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Truck not starting

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by SKIAK, Mar 3, 2009.

  1. Mar 3, 2009 at 9:41 AM
    #1
    SKIAK

    SKIAK [OP] Bright as Alaska in December...

    Joined:
    Dec 1, 2008
    Member:
    #11184
    Messages:
    11
    Gender:
    Male
    Fairbanks, AK
    Vehicle:
    03 Tacoma SR5
    I live in Fairbanks AK and it gets pretty cold. I have a block heater, oil pan heater and battery blanket (and they all work). Sometimes when it gets cold the truck won't start, or sometimes a few minutes after starting it dies and won't restart. It cranks easily but won't start up. During these spats the check engine light is on. I have taken it to the autoshop and they said that "there was a malfunction" and recommended replacing the computer chip at an estimated $1000 although they did not know that to be the problem. To get it started I have an electric heater that I place under the engine and let run for a few hours, cover the front of the truck in blankets, and it does fine. From what I can tell, something is happening that is preventing the engine from getting fuel. If I can get it started, while its running (roughly, usually a very low idle for just being started) I floor the gas pedal and there is no change in RPMs, no revving. If I keep the pedal floored it will intermittentaly rev up but immeadiatly drop down or die. If it dies there is usually no chance in getting it started again without the blankets. I don't know much about the fuel system, is this likely a computer chip problem? Basically as I see it, cold = no gas. I've also been using Heet to prevent condensation and freezing when the temp drops. Any ideas?
     
  2. Mar 3, 2009 at 9:46 AM
    #2
    NicksRig

    NicksRig Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2008
    Member:
    #9966
    Messages:
    710
    Gender:
    Male
    Kenora, Ontario
    Vehicle:
    07 Tacoma DC TRD Sport
    Blacked out Skid plate, block heater, bug deflector, blacked out headlights, tinted fronts, OME 3" lift, Toytec AAL, Revenge-Fab Sliders, K&N Air Filter
    I had a similar problem with my old pathfinder. It ended up there was a small hole in my gas tank which let moisture into the fuel line. IF the truck started it it would barley idle and when i gassed it, it would bog down and die. My guess would be to put some gasline anti freeze in when you fill up and when it warms up get your gas tank and lines checked.
     

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