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04 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.7 4x4 HELP

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by NewB-nc, Aug 21, 2019.

  1. Aug 21, 2019 at 2:00 PM
    #1
    NewB-nc

    NewB-nc [OP] Member

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    04 Toyota Tacoma Base 2.7 4x4,176000 miles, want start...
    I live in a small county, and prior to my husband passing, I never needed a "machanic"....there are 5 "garages " that I am aware of(2 of which were recommend ) I have tried but they "could not fix it" ; the 2nd had it 4 months. I stay to myself, my "friends have either passed away, or moved away over the past 26 year. I worked on my own automobiles from the 70"s up threw my 91 camaro, which was a lil challenge due to all the changes..... and this is is the newest vehicle I've ever owned, and my first Toyota, which I absolutely LOVE this lil truck!
    SO....here is a quick recap of my issue: truck stopped on interstate as if out of gas, cranked back up, ran about 2 miles, shut off again. Had towed to garage, was told it was "computer and cost more to replace than the truck is worth" ; had towed home. After speaking to another machanic, he stated it could be the of computer, and if so would cost about $250 for labor, and dealership flashing, + price of computer."
    5 months, 3 machanics,1 identical ECU, 1 computer diagnosis( BOTH computers throw code P0354) but was told " don't worry about the ignotion sensor till you get it running" )1 MAF inspected and cleaned, new Crank Shaft Position Sensor, new fuel filter still no start . Spraying starter fluid in the intake, runs like a champ AS long as it's being sprayed. Now being told "fuel pump is working (it shot gas across yard when disconnected the regulator,and pump can be heard when turns on) BUT it MAY be loosing power after initial crank. I can come back Saturday and straight wire the fuel pump to see if that's it, then put toggle switch on it till you get a fuel pump, IF that is it... if it's not, it has to be the computer BOTH of them."......
    Okay guys, yes I live in the sticks, I am a "country girl", but I do NOT want my fuel pump "straight wired with toggle switch" OMG !!! So...... do I buy a new fuel pump and have it here when he comes back Saturday???
    Should I buy new ignotion coils and plugs????
    Is there not a test that can check the fuel pump for loss of power, even though the truck doesn't stay running???
    Or do I give up on my truck for a while, save my $ and try to buy something else to drive until this gets figured out???
    County transportation takes me to the doctor, and grocery store , weather permitting, as long as I schedule 2 days in advance, it's M-F, and before 4pm. Five months of ONLY doctor, and grocery store transportation is taking a toll!
    There are "10 guys wants to buy it " from 2nd machanic, and I have had 2 guys try to buy it from me in the past 2 weeks since I had it towed back home.....
    It is frustrating being a woman, having a truck I love, that SO many can't fix, but want to buy..... any suggestions? ???
    Thanks in advance for any, and all advice.
     
    Taco critter likes this.
  2. Aug 21, 2019 at 2:11 PM
    #2
    Matic

    Matic The "OFG" Baby!!!

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    OME 881 coils with OME nitrochargers shocks up front. TC UCA's OME Dakars with extra leaf in the rear. Warn 8000 winch with 80ft custom braided synth line. Custom 60ft synth extension. All pro tube bumper, Hi-lift jack, Safari Snorkel, Wilco tiregate. 2019 Jeep JLUR.
    Welcome.
    Coil packs can do exactly as you described.
    I would honestly start there.

    My original set lasted 15 years. Toyota replaced all of them. 1 decided it didn't want to play nice. The truck would turn over, run for 2 seconds and quit.

    This happened twice after the Dealership said it was fix. They finally replace all 4 coil packs and it runs like a champ.
     
  3. Aug 21, 2019 at 2:58 PM
    #3
    NewB-nc

    NewB-nc [OP] Member

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    Thank you SOOO much! This made the most sense to me, even though it's my first Toyota, first time with this issue. I'm my opinion, common sense told me "replace the coil packs" , but these so called "machanics" don't seem to think they would make it crank, and shut off like you said 2 seconds later...
    I called both out auto parts stores, which indicates they will be around $400 for 4, but on Amazon they are much cheaper, even the denso. I should be ok ordering from there right? I buy from Amazon, just never auto parts.
     
    Matic likes this.
  4. Aug 21, 2019 at 3:08 PM
    #4
    toyrunner

    toyrunner Puddle Jumper

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    Kings in front, Bilstien Reservoir rears, Custom sway bar disconnects, 265/75 16 BFG AT's, ARB front bumper and FROR rear bumper. Bao-Feng 2 meter radio and Cobra CB
    Last edited: Aug 21, 2019
    NewB-nc[OP] likes this.
  5. Aug 21, 2019 at 3:47 PM
    #5
    NewB-nc

    NewB-nc [OP] Member

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    Amazon is cheaper, especially since I'm a prime member. Thanks so much
     
  6. Aug 21, 2019 at 5:01 PM
    #6
    Matic

    Matic The "OFG" Baby!!!

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    1 owner 2002 TRD, SR5, DC, 2.7. Full OME suspension, STT pro's.
    OME 881 coils with OME nitrochargers shocks up front. TC UCA's OME Dakars with extra leaf in the rear. Warn 8000 winch with 80ft custom braided synth line. Custom 60ft synth extension. All pro tube bumper, Hi-lift jack, Safari Snorkel, Wilco tiregate. 2019 Jeep JLUR.
    Here is a short video I did of mine when the problem started.
    Is this similiar to what you're experiencing?

    https://youtu.be/nm5QNU49n_c
     
  7. Aug 21, 2019 at 5:38 PM
    #7
    NewB-nc

    NewB-nc [OP] Member

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    Yes! That is exactly what mine is doing ! I ordered plugs and ignition coils, and they will be here tomorrow. ...Lord PLEASE let this fix my truck! Fingers crossed. Now to see if I can put in myself, or of I'll have to pay the "machanic " to come back and do them Saturday lol.
     
    IEsurfer and Matic[QUOTED] like this.
  8. Aug 21, 2019 at 5:41 PM
    #8
    Matic

    Matic The "OFG" Baby!!!

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    OME 881 coils with OME nitrochargers shocks up front. TC UCA's OME Dakars with extra leaf in the rear. Warn 8000 winch with 80ft custom braided synth line. Custom 60ft synth extension. All pro tube bumper, Hi-lift jack, Safari Snorkel, Wilco tiregate. 2019 Jeep JLUR.
    Good luck!! Hoping it's something this simple. keep us updated.
     
    NewB-nc[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  9. Aug 21, 2019 at 5:43 PM
    #9
    NewB-nc

    NewB-nc [OP] Member

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    Me too, thank you. I will update as soon as I know if this fixes it.
     
    Matic[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Aug 21, 2019 at 5:53 PM
    #10
    DANGERMONEY

    DANGERMONEY Well-Known Member

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    Ok....fingers crossed here for u.
     
    NewB-nc[OP] and Matic like this.
  11. Aug 27, 2019 at 6:07 AM
    #11
    NewB-nc

    NewB-nc [OP] Member

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    Update: "machanic who wa ted to straight wire my fuel pump" never came back, and I haven't called to ask him to
    So I changed the ignition coils (one was after market and cracked in 2 places), changed plugs which was badly needed....still no start .
    In studying Haynes manual ,Google, you tube, and facebook, and here, I have ordered a new pressure regulator, and a pressure tester. Maybe I will get it to run one day, and know all the new parts I have bought. And so far I know what it not
     
    Matic likes this.
  12. Aug 27, 2019 at 8:14 AM
    #12
    Matic

    Matic The "OFG" Baby!!!

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    1 owner 2002 TRD, SR5, DC, 2.7. Full OME suspension, STT pro's.
    OME 881 coils with OME nitrochargers shocks up front. TC UCA's OME Dakars with extra leaf in the rear. Warn 8000 winch with 80ft custom braided synth line. Custom 60ft synth extension. All pro tube bumper, Hi-lift jack, Safari Snorkel, Wilco tiregate. 2019 Jeep JLUR.
    Dangit, I was really hoping those pesky coil packs were the culprits. Is it still doing the exact same thing or have the symptoms changed any at all with the new packs, wires and plugs?
     
  13. Aug 27, 2019 at 9:11 AM
    #13
    DPTacomaGuy

    DPTacomaGuy Well-Known Member

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    Spark plugs good? Next would be the coil pack connectors loose or cracked.

    Have a hard time believing ECU would fail. Sounds like the mechanics are trying to convince you the truck is bad so they can buy it off you cheaply. What part of NC?

    Edit, I see you replaced spark plugs. How are the injectors? If fuel is old it can clog up injectors fast.
     
  14. Aug 27, 2019 at 9:29 AM
    #14
    jbrandt

    jbrandt Made you look

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    Amazon is cheaper, yes, but you get what you pay for. Amazon sells books and games, they are NOT automotive specialists. I've have seen more than once that Amazon incorrectly tells you whether the part will fit your vehicle or not.

    Honestly, you are better off going with a company who deals with cars, and cars (ant trucks) only.
     
    jammer likes this.
  15. Aug 28, 2019 at 1:22 AM
    #15
    Wyoming09

    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    OP are there no Forum Members close to you who could help in person??

    Sounds like it would be so simple in person.

    Do you have a code reader to keep current on any new codes??

    I have had Good Luck with Amazon on pretty much every thing then I look up part numbers on the manufactures Web Sites then plug them in to Amazon.
     
  16. Aug 31, 2019 at 11:58 AM
    #16
    NewB-nc

    NewB-nc [OP] Member

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    I replaced the injectors too, one was cracked in 2 places. Now I'm waiting on regulator to arrive... and a pressure tester. ... ordering os my only means. If there are any members are near Mill Spring, I haven't found any.
     
  17. Aug 31, 2019 at 5:30 PM
    #17
    DPTacomaGuy

    DPTacomaGuy Well-Known Member

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    That’s over near Shelby, other side of Kings Mtn. I’m over near Greensboro, so it’d be a long drive for me.
    Sounds like you are on the right track in getting your truck running again. We’re here to help however we can.
     
    NewB-nc[OP] likes this.
  18. Aug 31, 2019 at 7:47 PM
    #18
    0xDEADBEEF

    0xDEADBEEF Swaying to the Symphony of Destruction

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    If its running on starter fluid, ignition is not your problem. My bet would be fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator.
     
  19. Sep 7, 2019 at 6:34 PM
    #19
    NewB-nc

    NewB-nc [OP] Member

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    I want to Thank ALL who contributed to trying to help me; you all are awesome!
    After installing the new regulator, still no start. Then the pressure tester arrived, pressure was about 42.... I read the Hanes Manual seemed like the entire book, highlighting what pertains to 2.7 Tacomas; it also cover v6, and 4 runners.
    After MANY YouTube videos, all that reading, I began checking relays and electrical system. This is when I stumbled across a loose /short wire on the plug of the 3rd coil. Fixed it today, and Walla... runs like a dream
    So yea, I'm proud of myself !!! Not only did I prove I still COULD/CAN work on my own vehicle , but also that even though it took a lil while, with all the online info, and you guys here, I do not "need" a machanic.... save money, AND keep my brain working lol.
    Thanks again to all!!
     
  20. Sep 7, 2019 at 6:45 PM
    #20
    0xDEADBEEF

    0xDEADBEEF Swaying to the Symphony of Destruction

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    Fixing your own stuff is a pleasure all it's own. Congrats! :)
     
    NewB-nc[QUOTED][OP] likes this.

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