2000 LX470 – Stalling After Timing Belt Service, Now Crank/Start-Then-Die

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Hadinho10

Hadinho10

Joined
Feb 11, 2026
Threads
1
Messages
6
Location
Tennessee
Hey everyone! I’m new to the community and hoping to get some guidance from those with more 2UZ-FE experience than me.

I have a 2000 Lexus LX470. The truck had been running perfectly with no prior drivability issues, no check engine lights, no rough idle, nothing abnormal.
About a month ago, I had the timing belt and water pump service done at a Toyota dealership. After picking it up, I drove it home with no issues and then it sat for about 2–3 weeks since I don’t drive it very often.
When I started driving it again, I began experiencing sudden stalls while driving. It would shut off unexpectedly, but would crank right back up immediately. This happened maybe 3–5 times over a few drives.
It progressively got worse to the point where now the engine will crank, sometimes briefly start and rev, then shut off immediately. At this point it will not stay running and had to be towed.

Additional details:

No previous history of stalling before timing belt service
  • No warning lights prior to the issue
  • It almost feels like someone is turning the key off when it stalls
  • Battery has since weakened from repeated start attempts
  • I did notice one small vacuum/PCV-type hose that seemed loose and slightly oily near the intake area
  • No visible coolant or oil leaks
  • Oil and coolant levels are full
Given that this started shortly after the timing belt service (even though it sat for a few weeks), I can’t help but wonder if something may have been disturbed during the work, possibly a sensor connector (crank/cam), vacuum line, ground strap, or EVAP-related component.
Has anyone experienced something similar after a timing belt job on the 2UZ-FE?
I’m open to the possibility of coincidence (fuel pump, crank sensor, etc.), but the timing of the issue makes me want to rule out anything related to that service area first.
Any guidance on where to start diagnosing would be greatly appreciated. I’m trying to approach this logically before throwing parts at it.
Thanks in advance!

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3_puppies said:
cam sensor wiring rubbing on serp belt?
MAF plugged in securely?
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that’s something I’m going to check very soon and I’m hoping that’s what it is! Thanks for the input

Trunk Monkey said:
That's your PCV valve, not related to the timing belt. I'd look at sensors that didn't get plugged in or a wire that got pinched/cut.
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That’s something I’m hearing more often so I’m definitely going to check that out! Thanks a lot for the input!

equals340 said:
Is your oil presure gauge pegged by chance?
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That’s something I haven’t been told as of yet, will definitely take a look at it! Thanks for your input!
 
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My vote is on the cam position sensor wire routing.
 
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Zuberg said:
Exactly this. Very high probability that they caused the issue and should be the ones fixing it.
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It's nice to have an idea what is going on. In my case, I did return to the shop and he tried to tell me it was unrelated to the belt job until I showed him the proof. He ended up fixing the mistake but took his sweet time doing it!
 
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Check you see a movement of the RPM needle during cranking. If it moves every time, then crank sensor is working.

May be timing is off? Can happen if the belt is lose.

How old is the Fuel filter? Fuel pump? Do you hear the pump running when ignition is on?
 
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nissanh said:
Check you see a movement of the RPM needle during cranking. If it moves every time, then crank sensor is working.

May be timing is off? Can happen if the belt is lose.

How old is the Fuel filter? Fuel pump? Do you hear the pump running when ignition is on?
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I’m not 100% sure when the last time it was changed. I’ve had the vehicle for almost 2 years and don’t know if the previous owner changed it but I will have it checked and see if that needs replacing! Thanks for your input!

Thank you all so much for the helpful advice! I have a tow scheduled back to the dealership next week so hopefully we can find out what the issue is. Will keep yall updated as soon as I find out but I’m leaning more with it being rubber wires or improper sensor installation, either way we shall find out soon! Thanks again guys
 
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Hello friends just an update that I brought her back from the dealership yesterday after getting her towed there and turns out it actually WAS the body wiring harness that rubbed against the pulley which caused it to ground out!! Dealership was honest and took full responsibility of their labor and repaired it within 4 hours as well as reimbursing me for my towing expenses. She’s up and running healthy as a horse now! Thanks to all for your inputs, help, and advice!!

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Not to be pessimistic, but you might want to inspect the quality of their repair, since they failed to route it correctly in the first place.
 
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Dirt J said:
Not to be pessimistic, but you might want to inspect the quality of their repair, since they failed to route it correctly in the first place.
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Oh yeah definitely had another pair of eyes look over the harnesses and components and have put on 320 miles on it since then! So fingers crossed 🤞
 
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