Cannot start the car after 2-week parking - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

hungt1999 · 12-16-2010, 11:48 AM

I have a 1996-DX, 1.6L, Manual transmission, 210,000km

I parked the car in my garage and have not used it for the last 2 weeks

This morning when I tried to start it, the engine runs for about half a second and then died, as if I did not crank it long enough and let go the ignition key too soon. Now I cannot start the car anymore, it cranks but the engine does not fire. The battery is good, measuring 12.8V, I know the battery is good because the engine cranks strongly and I can turn ON the headlights at full brightness

The car was fine the last time I drove it 2 weeks ago.

I even tried to press on the gas pedal slightly during cranking but that did not help.

I did many attempts to start the car over the last couple hours, crank for about 10-20 seconds and then wait half an hour but so far, no luck. If I keep doing it, the battery will eventually run out of juice.

I checked all the fuses, in particular the fuse for the fuel pump, all fuses are OK

What else can I try? Is-it OK to crank more than 20 seconds?

GTChink · 12-16-2010, 03:22 PM

Did you try jumpstarting? The battery may seem fine, and turn on the lights, but may not have enough juice to start an engine.

speedy25 · 12-16-2010, 08:04 PM

Its either fuel or ignition. You get to figure out which one it is. I'll guess a bad fuel pump or relay since it started and then quit.

-SP

hungt1999 · 12-17-2010, 07:24 AM

I tried jumpstarting, still no luck, same symptoms, the car would crank over and over but no sign of ignition.

I know the ignition is good, I removed the spark plugs one by one and ground the body of the spark plug to the ground while the hot wire is still connected, I can see sparks so ignition is not an issue here

Now next to fuel delivery: how can I test it? can someone help me out where to start on fuel delivery troubleshooting

speedy25 · 12-17-2010, 07:38 PM

Start by CAREFULLY cracking the fuel supply line bolt and see if it has pressure in the hose.

-SP

***zythr*** · 12-17-2010, 08:15 PM

Do you have a full tank of fuel? Maybe water or too much alcohol in the fuel?

***zythr*** · 12-17-2010, 08:19 PM

http://www.aa1car.com/library/car_wont_start.htm

Here are some suggestions

good_old_geo · 12-17-2010, 09:23 PM

fuel pump or clogged fuel filter. I wonder though...has anybody seen a clogged intake manifold? My brother has a honda accord and the reason why it wouldnt start was the intake manifold was clogged with carbon. Does this happen to corollas?

I wouldnt crank for more than 20 seconds since the starter motor might fry. Check the pump. I think at autozone they can test those.

jawsofire · 12-17-2010, 11:49 PM

This happens to me every now and then, but it always starts eventually. I usually floor it and I crank it for about 5-10 seconds. Takes about 2 or 3 attempts and starts.

hungt1999 · 12-18-2010, 05:53 PM

I partly disconnected the fuel line after the filter prior to the fuel regulator, I can see fuel spraying so I am pretty confident the fuel supply is good.

I am absolutely certain the battery is good, the spark plugs are good, the ignition coil is good, the fuel supply has pressure so I am out of ideas. I tried flooring the gas pedal while starting, no luck so far.

I am about to have the damm car towed. Someone has suggested removing the spark plugs and wetting them with fuel, is that a good idea?

The damn car was running pefectly good (always have) until three weeks ago when I parked it in the garage and have not started it since

speedy25 · 12-18-2010, 06:57 PM

Check the cam timing. Others have mentione starting problems when their belt skipped a tooth.

-SP

nbudusmith · 12-19-2010, 11:34 AM

I'm currently having what sounds to be a similar problem. Car won't start when it's cold (in the 20's F). Have a strong battery, spark, and fuel. This happened a couple of days ago when my daughter couldn't get it started after repeated cranking. I got home from work and tried it, and it started after a few attempts. It seems to start fine when the engine has run awhile and is warmed up.

Then same thing happened the following day. Cold morning, and it wouldn't start. I tried some starting fluid, but no help. I removed the spark plugs to check/clean them, and they are wet. I left the plugs out for a while to see if the fuel would evaporate, and tried it later. Eventually got it started, but after quite a bit of cranking and holding the pedal down.

This morning, again, it won't start. I'm letting it sit for a while now after cranking it several times. Tried the starting fluid again, nothing. We're really taxing the battery after all these start attempts. Will take it to the mechanic this week unless I have some revelation.

badcompany87 · 12-19-2010, 05:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hungt1999

I have a 1996-DX, 1.6L, Manual transmission, 210,000km

I parked the car in my garage and have not used it for the last 2 weeks

This morning when I tried to start it, the engine runs for about half a second and then died, as if I did not crank it long enough and let go the ignition key too soon. Now I cannot start the car anymore, it cranks but the engine does not fire. The battery is good, measuring 12.8V, I know the battery is good because the engine cranks strongly and I can turn ON the headlights at full brightness

The car was fine the last time I drove it 2 weeks ago.

I even tried to press on the gas pedal slightly during cranking but that did not help.

I did many attempts to start the car over the last couple hours, crank for about 10-20 seconds and then wait half an hour but so far, no luck. If I keep doing it, the battery will eventually run out of juice.

I checked all the fuses, in particular the fuse for the fuel pump, all fuses are OK

What else can I try? Is-it OK to crank more than 20 seconds?

I feel your pain. About a month and a half ago, my car just stopped starting out of no where. I had no idea what it could be. I thought it was the starter essentially, but after posting on the forum, everyone suggested it was the fuel pump since I heard no clicking which is a symptom of a bad starter. So I replaced the the fuel pump and the filter, still nothing. So I replaced the relay, still nothing. I decided to go with my initial hunch and replace the starter. That fixed it. It's weird for it to just stop working out of nowhere, but thats what happend to me. Tap your starter with a hammer (gently) and see if it will start, if it does it's definitely your starter. Before replacing it, check the connection to the battery on the starter, it could just be loose. Hope this helps and good luck, I know it's frustrating not knowing why your car won't start.

BoyYota · 12-19-2010, 10:51 PM

Seems to me like his starter can crank just fine.

hungt1999 · 12-20-2010, 03:20 PM

Hey Guys! I got the problem fixed! it was something stupid, you would'nt believe it!

My kids plugged the exhaust pipe with a couple of toy cars. Who would have guessed that! During one of my cranking attempts, I have noticed a hissing sound from the exhaust and decided to have a look. Bingo! I discovered the culprit! there were a couple of small cars and other toys junk jammed in the exhaust pipe. I had no idea my kids did that.

The car now starts fine

thank you guys for your help