Starting Problem

[kluangman7]

I am driving 1G-FE Altezza.
Recently I had problem starting up the engine.(twice)
first, about a month ago.crank normally but did not start.( no problem with battery or fuse:confirmed by 3 mechanics i took to my house ).so i gave up, and i called the tow truck..but when the the guy came to tow my truck..he tried to start and the engine start normally in first try..crank once and start..).this guy said might be the fuel line fill with air or the filter in fuel pump causing the problem..I just agreed along with this idea...untill last week...:hmmmm:
It happened again...crank normally but not start..as if theres no fuel pumped into the engine....this time..i tried pumping the fuel pedal thousand times..as suggested by the tow truck guy...but didnt work...for days i tried the same thing...untill yesterday...i crank..and it start...:hmmmm:

So now..what the hell is going on..:hmmmm::hmmmm::hmmmm:..anyone ever encountered the same problem?.. is there any problem with the fuel pump.? or fuel line? any advice...

anyway i will bring the car to workshop this weekend to let the mechanic check it out..

any info beforehand would be very much appreciated...

i have owned this car for 8 years..this is the first time this car ever gave me a problem...for 8 years..smooth sailing...normal service..normal maintenance...no problem whatsoever...will try to keep as long as i live...i hope...( my wife ask me for to trade for a new car...hehehe )...

 

[DanzEterna]

check your o2 sensor.

 

[kluangman7]

Oxygen sensor? is it the same with MAF sensor?

is it repairable or just change the sensor? any idea how much would it cost..?

 

[Dan KC]

check ur cranck sensor and fuel pump

 

[nyantong]

In this case, try and observe whether the fuel pump works before cranking. Usually when you turn the key to "ign", you will hear a whirring sound from the fuel pump. If no whirring sound, the pump is not working. If the pump works, there may be a leak from the fuel rails back to the fuel tank. In which case you have to check if there is a return hose for the fuel system. If there is, there is a chance that the fuel pressure regulator may need to be replace as it cannot hold the pressure in the system. Also try checking if there's any tear in the fuel hoses in the fuel tank.
In the exception that there is nothing wrong with the fuel system, it could just be a simple key remote battery low charge whereby the alarm cannot detect the key and won't start the car as a safety feature.

 

[peteshawn]

Just incase anyone is interested the fault was caused by a bad earth connection . Not on the battery but lower down out of sight

Body earth points are critical on all cars but more so on modern cars with all the computers involved.
It is a good idea when servicing to check all the earth points for security and cleanliness and if in any doubt to remove them,clean them and the body contact area and refit.
It may have been caused by the underbody wash, the high pressure water jets may have disturbed the earth point which was already defective.

just a theory i might be wrong but give it a go checking won't do any harm

 

[kluangman7]

the car did it again...this morning..failed to start...i thought to send the car this weekend...
i guess i have to wait the miracle again..when it starrts again..surely i will bring the car to the workshop immediately...

 

[AE111_SEG]

i suggest take it to Trial for a diagnostic check..... i dont think it is serious problem......:proud:

 

[kluangman7]

Yes...i plan to send to them this weekend....
and hope the car will start beforehand..or i will have to call the tow truck again..

 

[peteshawn]

I am driving 1G-FE Altezza.
Recently I had problem starting up the engine.(twice)
first, about a month ago.crank normally but did not start.( no problem with battery or fuse:confirmed by 3 mechanics i took to my house ).so i gave up, and i called the tow truck..but when the the guy came to tow my truck..he tried to start and the engine start normally in first try..crank once and start..).this guy said might be the fuel line fill with air or the filter in fuel pump causing the problem..I just agreed along with this idea...untill last week...:hmmmm:
It happened again...crank normally but not start..as if theres no fuel pumped into the engine....this time..i tried pumping the fuel pedal thousand times..as suggested by the tow truck guy...but didnt work...for days i tried the same thing...untill yesterday...i crank..and it start...:hmmmm:

So now..what the hell is going on..:hmmmm::hmmmm::hmmmm:..anyone ever encountered the same problem?.. is there any problem with the fuel pump.? or fuel line? any advice...

anyway i will bring the car to workshop this weekend to let the mechanic check it out..

any info beforehand would be very much appreciated...

i have owned this car for 8 years..this is the first time this car ever gave me a problem...for 8 years..smooth sailing...normal service..normal maintenance...no problem whatsoever...will try to keep as long as i live...i hope...( my wife ask me for to trade for a new car...hehehe )...

did u managed to fix the problem?

 

[kluangman7]

Not yet...

Fuel Pump is OK..
Spark plug OK..
but when they ran diagnose using the computer..my O2 sensor were at fault..both of them..so well done DanzEterna...you are right..
Unfortunately they Did'nt have the spare part for that last Saturday..so i am still waiting for their reply today whether they have it or not..
still checking..any idea how much would it cost...?
anyway..one of the mechanic said that...even though the O2 sensor is damage/broken..it would not preventing the engine from starting up...is it true.?
anyway..since no other abnormalities...the fuel pump works just fine..the Fuel is actually pumped into the engine..so theres no problem with pressure or fuel line...

so they just recommend to change the O2 sensor..and we'll see from there..whether it will solve the problem or not...

yes...i towed the car to sungai besi last week..and..the car started after few minutes in the workshop....:stupid:

 

[AE111_SEG]

It could be multiple issue....Pls do keep up posted on the progress...

 

[kluangman7]

I checked the price with Toyota part centre, they quoted the O2 sensor for RM 1050 per pcs..
since 1G Engine has two..so total cost about RM 2100..Holy S**t..and it will take about 3 weeks for delivery from japan...
i tried calling for after market is about RM500...but still need to order and might take some times...
i searched in ebay..and there are UK and Aus Sellers...cost about RM 300-500...
the problem is..i fear that even after i change the O2 sensor...there's no guarantee that the problem will be solved..
since we are just assuming that's the problem that we found...

i am screwed if i bought this sensor which is not that cheap..and still have difficulties wtarting the car...emmmm...

 

[peteshawn]

I checked the price with Toyota part centre, they quoted the O2 sensor for RM 1050 per pcs..
since 1G Engine has two..so total cost about RM 2100..Holy S**t..and it will take about 3 weeks for delivery from japan...
i tried calling for after market is about RM500...but still need to order and might take some times...
i searched in ebay..and there are UK and Aus Sellers...cost about RM 300-500...
the problem is..i fear that even after i change the O2 sensor...there's no guarantee that the problem will be solved..
since we are just assuming that's the problem that we found...

i am screwed if i bought this sensor which is not that cheap..and still have difficulties wtarting the car...emmmm...

SERIOUSLY that silly lot of money for two freakin small sensor.... would total advised you to get a low millage 2nd hand used... and if it's not the sensor u wouldn't be that hurt then bought a brand new sensor

 

[kluangman7]

totally right.I am trying to get 2nd hand sensor.n see whether it solve the problem.

 

[kluangman7]

Just got back from Trial.
changed both Oxygen sensor.Ran diagnose..No fault..
Then have to wait and see...hope that solved the problem..
Finger crossed...

 

[Greytezza]

Just got back from Trial.
changed both Oxygen sensor.Ran diagnose..No fault..
Then have to wait and see...hope that solved the problem..
Finger crossed...

Update us on the outcome...

 

[AE111_SEG]

Hi Bro.... nice to meet u in Trial.... pls do let us know if the issue is solved....

 

[leonl]

Not yet...

Fuel Pump is OK..
Spark plug OK..
but when they ran diagnose using the computer..my O2 sensor were at fault..both of them..so well done DanzEterna...you are right..
Unfortunately they Did'nt have the spare part for that last Saturday..so i am still waiting for their reply today whether they have it or not..
still checking..any idea how much would it cost...?
anyway..one of the mechanic said that...even though the O2 sensor is damage/broken..it would not preventing the engine from starting up...is it true.?
anyway..since no other abnormalities...the fuel pump works just fine..the Fuel is actually pumped into the engine..so theres no problem with pressure or fuel line...

so they just recommend to change the O2 sensor..and we'll see from there..whether it will solve the problem or not...

yes...i towed the car to sungai besi last week..and..the car started after few minutes in the workshop....:stupid:

You were right. If it was your O2 sensor, it should not cause the car not to start. Crank position sensor may do that. I am leaning towards fuel issues. Since you said the fuel pump is ok, then check fuel filter to make sure they are clean. I think it may be the fuel pressure regulator (not holding pressure) or fuel injector (leaking and overflow). A fuel pressure gauge should give you the answer if the pressure drops within 10-15 minutes after parked. If black smoke when it cranks, then fuel injectors issue. It may still be other issues.

Good luck.

 

[kluangman7]

Hi Bro.... nice to meet u in Trial.... pls do let us know if the issue is solved....

Nice to meet u2.:proud:

definitely will do..no problem.

---------- Post added at 01:20 PM ---------- 6 hour anti-bump limit - Previous post was at 01:14 PM ----------

You were right. If it was your O2 sensor, it should not cause the car not to start. Crank position sensor may do that. I am leaning towards fuel issues. Since you said the fuel pump is ok, then check fuel filter to make sure they are clean. I think it may be the fuel pressure regulator (not holding pressure) or fuel injector (leaking and overflow). A fuel pressure gauge should give you the answer if the pressure drops within 10-15 minutes after parked. If black smoke when it cranks, then fuel injectors issue. It may still be other issues.

Good luck.

Yes..I think i will try to check the fuel pressure in the fuel inlet hose area using pressure gauge.
the Pressure should be around 304-343 kpa during Engine Idle/On and 147Kpa during Engine Off.
If not within spec. need to check the fuel pump,pressure regulator and injector.(refer to altezza manual)

maybe will send to Trial some time next week.

will updates the status of course.

Thanks guys. for all the inputs...really helps...