2002 won't start up

So I've got a 2002 tacoma extended cab with a 3.4L auto transmission. After a long road trip, about 20 miles from home, something strange happend. Going up a slight hill, it felt like it slipped out of gear, lost power to the wheels. When I pulled over, the engine was shuttering so I turned it off. Haven't been able to start it up since. When try to start it, I can hear the starter turn, but the engine doesn't crank.
I got a scanner, and it is showing no codes.
Took off the timing belt cover and everything is lined up (replaced in last 25k).
Trying to solve this myself so really don't feel like taking it in to the shop.

Any guesses?

 

Damn dude that sucks

Kinda sounds like it grenade'd... although I'm no mechanic, just mechanically inclined.

Sub'd for verdict.

 

disconnect battery, wait for a reasonable time, maybe an hour, reconnect, and see what is...your ECM/ECU could have had a hiccup...

 

Lets get this straight. The starter is spinning, and the engine is not rotating at all (cranking). Is that correct.
My first thought was the fuel pump failed, but that does not explain the no-crank issue.

 

I gathered that the starter motor is making a noise (maybe Clicking) but the motor won't turn over at all (Not Cranking)...

Which explains my thought of catastrophic failure.

 

do you have electrical power?

 

Out of gas? (had to ask)

Clogged cat has shut down exhaust flow?

 

Yes electric is all good. Here's a video of the fuckyness...

https://youtu.be/28-CGMH7_Sg

 

Sounds like catastrophic failure of some sort.. The starter is just grinding on the flywheel is seems from the video...

 

You may have a broken flexplate. Check it

 

This. The starter is spinning against the flexplate, but the engine isn't turning over. Teeth may be stripped out or the flexplate broke.

 

So take this for what it is, and this MAY be horrible advice. But a ear ago my 01 2.7 wouldn't start, battery was good, replaced the starter to no effect, sounded just like your video. I happened upon a post by random chance of a guy who floored the gas pedal while cranking it over and it sputtered to life with a plume of black smoke. So after hours of working on it I gave it a try and has ran like a top ever since.

Maybe vapor lock? Fuel pump is out?

 

Like he said, check the flex plate. There's an access plate at the bottom of the bell housing. There's 4 small bolts that hold it on. Once you get that off, you'll be able to see the flex plate. If you actually had a complete failure of the flex plate, you'll know it's broken because it will be flopping in there.

 

My guess would be the starter is not engaging because

A) the teeth are ground off on the starter or flywheel

B) the solenoid that dis/engages the starter teeth is bad and the starter is just spinning there.

C) the starter has come loose from the engine (happened on my old ranger, tightened up the mounting bolts and good as new).

Too bad you got an auto. If it was a stick you could pop the clutch to see if it was a starter issue. That's one of the main reasons I drive stick.

 

Alright guys, thank you so much for the help. After pointing out the flexplate possibility, I found this:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5h7kCs8sKU

I had the tick described in the video for a bit, but wrote it off as a sticky VSV... I was in the middle of a road trip and figured it could wait for a bit. Apparently I was wrong.... I'm guessing the flexplate finally gave out. I'll take a look tomorrow and let you know.

 

Whats your battery voltage?

 

I'm terrible at this but heres my thought:

Similar issue on a 98 grand cherokee I used to own. If the car just pretty much died while running fine and seemed to slip gear I doubt it's the starter. Sounds related to tranny/flex plate. Something also tells me to take a look at throttle and crankshaft position sensors. This was the case in my old car.

 

I thought CPS too but that wouldn't explain the starter failing at the same time.

I vote flexplate. it explains the whole "slipped out of gear" feeling AND explains the "sounds like broken starter/timing belt".

 

Subbed for future knowledge, good luck.