After replacing timing belt, car will not start

MATTHEW2002

MEMBER
1998 TOYOTA RAV4
4 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

Timing belt ripped while driving. Got new one and began process of replacing old one. Did that, but when we put everything back together it failed to start. We checked alignment and every possible resource about alignment and it is aligned- but nothing. It’s not starting because we’re not getting sparks. New spark plugs, wires, and ignition coils. Additionally, we replaced the old camshaft position sensor, so the last thing we have on our minds in the crankshaft sensor.

3 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Hi,

A faulty crankshaft position sensor will prevent spark. Do you have a live data scan tool? If you do, plug it in and check to see if there is an RPM when cranking it.

Here are the directions for replacement. The attached pic correlates with the directions.

1998 Toyota Truck RAV4 4-Door 4WD L4-2.0L (3S-FE)
Procedures
Vehicle Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Powertrain Management Sensors and Switches - Computers and Control Systems Crankshaft Position Sensor Service and Repair Procedures
PROCEDURES
REMOVAL

1. REMOVE NO.1 TIMING BELT COVER
2. REMOVE CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
(a)Disconnect the sensor connector.
(b)Disconnect the sensor connector from the generator drive belt adjusting bar.

Pic 1

(c)Remove the bolt and sensor.

INSTALLATION

1. INSTALL CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR
(a)Install the sensor with the bolt.

Torque: 9.5 N.M (97 kgf. Cm, 84 in. Lbf)

(b)Install the sensor connector to the generator drive belt adjusting bar.
(c)Connect the sensor connector.
2. INSTALL NO.1 TIMING BELT COVER

__________________________________

Let me know if that helps.

Joe

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Monday, June 29th, 2020 AT 9:44 PM

MATTHEW2002

MEMBER
1 POST

Hello, thank you for the quick response. Regarding the sensor, we had actually just replaced it. Interestingly, the previous owner said he had put it in backwards (no idea how he could have done that), and it worked, up until the belt ripped. But, it could be that the new one is faulty.

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Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 12:02 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
47,513 POSTS

Yes, it could be. I would use an OEM part. Please let us know what happens after you replace the sensor. Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on? That would be great. You can upload it here with your response. That way we can hear the engine cranking over to make sure we are not going down the wrong path.

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Tuesday, June 30th, 2020 AT 12:04 PM