Can a bad fuel filter cause a no start? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

badcompany87 · 11-05-2010, 05:59 PM

So a few weeks ago I posted about having trouble starting my car. One day the check engine light went on, and the next day it wouldnt start. The battery, starter, and alternator were all eliminated, and we all agreed it was the fuel pump. So I order a new fuel pump that said it came with a new fuel filter also (it didn't, I'm waiting on it now). But anyways I did replace the fuel pump, and my car started after a few tries. I turned it off, and started it. It came back up no problem, drove it around, on and off a few more times, everythings fine. I go out to do a cold start this morning, and nothing. When I was driving it around yesterday the check engine light did not come on....why won't it start?

Any help is good help. I've been borrowing an oldsmobile and I have to put in $50 a week to get to school and to work!!! I miss only having to put in $20

speedy25 · 11-05-2010, 06:14 PM

It CAN but it usually doesnt. Check fuel pressure at the manifold.

-SP

BoyYota · 11-06-2010, 12:07 AM

What it means when it says it comes with the filter is that it comes with the sock thing that you attach to the fuel pump. No fuel pump is going to come with the actual fuel filter. And did you do the smart thing and clean your tank with muriatic acid? Anyway the filter that comes with the fuel pump and the fuel filter are different things. Still a fuel filter generally does not cause a no-start problem, but should be replaced anyway. Did you ever check the fuel pump relay? I think I gave you this advice about the relay before but I can't be sure. You definitely should check it out though.

badcompany87 · 11-06-2010, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BoyYota

What it means when it says it comes with the filter is that it comes with the sock thing that you attach to the fuel pump. No fuel pump is going to come with the actual fuel filter. And did you do the smart thing and clean your tank with muriatic acid? Anyway the filter that comes with the fuel pump and the fuel filter are different things. Still a fuel filter generally does not cause a no-start problem, but should be replaced anyway. Did you ever check the fuel pump relay? I think I gave you this advice about the relay before but I can't be sure. You definitely should check it out though.

You did advise that I check the relay earlier and I saw that you suggested it another post to someone else having a similar problem. How do I check this exactly? I peaked around my gas tank with flash light when I changed the fuel pump and it looked amazing so I didn't drop it to clean it. I'll be installing the fuel filter tomorrow and I'll see what happens. I've been searching the forums and read clogged injectors could also cause this, what do you think?

BoyYota · 11-06-2010, 12:23 AM

You should definitely have gotten injector cleaner and used it upon your first run with the new fuel pump. Add some after you install the new filter.

Clogged injectors should act up before they stop letting your car run though. They would give you a crappy running car with a lean condition. They usually don't just pop out of nowhere and keep your car from starting at all.