Crank no start

Hello all. New to the forum. I have a 2013 limited which ran perfect for 135,000. Then one morning it cranks but will not start. Fuel pump works. No codes. My mechanic is telling me it needs to go to Toyota.

 

Are you using the same key? If the immobilizer chip in the key is faulty that will cause the same symptoms you described.

 

When the immobilizer is active the vehicle will not even crank. Engine turns over. Runs with starting fluid.

 

If it runs with starter fluid, then i would assume it is a fuel problem. A fuel pump comes to mind.

 

I had a Toyota rental once and there was a spare key in glovebox. I tried it and it would crank over the engine but engine would not start.

Tried the original key that they gave me and it started right up.

 

Are you out of gas? Try adding a gallon. Could be bad sending unit saying you have gas when you are at 1/4-1/2 tank.

 

Please clarify "Runs with starting fluid". Does it run for 5 seconds or 5 minutes?

 

Fuel filter?

 

Doesnt 5th gen only have the sock in the tank with no external fuel filter?

 

Could be. 5 things that could cause a crank no-start issue.

1 - Bad immobilizer chip
2 - Ignition system failure (no spark to spark plugs)
3 - Fuel system failure (no fuel delivery to injectors)
4 - Air intake failure (no air getting into cylinders)
5 - Installing aftermarket lights and using the injector fuse (Lol )

 

My money is on the immobilizer.

 

It can't be the Immobilizer if it were it wouldn't run even with starter fluid.

 

Immobilizers cut off the fuel injectors.

 

I’d like to hear how long it runs on starter fluid before placing my bet.

 

Does the Limited have a security dash light? That goes out when key is in the vehicle?

 

Probably as long as you’re willing to stand there and squirt.

 

OP needs a new mechanic if they do not correlate running with starting fluid and fuel delivery problem. I would like to hear the follow up to confirm the immobilizer theory.

 

If that’s the case, my bet is on immobilizer key. But why the key chip would go bad, I don’t know, and it might be a pain to rule it out.

 

We will probably never know. A lot of these threads are anticlimactic.

 

Sadly true. If you are going to join a forum for help, have the courtesy to post a follow up once it's resolved. Hoping the OP does this. It's massively helpful to the next person with this issue.