No start after misfire and alternator replacement

[danciestgerm]

Hi,

After owning my 99 100 series for a few months, and reading plenty of great info on this forum, I've finally had a major issue. The engine cranks, but will not start. More info below.

On the way to the dealer the LC died and was towed. After replacing coolant, PS fluid, and calling out a dead alternator, I went to pick it up to do the alternator myself. I wanted the 100 amp and they wouldn't do it. While driving the LC back, I had cylinder misfires, and ABS lights going off as well as an alarm. Not optimal, but at this point, I was close enough to home I kept going. Dealer said all those things could happen with a faulty alternator...

While replacing the faulty alternator, I destroyed the plug on the back and replaced it with this one from eBay. While waiting for parts to come in, I decided to tackle another issue, mold in the carpet padding. Ripped the interior apart to fix it.

With the new alternator, I have not been able to start the truck. The alternator passed, so I tried to diagnose as best I could. It appears that I'm not getting a spark, as I am getting fuel ( tank is full as well). Repairs are as follows:

1. New Fuel Pump ( old one tested fine, but figured it was an easy part to replace with interior out)
2. New EFI relay ( spent a lot of time reading the no start threads, wiggled EFI relay)
3. Swapped out EFI Fuse ( Tried a jumper as well)
4. Replaced every mini fuse in the truck.
5. Swapped old alternator back in to see if it would start, checked my wiring to new plug, seemed fine.
6. Tried different, fully charged batteries.
7. Cleaned MAF
8. Checked 6 out of 8 spark plugs to see if fouled
9. Crankshaft sensor checked out when tested
10. New serpentine belt, I was getting really good at changing it.
11. New Fuel filter
12. Checked as many connections as I could find
13. Pulled off timing belt cover, looked fine.
14. Tried a bit of starter fluid
15. Tried to read codes multiple times, nothing.

The only other thing I can think of is the immobilizer. While cleaning interior I found a spare key hidden, looks like a valet. Both keys shut off the blinking immobilizer light when inserted.

Today I'll be inspecting the camshaft sensor, replacing 02 sensors ( had a few bad ones) and buying some cheap spark plugs to see if that's the problem.

I've spent a few weeks trying to figure this out, and I'm ready to call it quits and have it towed to the dealer. Any other thoughts, or directions I can go with this?

 

[ponytl]

while you get someone else to crank it... you try tapping on all the relays in the box under the hood... pretty common I've built some bypass relays but have given them all away someone on the board has a kit they sell to do the same thing... that would be my first try IF you are sure you got everything put back correctly

 

[Sandroad]

You've covered a lot of bases so far! I'd suspect that destroyed and replaced plug on the alternator as a possible problem, based on all the others tests you did that didn't work. How do you know the splices are conducting and the plug is connecting?

 

[junkxj]

I wasn't clear if you are sure the engine is getting gas, or there is gas in the tank and the fuel pump tested as good? Might be a long shot, but maybe the fuel pump reset switch? I am not sure where it is, but have seen the sticker for it on the panel under the steering wheel.

 

[junkxj]

 

[danciestgerm]

All excellent suggestions. Once my helper gets back, I'll start tapping relays.

As far as the connection to the alternator, sandroad you're right, I don't know if the splices and new plug are working. After taking the wiring apart and inspecting my splices twice, I would hope they are holding. I'll do a bit more looking and see if I can test that with my multimeter.

junkxj, to clarify the engine seems to be getting gas. Fuel pump tested good, but I replaced it anyway. I replaced the fuel filter in the engine bay, and it was full of fuel so I assume it's at least getting that far. I've punched that reset button a few times, nothing seems to happen.

 

[bctlex]

From my understanding is that bad alternator will not prevent the car from starting, assuming your battery has enough juice to start the car. Bad alternator will cause the battery to drain empty.

"The only other thing I can think of is the immobilizer. While cleaning interior I found a spare key hidden, looks like a valet. Both keys shut off the blinking immobilizer light when inserted." - I think this rule out immobilizer.

"I decided to tackle another issue, mold in the carpet padding. Ripped the interior apart to fix it." - if it is me, this is where I would start looking. Did you disconnect something by accident when you ripped the interior? Slowly trace what you did, pay attention to the surrounding area where you pull the interior apart.

Good luck and keep us updated when you figure out what is the problem.

 

[danciestgerm]

Quick update, after trying all the suggestions above I gave up and had it towed to the dealership. After 4 days of it up on the rack, they still have no idea why it won't spark.

 

[nissanh]

Did you disconnect the battery before removing the alternator?

 

[danciestgerm]

nissanh, yep. Almost like Toyota heard me complain, they called back. Turns out the engine ECU/ECM along with the fuses blew. How, they have no idea. Quoted me $1500 plus the cost of new keys. Any alternative ideas would be much appreciated.

 

[mattafact]

Car-part.com. There is one on there with the key for $250.

 

[danciestgerm]

Quick updated, ECM replaced by dealer and it still won't spark. They can communicate to the ECM now, but it sounds like they are out of ideas.

 

[highonpottery]

Did they play with the 20A EFI fuse? That little bugger will incapacitate the Cruiser

 

[2001LC]

They need to back trace/test from coil(s) to ECU!

 

[flintknapper]

Sounds like it is 'immobilizer' related.

IF bridging across the fuse receptacle there does not allow the engine to start then I'd have them look at the fuse block itself. They can check that 'circuit' or apply a power source directly to that circuit to test.

Hang in there, I'd be about 3/4 frustrated at this point if I were you.

 

[highonpottery]

Any luck? Or are they charging you another day in the shop?