96 Taco only starts with starter fluid

My 1996 4x4 Tacoma (3.4 engine) only starts when applying starter fluid and banging on the gas tank a couple times. It stays on and runs normal. When I turn the truck off and start it up again it turns on no problem. However, when I let it sit for an hour or two, im back to square one where it cranks but wont start. Hard to tell if my fuel pump turns on when I place the key in on position because I live by the main highway.

Not sure when was the last time fuel filter was changed but looks pretty old.

If I can get some guidance on where to start. Truck has roughly 195k miles. Timing belt was recently replaced last month.

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld
Fuel pump only runs while cranking and running.

 

You have anything in mind that may be causing the issue?

 

Start with fuel filter

 

What he said ∆ ∆ ∆

 

I think try swapping the horn relay with the fp relay (but I could be wrong- hopefully someone will chime in on this) Good luck

 

Thanks guys. I'll swap out filter tomorrow and hope for the best.

 

Most likely the pump especially if the filter is very dirty. It will stress the pump pushing fuel thru a dirty filter. Usually runs for a bit after the filter is replaced then the pump dies. Based on age and miles is replace the pump also

 

Even if truck doesn't die out after getting it started? Truck runs fine once it's fired up with starter fluid. Sorry not really knowledgeable in cars. New to this.

 

The 'banging on the tank' screams fuel pump to me. It's old and tired, and has trouble getting started, but once it's moving, it will keep moving.... for now. I would expect that you'll start to find that as time progresses, it requires more banging, and likely provides lower fuel pressure with a resultant loss of power. If/when you change the pump, ensure you blow through the lines, at least as far as the filter, and replace the filter as well.

 

IAC valve or fuel pump relay and or fuel pump ignitor. Just another guess in the thread. Banging on the tank is interesting. Like was said, could be a tired pump or lose/corroded wire.

 

Just curious what is this fuel pump relay as I have never seen one ( Nor can I find it on my 2000 EWD) is this something new that replaced the Circuit Opening Relay that I am used to from my mid eighties engines?

If this was the Circuit opening relay I would say the crank side of the relay was out .

As OP says it runs fine once started

 

Ran a scan on truck and it's giving me P0340 (Camshaft position sensor). Gonna try my luck and replace CPS.

 

Replaced cam shaft sensor, fuel pump and fuel filter. Truck started fine right after replacing and was able to start about 4 more times as I went to different places. The next morning, it's giving me the same issue, crank no start...

 

unfortunatly this is the point in time where you need to find a tech that has a PICO scope and knows how to use it.