92lexusowner

I recently bought a 92 es300 with 170k miles. It was driving great, but I took it up a hill. And the car lost power and sputtered out to a stop. It turns out the gas gauge was stuck in the middle. So I called a friend to bring me a gas can, but even with more fuel the car wouldn’t start. I assumed it had vapor lock, so I towed it home and let it sit overnight. It will no longer start and idle after running out of gas. I jumped 2 pins in the diagnostic port in order to test the pump. And the pumps working fine, I just can’t seem to get the car started and idling. The pump connector reads 11.59 V when the pump is being jumped. And when I take a reading from the 4 pin without jumping the pump it reads 8.9V. Is it possible I have a ground issue, or perhaps a relay/fuse? I’ve already ruled out spark, timing, and compression. I’d greatly appreciate any input, thank you.

LeX2K

Spray some starter fluid into the intake see if the engine tries to run.

92lexusowner

I tried that yesterday, but it wouldn’t start. It seems to only start with fuel, I saw another owner have the same issue with starter fluid.

LeX2K

What are your compression readings? How did you test for spark?

92lexusowner

I have a spark tester that connects to the plug and boot which ruled out spark. And I’m sure it’s not a compression issue considering the engine was in perfect running condition prior to running on empty. It also had none of the common low compression issues. I tested the efi main relay today with a 9V battery. And it doesn’t flip. The efi fuse is in tact, so I’m gonna order a new efi relay. I pulled codes, and it’s only throwing code 24. Should I start with the efi relay, or should I replace the fuel pump and filter. Or all of the above?

LeX2K

You need to confirm fuel, compression* and spark. If the EFI relay was not working you would have no CEL and wouldn't be able to pull codes. But it's possible for this relay to be intermittent this has happened to me.

*you said compression was ruled out but you didn't do that. Fuel problems on these cars is rare, can check for fuel by cracking loose the fuel pressure regulator and activating the fuel pump if working fuel will gush out.

92lexusowner

I forgot to mention when I was pulling codes, it gave me the 24 code. And then when I recycled the key from off to accessories. It was stuck on an unbroken blinking check engine light and I haven’t been able to pull codes since. Is it possible the relay is going out? And if so would it effect
the fuel delivery. Im only trying to rule out a fuel issue first because the car didn’t have issues prior to running the pump on empty. I’ve been able to get the car to run only momentarily afterwards. As in for 2-4 seconds. I’ll check for fuel pressure tomorrow.

LeX2K

Code 24 means the airflow meter is damaged*, or the wiring going to it. it is also possible the engine computer has failing capacitors although this era of Toyota is not known for it but given the age it's possible at this point. But look into the air flow meter and connector first.

*intake temp sensor is inside the air flow meter.

92lexusowner

I pulled the plugs and they were all fouled. After changing them and testing each one for spark. I’m still experiencing the same no start issue. I pulled the connector for one of my injectors. And tested the injector with a multi meter. And I’m not getting any power to my front 3 injector connections. Is it possible I have insufficient fuel pressure for the injectors to come on. Or is it possible I have a faulty efi/circut relay. I’ve checked all the fuses and they’re all in tact.

LeX2K

Fouled plugs means a spark problem. Even if one bank had no injector pulse the engine will at least try and start.

VanZ

I would rule out a capacitor issue based on the symptoms provided. My '92 would start and run before dumping fuel into the system and running like absolute hell before choking itself out and dying. This seems to be more of a starvation issue of some sort.

shrimpman

If you haven’t had your cpu recapped ,it needs it imo

shrimpman

IMo your cpu/ecu has failed capacitors…mine did same thing …injectors won’t work if the Capacitors shot …

shrimpman

IMo your cpu/ecu has failed capacitors…mine did same thing …injectors won’t work if the Capacitors shot …and mine happened suddenly