then and there to see if you can catch the problem while it's occuring.

It sounds as though you've taken a bit of a shotgun approach to solving it already. Many of the items you've replaced will show a code if they are at fault depending on how advanced the computer system is. For example, plugs or wires may show up as a misfire code, low fuel pressure may show up as a low pressure reading (using a test gauge) or as fuel trims going out of whack (which may also produce a code).

Good luck finding your solution. You might want to check crank/cam position sensors or distributor pick-up signals (depending on what your vehicle uses - though these will usually show a code when faulty).

[Meruv]

Originally Posted by bossaco1

Challenge for Repair Enthusiasts ....1997 Toyota Prado (colorado)


Hi I'm Eric
I have a 1997 Toyota Prado VX 5 door

Engine : 5VZ-FE, 3378cc, (gasoline)petrol, V6, efi

Problem : Hard Starting

...

Hope to Hear...h

Just an idea:

Somewhere else I read about a similar problem and it was related to a damaged CAT (melted, plugged, etc.). Did you checked it out?. Maybe it is not your case.

Good luck.

[dhula]

From my Gregorys manual.

Engine hard to start of will not start

1. Faulty ALT or AM2 fusable link. Check fusable links and replace as needed.
2. Fault in the engine immobiliser system. Check the immobiliser system for faults.
3. Faulty circuit opening relay or ECU relay. Test the relays and replace as needed.
4. Fault in the fuel supply. test the fuel pump and fuel pressure.
5. Faulty engine management component wiring connectors. Check all the wiring connectors are clean and secure, especially the coil connectors.
6. Faulty ignition coils. Check the ignition coil resistances. Check the ignition system.
7. Faulty fuel injectors. Test the injector circuits.
8. Engine flooded. Depress the throttle pedal fully while cranking the engine until it starts.

That may gine you somewhere to look. I'd do the easy stuff first, then progress onto the harder stuff if you can.

As far as I know the 90/95 series Prado's do not use OBDII codes.

[KyleT]

how does it run once it starts?