2006 pre-runner cranks but won't start

the truck has almost 170,000 miles. I was driving and it suddenly turned off on the highway at 55mph, tried starting it back up and it wouldn't start. Had it towed to a Mechanic, truck had no fault codes. He simply put gas in it and it started back up. I pick up the truck and the next day it doesn't want to start again, I shot some starter fluid in the vacuum line and it started up. Then I noticed at RPMs passed 2000 its got a difficult time keeping up, fluctuating RPM. Im starting to think its a fuel pump...help?

 

Maybe I'm asking a stoopid question, but what is the level in the fuel tank now?

Next step would be a fuel pressure test if level is good.

 

its got a little over a quarter tank of gas right now. When it turned off on the highway it was at less than a 1/4 but the low fuel indicator hadn't come on yet.

 

Is it parked on flat ground?

 

Have you checked the fuel filter? If it's plugged due to age or a bad batch of gas itll restrict flow too. I'd start there and a bottle of Techron.

 

yea its parked on level ground

 

not yet ill give it a look thanks

 

If you look at the fuel filter, you'll have the pump in your hand. There is no external filter on a 2nd gen Taco. Test your fuel pressure.

 

I was afraid of that. I didn't check it first. Thanks.

New to Tacomas... shouldn't give advise. Good luck OP.

 

Well fawk! haha no wonder I couldn't find tutorials on youtube lol I have no pressure gauges so probably another trip to the mech

 

The problem was the Fuel Pump Relay, I would have never guessed. Mechanic said that he couldn't remember the last time he replaced a fuel pump on a Toyota so he went straight for the electronics first. After putting and leaving the ignition switch to the "ON" position, he then would crank it, and it would turn over just fine without the need for engine starter, which lead him to believe it was the relay. He switched it and everything works just fine. Hopefully the fuel gauge is somewhat accurate

 

Stoked! Glad it was an "easy" fix