help me diagnos the problem...

Obviously this is an intermittent problem as you have described it. As such they are the most difficult to diagnose when you bring it to the dealer, or any independent shop. Contrary to popular belief we do not just plug in our scan tool and it tells us exactly what is wrong. Also, not EVERY failure will set a code. A faulty fuel pump is one of those that does not set a code. Faulty fuel filters (dirty/clogged) will not directly set a code, but can cause fuel trim to be too lean, setting a code that way. though that is not a golden rule. Sometimes a dirty filter will simply reduce fuel flow so much that it stalls the engine.

As for listening to the fuel pump, the 2nd generation Tacoma shows in my system as not having a prime function. That means when you turn on the key, the pump will not engage for a short time period to "prime pressure" the system, so no, you will not hear the pump running when you turn on the key.

The theft system you mentioned was installed may not have had any problems at all for years, but like any other thing electronic, they can fail at any time. I am not saying that that IS the fault, but it could be, and as such should be investigated first. Since your issue is intermittent this will not be an easy fix, unless you get lucky. lol. Do you have access to a scan tool, ultragauge, or know someone who lives nearby who has one? Engine data at the time of failure is MOST important.

 

check the simple things. clean your battery posts, check ground going to the block. had friend with same problem, his was ground strap to motor. I put a new battery in a van, after 2 months and 1100 mile trip, all of sudden it wouldn't start or even make a sound. first thing I thought of was some one stole my battery, pulled the cables off, cleaned and cranked right up.

 

Sounds like a fuel vapor lock. Fuel lines getting hot?

 

X2, I'd start here (including a battery load test) regardless of how the terminals look, then temporarily remove the alarm if the issue persists.

 

so, as the truck won't start now, i can't bring it to the place that did the remote start/alarm.

but yesterday, my fiance's dad came through to trouble shoot. here's what he said...and remember, i'm not car tech savvy: he sprayed ether into the throttle body and it started. he did it twiceand it started both times and stalled when the ether burned away, so he's thinking it's the fuel pump.

so that's where i stand.

 

if its fuel pump. dont go OEM. way to expensive. get this http://urdusa.com/Fuel-Upgrades-Fue...uel-Pump/Filter-Upgrade-Kit/product_info.html and also be able to have a external fuel filter. plus its way cheaper.

 

If it started and ran briefly with ether, then spark is not the problem, nor does it appear air is, so fuel seems like a great place to start. No idea how to troubleshoot an electric fuel pump.

 

this may sound stupid, but is there a fuse for an electric fuel pump? if so, is it possible it went and only that needs to be swapped out?

 

There is a fuse and a relay

 

There is a fuse, but I doubt a fuse would fail in such a manner. I would say more likely the fuel pump was going out or it is clogged.

 

is it common for a fuel pump to go even before 65000 miles?

 

It could never happen, or it could happen a few miles from the dealer after you pick it up new. Luck of the draw, or lack of luck.

 

i figured that'd be the answer.

good thing is, if it's the fuel pump/sensor it'll be covered by my warranty. if it's my filter, not so much.

i just fear that i'll bring it to the dealership and they'll say nothing is wrong...again.

 

my brother in laws dad had his go out in his at like 80k, so i wouldnt say its not likely at 67k

 

the filter is part of the pump. there is no external filter on these trucks. to change the filter, u have to change the pump

 

Correct, but if the fuse were the issue you'd probably not get it to start at all. That said the fuse could be loose or something.

I've heard of pumps going in the 60's. Not often, and most of my experience in that has been with people that usually keep the tank low but it is possible sure.

 

i usually fill up at a 1/4 tank. every so often i'll take it until the light goes on, but that is rare of me.

 

the guy i spoke with from my warranty said that the filter would not be covered. so how would they decifer a difference between the filter/pump...?

 

got me. but there is not external filter. u can go look all you want

 

well, i'll have the truck towed to the dealership today and they said they'd get to it eventually tomorrow.

i hate not having my truck.

sure i can get a rental, but they only cover that cost if something is found to be wrong and under warranty. damn. damn. damn.