QuestionI'm having a couple of problems with my 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser. The first is a sporadic starting issue. Sometimes, on turning the key, there's the sound of the starter being engaged -- a metallic 'contact' sound under the hood, and sort of low hum while key is turned - but engine fails to turn over. Battery is relatively new and all external signs (interior/exterior lights, charge indicator on instrument panel) suggest electrical charge is strong. After several tries, the car starts -- so far that's been the case, anyway.
The second problem is, when the car 'is' started, the engine light is coming on. I read in another of your responses that this often indicates a problem with a control valve or the egr modulator valve. Is it necessary that specific diagnosis is made at an authorized dealership?
Many thanks for lending your expertise here.
AnswerThis is a common problem on the V-8 engines, if everything else electrically is good, battery,connections, cables etc then most likely the starter needs to be replaced, it is located under the intake manifold on this engine so the manifold and fuel injection system has to be removed to get the starter out.
As far as the check engine light, you can visit an autoparts store like Autozone, Kragen/ O'Reilly etc and they usually help you get the diagnostic trouble code numbers at no charge, then you can reply here to me and I can help with that.
