1999 4runner Limited will turn over, but won't start...

I have a buddy that told me if I can get this cranked, I can have it for $500!

So I put the key in...nothing. Replaced the battery and it started to turn over perfectly, but nothing more.

I replaced the fuel pump, spark plugs and wires. Still won't run.

The only time it will actually try to start is with starter fluid but dies quickly. As if it's not getting fuel past the injectors, I guess??

He then told me it was his daily driver and the reason behind him no longer driving it was because in Jan. he went out of town and when he returned, he noticed it was hotwired from someone trying to steal it.

I don't see any wires cut or exposed other than on coming out of the interior fuse box pictured. There's also a drilled spot on the ignition, but not enough to cause an issue with turning the key...

The ignition has been replaced before and the previous owner doesn't think the key had a chip or anything...Do you guys know if it did, and it could be an immobilizer situation..or do these trucks even have them? I don't know...your guy is bamboozled and my code reader won't give me any data at all...

I've been scouring the interwebs and I'm stumped...any suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

Unfortunately it may be difficult to diagnose via chat or internet as we don’t know what modifications have been done to this vehicle such as an alarm with a demobilized. If you can rule out the alarm system or lack there of and it started on starting fluid I would begin with checking that the vehicle is getting fuel. Every engine needs fuel, spark, air. Can you tell if the fuel pump is turning on? Can you verify it’s getting fuel to the engine? Fuel pressure? Can you verify spark from the coils?

 

I did just notice that the black piece with the red wire coming off in my picture has 2 fuses aimed down and this SS from a YouTube video made me realize, I need to take that off and just put a 15 fuse in there...it's a long shot, but maybe it's the issue?



I mean, it does say "theft deterrent system" lol

 

I disconnected the fuel line to the engine, and it shot fuel everywhere when I tried to start it lol...as far as the exact pressure, I'm not 100% as I don't have a gauge. I will say I have searched everywhere I can think to find any kind of security alarm, but it does have a "security" light that blinks. Could the theft deterrent or stock security cut off fuel supply?

 

I’m sorry I’m not familiar enough with your vehicle but an alarm system or demobilization device would stop it from starting. I’ve never considered vehicle electronics my best subject. I can usually muddle through but I’m no pro. Hopefully someone else on here will know more about how the oem alarm system works. I assume you have already verified all fuses are good?

 

You're good, brother! I appreciate your response and time!

I have but noticed a difference in the pictures I posted, so I'm going to correct that and see if that changes anything...I doubt it though. Ha

 

Yes and no. Some had them some didn't. The immobilizers started on limited models in 1999 (I've read), so yours should be one of the first. , but it looks like a real pain if you don't have a key or any history on the vehicle. Sounds like yours has a security system which is great when they work

 

woah…that’s a lot… haha thank you.
but I do have a key, it’s just aftermarket and I have no clue what the prior key looked like. My biggest question is if that’s even the problem. Like will the immobilizer allow it to turn over, but not run? As if it cuts the fuel off…

I just don’t want to dump more money into before I know if that’s even the problem, ya know.

 

Whelp…I got the book out of the glove box and saw the vehicle definitely has an “immobiliser” read further on the meaning behind the security light blinks and see that I have, indeed, been immobilized…love that for me….

 

How did you get that key, did the previous owner get it made after the break in happened?
That aftermarket key probably doesn't have a chip, so if the immobilizer system is working how it should then it wont let the car run. Go to a dealership, a good dealership should be able to find the correct replacement if replacements still exist. Still a bargain for 4runner if it's that simple.

The red wire in your fuse box is a fuse tap. It's a less then ideal method of adding another fused circuit without adding the wiring from the battery. One fuse slot will be for the added circuit and the other is for the original circuit that is being mooched from. The red wire would crimp onto the end of whatever circuit you added. I've used them to add an external thermometer.

Whatever was on that fuse tap came loose or was removed. You can remove it and put the original fuse back in. Ask the previous owner if they know why it was there.

 

So I actually know the last 2 owners. I spoke to the first today and he said he had a locksmith come out and replace a key with my current key. The 2nd owner is who had it and this same key when it was broken into and I believe the tap was from them trying to steal it. It was just broke into in January and hasn’t been messed with other than me recently. This key ran this prior to January though…

 

I wonder if they messed the light up ring that has the sensor on it when they were taking it off to steal it. It’s dangling but I’ve put it on the ignition before trying to turn it with no luck.

 

Very interesting, surprised they make aftermarket keys for the immobilizer. The inner fuse box doesn't get power when the ignition is off, strange they targeted one of the few with an immobilizer.

I'd try asking this on the other 4runner forum I linked in post 7, I don't have experience with the immobilizer and that forum has more active 3rd gen members. If you get a new account you wont be able to post for a time (probationary period) but comment on the thread I linked.

If it ran before the crook messed with the ignition it's likely not a mechanical thing.

 

Yeah I have an account but can’t do anything yet ha but I appreciate the help and advice brother! Thank you!