01 LC Gremlin

[Robin Keeter]

01 Cruiser has a gremlin I can't find. Engine starts and runs well for weeks and then boom ! Engine will not start. No codes, no lights, no nothing. Maybe it starts tomorrow, maybe not. Hours upon hours looking to no avail. Then it cranks and runs well for weeks again. I eventually carried it to a local shop that I hold in very high regard. No definitive answer. Weeks go by again it no longer starts. This time I carried it to a Toyota dealership. I basically paid them to park it there. No answer or suggestions from the dealer.
Has anyone had or heard of a similar ailment. I continue to look but at this point I'm stabbing in the dark.

 

[FxFormat]

Starter?

 

[Trailguy]

When you say it won't start, does the engine turn over?

 

[Robin Keeter]

When you say it won't start, does the engine turn over?

OK let me clarify. The starter engages and turns the engine well. It's as if the anti theft or some other command is preventing the engine from starting.

 

[Robin Keeter]

Just gave it try in the parking lot where it let me down yesterday. Starts and runs as if there was never a problem. Nothing has been done. Its just been sitting since yesterday. Can't trust this vehicle until I identify the culprit. Still no codes.

 

[Trailguy]

Sounds like a process of elimination case. I think you are correct in your thinking about the anti-theft theory.

I would go with simplicity first and try only using your spare key instead of the one you are using currently. If you have no more further staring problems then the problem is solved. I would then look into a low battery issue or a short in the bad key.
If changing keys doesn’t eliminate the problem, you could have a bad ECU board which would be tough to diagnose and be costly to repair.

 

[Benjamin Ebrahim]

Check your security light for any problems with anti-theft. The 10 or so amp EFI fuse in the main box has prevented me from firing up before. The resistance seems highly sensitive, so even if the fuse isn't popped, or if you suspect any thing's wrong with it, throw a decent wire jumper in its place and try that

 

[Robin Keeter]

Check your security light for any problems with anti-theft. The 10 or so amp EFI fuse in the main box has prevented me from firing up before. The resistance seems highly sensitive, so even if the fuse isn't popped, or if you suspect any thing's wrong with it, throw a decent wire jumper in its place and try that[/QUO

I'll give that fuse a look. The security light ? On the key or in the vehicle ?

 

[Benjamin Ebrahim]

The little red car symbol by the AC controls tells you what the security system classifies your key. There's probably a better explanation on this forum somewhere, but as I remember it, when you put your key in the ignition, if the little security light goes out immediately it's a master. If it takes a bit (like 5-10 seconds) then its a valet key. If it says on, then the key just isn't registered in the EUC/not picking it up

 

[Trailguy]

Good point Benjamin. I think he's referring to the red security light up on top of the dash or on your climate control module below the stereo.

 

[Robin Keeter]

All good info. I've checked the little car and it's gone as soon as i insert the key. I have a jumper wire at the ready. I replaced the EFI fuse and suppose that's all i can do for now since it's running well. Thanks for the suggestions. I'll update this thread if ever i find a definitive answer.

 

[CloudCity]

Have you checked all grounds on the vehicle?

 

[Spike555]

Is it possibly rain or carwash relate?

 

[Robin Keeter]

No I don't think so. No rain or wash before any of the times it wouldn't start. As for the grounds I've looked and tighten any and every one i can see.

 

[Greenbean]

Does it replicate based on the outside temperature?

If so is it hot inside the car from sitting in the sun?

Does it do it more first thing in the morning when it’s cool?

 

[Benjamin Ebrahim]

If there was any sign of smoke/soot on the blades of the fuse, then that's probably your problem. Mine hadn't blown the fuse or anything, just the EFI system decided there was too much resistance on the circuit and shut down. Cleaning those fuse contacts plus a little bit of anti-corrosive spray seems to have fixed it. Next time it happens pull a spark plug and sniff for gas, assuming you have the time of course.

 

[duggy]

Check the crank sensor wiring that looms down the right side of your engine. If a timing belt job was done, and the wire not routed correctly, it could be contacting the serpentine belt and causing a cut in the wiring. The proper way to route it is to tuck it behind the fan bracket so it's shielded from any interference.

 

[gatormark91]

Immobiliser or bad battery ground.

 

[Robin Keeter]

I've watched the suggestions here and followed through on the vehicle. Still starts and runs well at the moment. Looked at the route of the wiring as suggested and it looks good in position and no nicks or cuts / rubs. Temperature does not seem to be a factor. Immobilizer good and good battery ground. The only thing visible I've found to date is the EFI fuse looked pitted. As suggested by B Ebrahim I replaced the fuse and it's run well since. Still watching closely and if somethings shows I'll share here. Thanks for the help everyone.

 

[tacoduck]

How old is your battery? $100 for a new battery Could be a cheap fix. My.02