2000 LX won't start

[LX470Pilot]

Hello all,

I've been having this problem intermittently the last several months - it is my daily driver, and goes weeks/months without issue, but...

2000 LX 470

182k miles

Relocated from Los Angeles to Massachusetts last year.

Starter cranks strong, but engine doesn't catch.

No codes thrown by computer.

Back in May, mechanic traced issue to fuel pump, so replaced that. No issues until...

Friday, wouldn't start in the morning as I was tried to get to work. Friday evening I tried again, it cranked, cranked, sputtered and then roared to life.

Yesterday, it started on 2nd try, mechanics and my best guess was spark plugs (over 100k on them), so replaced those - started right up, no issues, even ran a bit smoother and better acceleration on highway as I did some errands and started/stopped engine several times during rest of the day.

This morning - back to square 1. Just. Won't. Start.

Any ideas/suggestions/experience with same/similar?

 

[bamachem]

Check the Mass Airflow Sensor. Had a 2000 LC that did something similar. Ended up that a mouse had crawled into the air filter box and chewed up the paper filter. Driving down the road a tiny piece of the paper filter hit the wire on the MAF just right to get snagged. Once the MAF was covered with paper the truck shut off and didn't restart until I found the issue. If an intermittent MAF issue, it can cause you the same issues with no CEL.

 

[LX470Pilot]

Worth checking, however, I've never had the truck shut down on its own.

 

[Throttle Crazy]

Check for spark at a plug and for fuel pressure at the rail first.

 

[bamachem]

Worth checking, however, I've never had the truck shut down on its own.

Yeah, I was just relaying the importance of the MAF for the ignition. In your case, check to make sure its clean and free of debris, and check to make sure the connection to the wiring harness is clean and secure.

Checking fuel pressure and spark are easy to do as well.

 

[MisledYouth]

Minus the sputtering, mine wouldn't start when I got home the DAY I BOUGHT IT. I was pissed. Ended up being the immobilizer. I got a chip key cut at Ace until I could make it into the dealer the next morning. At the dealer, we transferred the brain (assembly inside the fob) into a $20 shell and it's worked ever since. If my brain hadn't been in good shape, they would have charged me like $350 to reprogram a new one.

 

[cathaan]

There is a little red blinking indicator next to your clock. When you get in the truck it should be blinking, but when you put the key in it should disappear. Is that happening?

 

[bullfrg]

I am having a similar issue right now too. Had it to the dealer and they said bad connection at the EFI fuse on the fuse.block. They messed with it and got it running but it was short lived and they want to replace the fuse block. Immobilizer does flash when I try to start it and neither of the keys works. I have been messing with it for a couple of weeks with no luck. Tomorrow getting towed back to the shop.

 

[arbetrader]

There is a little red blinking indicator next to your clock. When you get in the truck it should be blinking, but when you put the key in it should disappear. Is that happening?

---> This!

 

[LX470Pilot]

Sorry about the lateness of this - was traveling immediately after it happened.

The morning after I opened this thread, I called AAA to tow me to the mechanic -

I explained the situation to the driver, and demonstrated the cranking w/out catching.
The driver suggested holding down the accelerator while he kicked the fuel tank cover... and it started, so I drove myself to the mechanic.

NOW the check engine light was on, and my mechanic was able to read a code, which said... Crankshaft Position Sensor - apparently not communicating properly to spark the plugs at the right time.

This is the second time in as many years I've had to change it, but at least it's under $200

Does this sound familiar to anyone else? Possible causes for the CPS to die so quickly?