HELP NEEDED 2000 LC TROUBLE STARTING

[AndrewUpchurch]

2000 Land Cruiser, every time I get semi low on gas around 1/4 tank left ( gas light not close to being on ) the car has a super hard time starting. I can still hear the fuel pump when the battery turns on and the problem only seems to happen around the 1/4 fuel mark. I already looked at the fuel relay and that checked good. Where should I start next fuel pump, filter or other place. Please help

 

[Mike NXP]

The noise you hear when you turn the key is your brake system under the hood, the fuel pump doesn't get power until the key is turned on.

So when you say it has trouble starting, what exactly happens. You turn the key, all your dash lights work and everything seems fine? Then you go to start the engine and ....nothing happens? it turns over but doesn't start? it turns over but starts slower than usual?

 

[medtro]

The noise you hear when you turn the key is your brake system under the hood, the fuel pump doesn't get power until the key is turned on.

What is the difference between when you turn the key and until the key is turned on?

 

[AndrewUpchurch]

The noise you hear when you turn the key is your brake system under the hood, the fuel pump doesn't get power until the key is turned on.

So when you say it has trouble starting, what exactly happens. You turn the key, all your dash lights work and everything seems fine? Then you go to start the engine and ....nothing happens? it turns over but doesn't start? it turns over but starts slower than usual?

When I turn the key I can hear a single click from the starter and that’s it. Lights on the dash still work and everything. The engine doesn’t even turn over it’s just the click from the starter. After a couple of times messing with it the engine will eventually turn over.

 

[2001LC]

When I turn the key I can hear a single click from the starter and that’s it. Lights on the dash still work and everything. The engine doesn’t even turn over it’s just the click from the starter. After a couple of times messing with it the engine will eventually turn over.

When IG key turned to on. All system power up. Dash indicator lights (warning, etc.) light up as they go through self check/test of systems.
If all accessories off: The primary sound we hear, is brake booster motor running. Sometime we'll hear the DVD player spooling-up also. But main sound is brake booster motor, often mistaken for fuel pump.

When IG key turned to start, engine cranks (AKA: crankshaft turns) via the starter motor turning flywheel/crankshaft.
Fuel pump motor, only runs, when crankshaft turning. Via signal from Crankshaft position sensor.

90 % chance:
A click, as we turn IG key to start, and engine does not crank. Then a few attempt to start/crank, engine does crank and start. Is most often, a starter on it's last leg. Very often dash light dim, as IG key turn, "click" no crank/start.

8% chance:
May be issue, where voltage not getting to starter. i.e. issue/loose battery connection, battery fusible link, bad starter relay, etc.
May be neutral lock-off switch on transmission. But this one, we do not normal get click. We do not see dash light dim. Often shifting to N, or slamming into P. It starts.

Low fuel tank, is likely just coincidence. If a fuel pump issue, engine cranks but does not start.

 

[Mike NXP]

When I turn the key I can hear a single click from the starter and that’s it. Lights on the dash still work and everything. The engine doesn’t even turn over it’s just the click from the starter. After a couple of times messing with it the engine will eventually turn over.

Ah gotcha. Yeah looks like the above response sums it up nicely. I'd hope maybe it is something simple like battery connection , dead battery , corrosion but as mentioned your dash lights would probably show signs of this too.

Either way, don't forget to start simple. If you haven't already ( sorry I didn't read all previous post ) then make sure you check battery voltage and condition before diving deeper.

 

[Live to Ski]

File under "wild ass guess": mass airflow sensor needs cleaning