Starting problems

KOOTENAYBACKWOODS

MEMBER
1990 TOYOTA PICKUP
2.4L
5 CYL
4WD
MANUAL
242,000 MILES

Started the truck and the battery gauge was reading low, it had trouble starting but fired up on the second try. Drove it for half an hour then parked it for 3 days and temp dropped below freezing. Tried to start it and battery was dead, got a jump and engine would turn over but not fire. Battery was old so bought a new one installed it and same thing as when getting the jump, engine would turn over but not fire. I could smell gas after trying to start it a couple times. Alternator was replaced 2 weeks ago. I'm confused because it seemed like it wouldnt start because of a dead battery but with that problem solved why is it not starting now?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,758 POSTS

Hi and thanks for using 2carpros.com.

There are many different reasons why it may not be starting. First, take a look through this link and see if it is helpful.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

If nothing there is helpful, I feel you need to check if there is spark to the plugs. Since you smell gas, that tells me it may be flooded and that can be for a couple different reasons.

Here is a link that shows how to check for spark. Once you do it, let me know what you find. Skip down to step 20.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Here is a link that shows how to use a test light:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-use-a-test-light-circuit-tester

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Joe