QuestionI didn't see an easier way to follow up to your answer, so I've restated the question with the additional info you asked.
Yes, there's spark. The problem happened once while I was at 'Shop B' and the technician said there was spark, but it seemed weak and fluctuated while the engine cranked. Hope this helps.
Did the other guy (from April) ever resolve his situation? I am concerned that his fate awaits me down the road...
JT
My original question was:
Question Mike, I saw that you engaged a '95 Tacoma owner with a hard starting question in April 06. It seems I am at the beginning of the problem he experienced, and I fear that his fate is down the road for me. Was there any further exchange on this posting:
Expert: Mike
Date: 4/18/2006
Subject: toyota 95 tacoma wont start
Question
95 toyota tacoma , 2.4 liter 4 cylinder wont start have tried everything replaced starter , distribator , wires , plugs cap, rotor button ,igniter and ecm. problem began as hard starting, especially when hot . problem got worse till now no fire at the plugs . at the end of my rope.
Answer
Lets start with the basics. Do you have spark?
If No.
Turn the key on. If you dont see the check engine light lit on the dash then there is no B+ to the ECU and she wont start.
The EFI fuse could be blown or the engine main relay could be NG.
Here's my situation: I am the original owner of a 95 Tacoma with the 2RZ-FE engine, 2.4 liter, 4 cyl, 2 wheel drive, manual transmission with 85,200 miles.
This Summer I have been experiencing a very frustrating problem. The truck starts fine in the morning but if I try to run an errand at lunch the truck intermittently experiences a long crank before it starts. Sometimes it just
cranks (strongly) but I stop so I don't damage the starter or battery. Since it's a manual trans I just push it to get it to start. I have learned to pick "strategic" parking spots in case I have to push it to start it. Push starting
has worked every time. The problem seems to appear after the engine gets hot, or during the heat of the day (we've had a heat wave recently in NJ), or if I am only in the store a few minutes and the engine hasn't cooled.
Recent repairs to try to correct this problem include: 'Shop A' did a tune up (air filter, distributor cap, ignition rotor, ignition wire set, spark plugs) but referred me to 'Shop B' after the problem persisted. At visit one to 'Shop B', they replaced the (NAPA) fuel filter with a Toyota filter and replaced the distributor rotor with a Toyota rotor (this guy is a believer in original Toyota parts); at visit
2 to 'Shop B' they replaced my upstream O2 sensor because the check engine light coincidentally (?) came on during a day that the problem was happening unusually frequently. Thankfully, I was close to 'Shop B' and he checked the codes: the error codes were PO130 & PO133. Unfortunately, the problem is still
happening.
Oh, about a month ago the dealer replaced my ignition because I couldn't get the
key to turn. I'm not sure if that matters, but I wanted you to know.
I scanned some of the previous answers provided for similar "hard starting" questions. When I turn the key the check engine light does come on, then disappears when the truck starts. That seemed relevant information to other queries, so I thought I'd tell you. Also, 'Shop B' seemed surprised when I told him the truck starts when I push it. His comment was that that ruled out a fuel problem, that he thought it was electrical.
I appreciate your help.
JT
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Answer First need to know.
Does it have spark at the plugs when it doesnt start?
Mike
Answercheck to see if the crank bolt is tight.
I have seen the pully work its way out and you get an intermittant loss of the crank sensor signal.So youll lose spark.
Youll need to get a tech to put a scan tool on it and look at the data list while it doesnt start.
Im fairly sure youll see whats NG or missing.
Im asking my co-workers about the push start angle, nothing yet, but they are very intrigued.
Mike
