My LC has been towed to 2 different dealers 6 times in a year. Unable to identify problem. Traveling Toyota Tech has been involved. The motor turns over but will not fire. It's sporadic and does not seem to be temp related. It will not start from anywhere from a few hours to a week and then for no apparent reason it will fire up. On 2 occasions it started just prior to the tow truck arriving after it sat for several days. The fuel pump relay has been ruled out. 3 times it has been towed only to start right up when the dealer got to it the next day. 8 months ago was the last time I had this problem until last night. Drove it from a cold start up, 2 miles down the road to fuel up. Fueled up. Got in and my old problem came back...wouldn't fire. Had it towed to the dealer. Fired up first try in the morning. It was thought to be in the immobilization unit. The key sensor and wire bundle that connect to that have been replaced last summer, but they weren't sure that was the problem, The fuel pump relay was rulled out. I have three keys. One was lost and replaced at the dealer, programmed etc. Changing up the keys does not change the results. They all work or they all dont. There are no other problems. It has 166,000 miles 136,000 of them are mine and I have literally not had one repair outside of maintenance. Has anyone had this problem? Do I replace the computer and hope that fixes it?
2002 LC 100 intermittant start problem (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter Glen
- Start date
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And there are never any diagnostic codes thrown?
Vapor lock really doesn't happen in a pressurized EFI system. And there should be a code should be thrown, sometimes a fouled MAF can be intermittent w/no codes thrown. I can't imagine what would cause a complete lack of spark. Maybe it's the pump itself. They usually fail completely but it could be the pump electrical but not the relay itself.
Get at least an OBDII code reader and keep track of any codes.
Next time it happens, get someone to turn the key to II but not crank it while you listen in the rear, do you hear the fuel pump priming the system?
Maybe try disconnecting the battery and grounding the terminals to reset all the electronics. Maybe it's a flaky ground or short somewhere in the electronics.
Last resort, take one plug out and have someone crank the engine. Did you get sprayed with fuel? Is the plug firing? Did you get a shock or catch fire? No? Good.
Sucks that it self-heals before the dealer can catch it in the act...
Vapor lock really doesn't happen in a pressurized EFI system. And there should be a code should be thrown, sometimes a fouled MAF can be intermittent w/no codes thrown. I can't imagine what would cause a complete lack of spark. Maybe it's the pump itself. They usually fail completely but it could be the pump electrical but not the relay itself.
Get at least an OBDII code reader and keep track of any codes.
Next time it happens, get someone to turn the key to II but not crank it while you listen in the rear, do you hear the fuel pump priming the system?
Maybe try disconnecting the battery and grounding the terminals to reset all the electronics. Maybe it's a flaky ground or short somewhere in the electronics.
Last resort, take one plug out and have someone crank the engine. Did you get sprayed with fuel? Is the plug firing? Did you get a shock or catch fire? No? Good.
Sucks that it self-heals before the dealer can catch it in the act...
Wish I could help, I know problems like that are a PITA. There was/is a 2001 Land Cruiser for sale at Smith Imports in Memphis TN that may have had the same problem. I posted in the classified section and got a response from a member who said he went by to test drive and it "just wouldn't start". Wasn't a dead battery or anything like that. Seems more of a problem like you are having, but I'm not 100% sure it's the same issue. It might be worth a call to Smith Imports to ask what they did to fix theirs. They guy that looked at it said the day he got there it took them 30 mins or so just to start it. Then the next morning when he went to make an offer and buy it, it wouldn't start at all. Needless to say he walked away, but I would assume they found a fix as that has been several weeks ago and they will have a heck of a time selling a LC that won't start! Hope you find a fix!
scottm
SILVER Star
Sounds like cam position sensor. On start, the computer needs to know where the mechanicals are so it can time the spark plugs and injectors. If the cam position sensor isn't reading the cam it won't get ignition. Just a guess.
- Thread starter
- #5
Thank you. First time I have used this site. I appreciate your input. When I was a kid a managed to rebuild a motor with the help of friendly people at NAPA. This was 30 years ago. I didn't know what the timing gears were when I took the whole thing apart. The project was a success but my technical knowledge today is still limited especially when you add all the layers of electronics. I'll take your input to the technicians that have worked on it see if it helps find the problem. Thanks again.
scottm
SILVER Star
If it is a cam position sensor, post six in this thread shows what and where it is. I'm not sure if you can get to it with just loosening the accessory belt, maybe someone else knows...? Again, not sure if this is your problem, but I've had this sensor go out intermittently on other cars, PITA.
https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/431177-timing-belt-dummies-writeup.html#post6049754
https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/431177-timing-belt-dummies-writeup.html#post6049754
- Thread starter
- #7
Important info I failed to mention. The alarm indictor light on the dash does not turn off when the key is inserted when im having this problem. The indicator light goes into a slow on and off mode and stays that way until the key is removed.
MoJ
Moderator
i had the same isssue and it was a bad key
- Thread starter
- #10
Thought I should get back to those who responded with the diagnosis and repair. The toyota tech found no power to the EFI fuse. There was power at the 30 amp AM2 fuse. No power from AM2 fuse to EFI fuse. They put a wire from the EFI fuse to the AM2 fuse and it started right up. If they removed the wire, it died. The diagnosis was an internal short in the junction box. They put a new junction box in it. Seems to be OK for now.
Hmmm. Glad to hear that the new junction box seems to have resolved the problem.
Out of curiosity, does anybody know how the immobilizer works?
I thought it just cut power to the EFI fuse anytime the RF-chip key is not within range of the transponder located in the steering column.
If this is the case, then it seems like the lack of power @ the EFI fuse could have been been a symptom of a problem with the immobilizer (security system).
I would remove the plastic housing around the keyhole in steering column and check for loose connections to the transponder and antenna that control the immobilizer system.
But I am just guessing; offering alternative explanations and trying to learn.
I hope that this problem does not recur for you.
I have never had this problem with my 00 cruiser.
Out of curiosity, does anybody know how the immobilizer works?
I thought it just cut power to the EFI fuse anytime the RF-chip key is not within range of the transponder located in the steering column.
If this is the case, then it seems like the lack of power @ the EFI fuse could have been been a symptom of a problem with the immobilizer (security system).
I would remove the plastic housing around the keyhole in steering column and check for loose connections to the transponder and antenna that control the immobilizer system.
But I am just guessing; offering alternative explanations and trying to learn.
I hope that this problem does not recur for you.
I have never had this problem with my 00 cruiser.
1998 ..same problem
We had the exact same issue to a T. Took 3 days to diagnose. Just got truck back today. Replaced fuse box to the tune of a grand (Toyota only part).
Donations accepted.
We had the exact same issue to a T. Took 3 days to diagnose. Just got truck back today. Replaced fuse box to the tune of a grand (Toyota only part).
Donations accepted.
johnny4ever
Test appropriately
Wise mudder once say "Sticker price of luxury vehicles goes down but cost of care and feeding does not."
