Truck starts, dies 2-3 seconds later

Hello all,

I’ve seen this thread about various other configurations of trucks, but not mine (if it’s here I haven’t found it). 2002 Tacoma 2.7 engine, trucks been sitting for about 3 years. I will start the truck, it will run 2-3 seconds, and then it will start to sputter and then stall. No effect if I give it throttle. In various other threads dealing with similar symptoms I’ve seen suggestions about checking the fuel pump relay and the fuel pump resistor. I cannot find the location on either. Admittedly I’m not a mechanic, just trying to get the truck running well enough to get it to someone more knowledgeable than myself. Thanks in advance

 

Depending on what you read or believe about gasoline shelf life I'd say 3 years sitting is long over due. If your not mechanically inclined to pull the tank, flush, etc.. you may need to tow it somewhere that can.

 

Hello, what @TRoss1 said, Here is my gas tank after 3 years of sitting with like a quarter tank in it. I was getting everything in order to install new engine. I had to refurbish the fuel hanger assembly add new fuel pump and sock to start new engine. You can purchase a whole hanger assembly or just a pump. And hanger clean up. I pressure washed inside tank and Dawn dish soap. Could be your problem.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I’ll see what I can come up with. Truck was my brother in laws. He passed in 2021, tank was almost empty when it was parked. Trying to get it going for my mother in law. Sentimental project

 

When they sit that long low on gas.....lot of the times it does in the fuel pump

pumps a little but not the 44psi needed.......higher psi pumps like these dont do good over time

 

The thing that confuses me, is why would it be starting at all? That’s what lead me down the fuel pump relay and resistor rabbit hole.

 

Prolly getting just enough fuel to the injectors to raise hopes. Good on you for getting it going for the right reasons.

 

My truck would not start at all I had no fuel pressure. I did not know that at the time. I changed fuel filter hoping that would do it and it was really clogged. Still no start. I ended up loosening the fuel line where it goes into fuel rail by manifold. I had no fuel at all leak out. That proved to me pump was not working. Because it sat so long I dropped tank and saw right away. Do realize this is my scenario may not be yours. Good luck

 

Thank you. Once I get the bugs sorted out this thing will run a long time and make my in laws very happy to have a piece of what his life was back

 

Crank sensor and the open circuit relay controls gas pump once it starts

might check those

 

@O'Silver_Taco makes a great point there is other scenarios that will shut down the fuel pump. I remember being frustrated because for the engine to throw codes it has to be running. Chicken/egg thing for new engine. I Could not diagnose a faulty sensor thru OBDII.

 

Check your truck for codes. That should have been suggested first.

 

On mine with the open relay above its plug, the dia-electric leaked from the relay's coil .....coating that plug with honey....

sometimes start....sometimes not........it would just crank

 

No codes at the moment. Working on finding a buddy that has a scanner that can pull real time data from the systems as it runs-shuts down

 

If you could look at your fuel trims....that might tell you alot


both of these toyotas had the 2 sec run too......both ended being coil problems

Toyota P1300 fault code. Engine starts and stops immediately. Easy, quick diagnosis and fix.

P1300 Toyota/Lexus diagnosis and fix

 

Interesting, the ECU kills it knowing a coil is bad. I'd rather it run rough and limp me home.