97 2.4L STARTS THEN DIES

1997 2.4 cranks over starts occasionally about every third try ,super rough idle for a second then dies. There is a vacuum solenoid/switch ticking constantly with the ignition key on. I believe it's the vacuum valve switch actuator. Located underneath the throttle body. While it's ticking I can blow air through the vacuum hose, shut key off and it closes.Cannot blow air through. Anyway I can bypass this To see if this is the cause? Working on this truck for elderly neighbor as a favor. Said the mechanic he took it you could not figure it out. Any advice out there will be much appreciated.

 

Sounds like multiple issues. If you crack the throttle just a bit while cranking will she run?

Toyotas use a fuel pump relay that requires a signal from the starter to turn on and then a signal from the crankshaft position senson to keep it on. It sounds like you are missing the crank signal. Does this mean replace the cranksahft psotition sensor "just because", no. Under the D/S door threshold there is a wire loom. The wire that feeds power ot the fule pump is the blue wire. Check for power during crank and when you release the key.

https://charm.li/Toyota Truck/1997/Tacoma Extra Cab 2WD L4-2438cc 2.4L DOHC MFI/Repair and Diagnosis/Powertrain Management/Diagrams/Electrical Diagrams/

Hope this helps/makes more sense.

 

Thank you appreciate it.

 

Do you have a scan tool?
Check Engine light?

On the scan tool, do you have an RPM signal when cranking?

 

Fuel filter fixed this for my dads 2.4 98. Start small if you can, you could pull your spark plugs and look at those for any obvious problems / wear or age. As others are saying scanning a CEL if you have one is a great starting point.