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97 3.4L suddenly dies and won't restart

Discussion in '3rd Gen 4Runners (1996-2002)' started by FKNHAOLE, Dec 8, 2020.

  1. Dec 8, 2020 at 3:28 AM
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    FKNHAOLE

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    FKNHAOLE [OP] New Member

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    HELP!!! MY RUNNER WONT RUN!!!!! I was driving to work today and my runner suddenly just shuts down, all the dash lights come on, and it won't restart. Now before you start giving me all the idiot answers. Let it be known that I do all repairs on my vehicles myself for 35 yes. I can usually figure out the problem with a few quick tests. NOT THIS TIME!!! IM STUMPED!!! The old girl has 260k on the od. This last week I decided to give her a full tune up, she was running a little ruff. I put in new coils, wires, plugs, oil, filters, and fuel pump.she was purring like a kitten. Running smooth, I was pleased with results of my little vitamin boost. I've heard every scenario you can think of. Nothing is working! My next try is going to be opening relay. Has anyone had similar scenario. Help a Fkn Haole boy- please
     
    FKNHAOLE, Dec 8, 2020
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  2. Dec 8, 2020 at 4:12 AM
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    Trekker

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    Trekker Regular Member

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    Does it have an aftermarket security system. Sometimes those can act up and shut off the car.
     
    Trekker, Dec 8, 2020
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  3. Dec 8, 2020 at 8:15 AM
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    negusm

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    negusm New Member

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    No codes?
     
    negusm, Dec 8, 2020
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  4. Dec 8, 2020 at 8:57 AM
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    alittleoff

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    alittleoff New Member

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    Well these aren’t going to be idiot questions since we don’t have much to go on so...
    And we can sense your frustration.
    So bear with us.
    Does it turn over or just click?
    Have you checked under the dist. cap to see if the rotor is in place?
    Age of the timing belt?
    Checked fuses?
     
    alittleoff, Dec 8, 2020
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  5. Dec 8, 2020 at 9:39 AM
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    negusm

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    negusm New Member

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    97's have a distributor in the 3.4? I assume when he said coils, he's got coil packs.

    What I'd like to know is what he's already tried.
     
    negusm, Dec 8, 2020
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  6. Dec 8, 2020 at 9:55 AM
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    alittleoff

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    alittleoff New Member

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    Right.
    I was thinking of my old ’93 pickup with the 3 oh.
     
    alittleoff, Dec 8, 2020
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  7. Dec 10, 2020 at 9:05 AM
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    FKNHAOLE

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    FKNHAOLE [OP] New Member

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    Yes it cranks over, no distributor, coils, relays are ok.
     
    FKNHAOLE, Dec 10, 2020
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  8. Dec 10, 2020 at 9:07 AM
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    FKNHAOLE

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    FKNHAOLE [OP] New Member

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    It does have aftermarket security, i didn't think that would just kill it.
     
    FKNHAOLE, Dec 10, 2020
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  9. Dec 10, 2020 at 9:13 AM
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    FKNHAOLE

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    FKNHAOLE [OP] New Member

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    I'm going to work on her right now. Reinstall relays, rewire fuel pump. We'll see!!!
     
    FKNHAOLE, Dec 10, 2020
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  10. Dec 10, 2020 at 9:16 AM
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    FKNHAOLE

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    FKNHAOLE [OP] New Member

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    Everything was pointing towards opening circuit relay but I checked it and worked. I'm going to go through system again. Spark, fuel, air
     
    FKNHAOLE, Dec 10, 2020
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  11. Dec 10, 2020 at 9:30 AM
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    canadian.bacon

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    i'd disconnect that security system first.
     
    canadian.bacon, Dec 10, 2020
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  12. Dec 10, 2020 at 10:25 AM
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    negusm

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    negusm New Member

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    This usually is a case where the ECU doesn't like what it sees.

    You may want to check the crank sensor. This will cause exactly this problem. She just won't fire up even though everything else looks normal.

    So no codes?
     
    negusm, Dec 10, 2020
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  13. Dec 10, 2020 at 10:40 AM
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    Dillusion

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    Dillusion Resident A**h***

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    Anything aftermarket gotta go first.
     
    Dillusion, Dec 10, 2020
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  14. Dec 10, 2020 at 10:59 AM
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    Thatbassguy

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    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Timing belt snapped?

    Does it turn a little faster than usual when you crank it over?

    This happened twice on my '85 Supra. If it's noninterference you can just replace the belt and it's good as new.

    Just a thought. It's worth checking if you haven't already.
     
    Thatbassguy, Dec 10, 2020
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  15. Dec 20, 2020 at 6:55 AM
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    Ahdofu

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    Ahdofu New Member

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    I suspect you may have already tried both of these: Timing belt (seconding earlier comment). Also what does the OBD show for codes?
     
    Last edited: Dec 20, 2020
    Ahdofu, Dec 20, 2020
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  16. Dec 21, 2020 at 8:51 AM
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    mousemeat

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    mousemeat New Member

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    update ????
     
    mousemeat, Dec 21, 2020
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