Starting Issues-Advice Needed

[KRoy]

2003 LX470, 253,00 miles. Very puzzling starting issue. Rig ran fine for a couple of months after I bought it. But then one day it would not start. When the key is turned to Start, the engine turns over but will not start. When you let go of the key and the key returns to the ON position, it should stop cranking but it doesn't. It continues to turn over. It will not stop trying to crank until the key is turned to the ACC position.
Step 1 - I had the battery checked and it wouldn't hold a load. Put in a new battery and it started just fine. I thought the problem was solved. Next day, it wouldn't start. Same problem as before.
Step 2 - Since I was replacing the timing belt, water pump, etc., I replaced the starter. Put everything back together and it started right up on the first crank. No issues. Went for a long test drive, no issues. Next day, it wouldn't start again. Same starting issues as described in the first paragraph.
Step 3 - Replaced the starter relay. Fired right up on the first crank. Next day, and every day since, it will not crank. Same constant turning over until you turn the key to ACC.
So, what could be the problem? Fuel pump? I haven't been able to find any threads with the exact same issue I'm experiencing. I've read some that are similar, but not quite the same. Any help would sure be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[shane431]

A

Thread 'fix for immobilizer issue?'

Aug 5, 2013

My 2001 Landcruiser has had an immobilizer issue for the past year now. 5 times in the last year, the flashing car thing won't go off (by the clock) when I insert the key. Today it just stranded my wife, and no amount of re-inserting the key would get it to start. I'd say 98% of the time it starts fine, but that 2% is a killer.

Is there any real fix for this? I've heard of resetting the ECM and reprogramming keys - what's the procedure for this, and has it worked for anyone?

Thanks

• aedavis
• Replies: 258
• Forum: 100-Series Cruisers

 

[Mike NXP]

Does the LX470 have the fancy one-touch start thing like my GX470 does? Where you just turn the key and let go to start ( rather then holding key until started)

>> If yes, then refer the the post above and/or look into EFI relay failures / fixes..... Your engine is turning over because that fancy one touch start feature ,but isnt starting because of something like EFi relay failure or otherwise
>> If no, then you have a problem in your starter circuit, when you let go off the key in a normal setup the engine should stop turning over.

 

[2001LC]

2003 LX470, 253,00 miles. Very puzzling starting issue. Rig ran fine for a couple of months after I bought it. But then one day it would not start. When the key is turned to Start, the engine turns over but will not start.

03-07 have auto crank feature. Turn IG key to start and release. Starter keeps crank engine until starts or time-out (5 to 10 seconds). The control for this, is in the ECM.

When you let go of the key and the key returns to the ON position, it should stop cranking but it doesn't.

See above auto crank feature!

It continues to turn over. It will not stop trying to crank until the key is turned to the ACC position.

It should stop on it's own. Give it time. Count:1,001, 1002, 10003, *,*, 1010 (about 10 sec,) it should stop cranking.

Step 1 - I had the battery checked and it wouldn't hold a load. Put in a new battery and it started just fine. I thought the problem was solved. Next day, it wouldn't start. Same problem as before.
Step 2 - Since I was replacing the timing belt, water pump, etc., I replaced the starter. Put everything back together and it started right up on the first crank. No issues. Went for a long test drive, no issues. Next day, it wouldn't start again. Same starting issues as described in the first paragraph.

Step 3 - Replaced the starter relay. Fired right up on the first crank. Next day, and every day since, it will not crank. Same constant turning over until you turn the key to ACC.

If, you must turn to ACC, and not just release key and wait 10 sec. Make sure IG key has spring load turning it from start to ON. The tumblers may be dirty, casuing hang up.
If, spring load turns back to ON from start as it should. Yet it never stops auto cranking. Either IG switch has issue or short in or to EMC.

So, what could be the problem? Fuel pump? I haven't been able to find any threads with the exact same issue I'm experiencing. I've read some that are similar, but not quite the same. Any help would sure be appreciated. Thanks.

When we can see security light go out, when key inserted in IG. This indicates, immobilizer cirute is working to power fuel pump as it should.
Then intermittent crank no start, is very often sign of a bad fuel pump. A new battery slight improving. May also be sign of fuel pump failing.

Next time crank no start happens. Pull fuel line off fuel filter (pinch green locking clip). If very little or no fuel blows out. This indicates little or no fuel pressure. Very strong sign, fuel pump failing. Another clue is the fuel damping device screw, does not pop up while cranking no start.

 

[medtro]

Next day, and every day since, it will not crank. Same constant turning over until you turn the key to ACC.

How did it turn over without cranking?

 

[KRoy]

Thanks for all the input. Provided me with a great education. I had no idea about the 03-07 auto crank feature. I hope I "fixed" the issue. Only time will tell. So, I removed the starter relay that I purchased at the local parts store. It literally cracked and fell apart as I was removing it. I put the original Toyota starter relay back in. Removed and checked all the fuses in the engine bay fuse box. I turned the key to Start and just let it go instead of holding it there waiting on a crank. One or two turnovers and the engine has been firing right up for the past 3 days. That's a great feeling after all the work and $ I've put into it lately. Many projects ahead.