The car will not start and then the engine light came on?

1997 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
197,000 MILES
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ALEXIS WILLIAMS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I was on the way to my mother-in-law's this morning and my husband turned on over drive when he did it over drive started going on and off and then the engine light came on and the car lost power. Now when we try to start the car it sounds like it’s trying to start but it won't.
Aug 25, 2024 at 10:08 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,240 POSTS
Hi Alexis, several things could cause the engine to fail. First, there could be a fuel related issue due to a faulty fuel pump, or it could be ignition related.

Here is what I need you to do. See if the engine will start if you use starting fluid. If it starts and then stalls, we know the problem is fuel related. If there is no change, then we need to check for spark at the spark plugs.

Here is a link that explains how to check for spark:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-for-ignition-spark

Try this and let me know the results so I can further direct you.

Take care,

Joe
Aug 25, 2024 at 1:04 PM
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