1994 Camry (with Std Tranny) not starting - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Shinto · 03-17-2009, 06:19 PM

About four months ago, my 1994 camry failed to start and I have not been able to get it to start since then. Due to the Cold weather, I have not been able to work on it except attempting to start/jumpstart it but it has not been successful.

Here is what happened before:

The car started normal and I drove about 10 miles to drop my son at his daycare school. After I have dropped him, the engine would not start. It cranks alright but the engine would not just start. I checked the engine oil level and it was very low, a little lower than the low level point. I have to note that the oil indicator did not light up and the temp level was below the mid point (which is normal for a cold winter morning of 32° F). Fortunately, I had some engine oil in my trunk so I topped it up. The engine continued to crank but still failed to start. I waited for about 20 minutes before starting
the car the again. This time it started. Half way home, the engine stalled and I had to park by the side of the road for about 20 minutes again before starting and the engine kicked in. finally, I made it home. After parking, I shut off the engine and tried restarting it, but it did not start and it has failed to start ever since.

About 3 months prior to the above incident, I experienced poor engine performance which led to the change of the spark plug wire set and ignition coil (all original parts from toyota). Since then the engine performance has been excellent until this experience.

I do not wont to tow it to a garage to be hit with bill that may exceed the value of the car. If I can diagnose it, I may be able to fix it myself.

At this point, I am suspecting the fuel pump but I don't know how to check it, especially since I con not start the engine.

I welcome any help in diagnosing the problem.

JCamry94 · 03-18-2009, 12:18 AM

Since you're running a standard tranny the first thing I'd check is the clutch. You will know by a small cloud of smoke when it cranks (usually).

If that isn't the case then I'd start looking at spark, fuel delivery, and TB (IAC).

You didn't mention what engine you had either, though I'm assuming the 5s-fe.

Here's how you can find the fuel pump and other problem areas...

http://www.camrystuff.com/index.php?page=Gen3_Manuals

Good luck

Shinto · 03-18-2009, 11:24 AM

I am not sure how the clutch could be a cause in this case. The starter cranks but the engine does not kick in. It is either not firing up or the engine is deprive of fuel.

Which section of the manual covers the fuel pump?

Mike Gerber · 03-18-2009, 12:29 PM

I agree that it's not a clutch problem.

A simple test to determine if the engine is getting fuel is to remove the large tube leading to the throttle body. Then spray some O2 safe carb cleaner in to the throttle body. Now reconnect the large tube and try to start the car. It will not start, but it should now sputter a bit (where it probably didn't before) as the engine tries to run on the carb cleaner. If it does sputter, you know you have a fuel delivery problem. Then you can use the maunal to diagnose the fuel system.

Mike

JCamry94 · 03-18-2009, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shinto

I am not sure how the clutch could be a cause in this case. The starter cranks but the engine does not kick in. It is either not firing up or the engine is deprive of fuel.

Which section of the manual covers the fuel pump?

My friend just burnt out his 18 year old lexus' clutch out and shortly threafter the engine acted much like yours.

I was just saying to start there, sorry about any confusion. In any case glad Mike chimed in

Shinto · 03-19-2009, 06:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

I agree that it's not a clutch problem.

A simple test to determine if the engine is getting fuel is to remove the large tube leading to the throttle body. Then spray some O2 safe carb cleaner in to the throttle body. Now reconnect the large tube and try to start the car. It will not start, but it should now sputter a bit (where it probably didn't before) as the engine tries to run on the carb cleaner. If it does sputter, you know you have a fuel delivery problem. Then you can use the maunal to diagnose the fuel system.

Mike

I have tried this procedure but I did not hear any sputtering. I don't know if I did not put enough carb cleaner in the throttle.

I also did not find an electrical connector to my fuel pump under the back seat. This makes it difficult for me to do the fuel pump resistance test as indicated in the engine repair manual.

Mike Gerber · 03-19-2009, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shinto

I have tried this procedure but I did not hear any sputtering. I don't know if I did not put enough carb cleaner in the throttle.

I also did not find an electrical connector to my fuel pump under the back seat. This makes it difficult for me to do the fuel pump resistance test as indicated in the engine repair manual.

After you remove the back seat, there may be a plate held on by 4 sheet metal screws, that might need to be removed to gain access to the fuel pump connector.

Mike