Truck won't start

I'm trying to help a friend out here. He bought a 2005 V6 Tacoma 4dr over 1 year ago at an auction here in the US. He lives in Mexico so he drove it across and would drive it every once in a while. Since he needed to get Mexican plates and it was over $1k to do so, his truck was parked in his garage for about 5 months. About a week ago, He started using it short distances. He said he put gas and after he came out of a store and tried turning it on, it turned on but was shaking and eventually cut out on him. Since then, he hasn't been able to start it up again. He called me yesterday trying to get my input on why his truck wouldn't start now. First thing that came to mind is maybe the battery but he said he already thought of that and that's not it. He said when he turns the key, it whines like it's going to start but doesn't start up. He mentioned his truck came with a Viper Alarm system when he purchased it. He said there's a clear plastic box that you can see the circuit board. It's under the dash by the steering column (Just above the foot pedals). Idunno if that has anything to do with the problem though.

He has no idea what it could be nor do I. If he can't get it to start, he's going to call Toyota and have them send a mechanic or something out to his house and diagnose the problem. This is going to cost him lots of cash so i'm trying to help him out.

So this is where all you wonderfull TW expert come into play. What do you guys think it could be? Help us out! Any thoughts?

 

How long exactly has the truck been sitting there without running? The fuel could have gone bad and may not be combustible enough to start the engine.

 

Just got off the phone with my friend. I revised my original post to clarify the situation a little. He actually drove it after 5 months of just being parked. He said he filled up the tank, it was working fine when he went to the store. When he came out, it wouldn't start anymore.

Will a Viper alarm (or any alarm) prevent the truck from starting if it's been tampered with? I don't know if this is even possible because he said it whines like it's going to start up, but it just doesn't start. Maybe if the alarm is hooked up to the fuel system?

 

I don't know anything about Viper alarms, hopefully someone else can chime in here and give some suggestions on the alarm or on anything else that could cause it to not start. I had a car that had a security key under the dash below the steering wheel. If you took it out or nudged it out a little bit it would cause the car to not start. I'm not sure if Viper alarms have anything like this but just a suggestion I can think of now.

 

I don't think anything will happen if its the alarm. They are wired to the starter. Probably bad fuel or clogged fuel lines.

 

it could possibly be the alarm..i am not a electrical expert..i hate that shit..find someone thats really good with that kinda stuff..they should be able to help you out..if the engine is turning over its not the starter...it aint the battery either..could possibly be a fuel problem..fuel pump?or something electrical or something really stupid..could be alot of things but start from the basics

hope this helps

 

Thanks BakoTruck. I appreciate your input. Hopefully somebody can give some suggestions. (Non smart ass comments please) I've seen how some people get chewed out. Haha

 

I'm a rookie here, but my wife has a viper alarm on her sequoia. They have several different types, some need a key in a box under the dash somewhere and others don't. I *thought* some of them had a button to push to reset the alarm in case of an emergency (i.e. dead battery in the remote). I'd recommend searching the Viper website...

 

No problem, I'm not a car expert but I do know a little and I didn't see anyone at the time trying to help out so I figured I would try.

And the smart ass comments I dislike too!

 

I have been reading about the intermitent won't start TSB so i guess i'll suggest that to him... Any other thoughts?

 

I just went to the Viper web site and found that MOST Viper alarm systems bost of having a Failsafe® Starter Kill.

I'd have him call Viper tech support right away, describe his system and then have you post back so we don't all go hanging.

 

He isn't answering so i'll follow up with you guys later today or tomorrow for sure.

Thanks guys, at least i have some suggestions for him. It's a lot better than nothing

If Anybody has suggestions or has experienced this and found the resolution, please chime in.

THanks again.