I am working on this Camry and I am at a loss. The car turns over, acts like it wants to start but just won't go. Compression check good at 140 PSI (high mileage engine), plugs looked bad so I put new ones in it, thought I had a bad injector so changed all injectors, changed fuel filter, did a fuel pressure check, good at 49 PSI; Ohm checked the cam sensor and crank sensor and found a bad crank sensor so I thought I was home free...Nope...changed crank sensor, still the same result. Checked timing belt and alignment and it is good. Got spark on all 4 cylinders. The only thing I have a problem with is when I put the key into the ignition it is a pain to get to turn. Once turned to the "on" then to start the car turns over and tries to start but then it seems to load up and that it won't fire off and run. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

Check ETC sensor. Sensor tells computer the coolant temp to set mixture.

Make sure the EGR valve is closed at engine start up. Engine will die or not start with open valve at start or idle.

Check IAC valve. Valve bypasses air around throttle plate to control engine idle speed.

A very bad O2 sensor can cause hard start issues.

Check for vacuum hose leaks, PCV issues, etc, that can cause excess air intake beyond the throttle body.

 

Checked the ETC and ohm check good. EGR valve is fairly new and is not stuck open. Went to ohm check IOC and no values for 2000 and later models in Chilton Manual. Checked anyway to see if I got anything and nothing. Is this right? O2 sensors are also fairly new but will check them. It isn't kicking any codes is another thing that's got me baffled. All vacuum lines are good and no leaks that I can detect.

 

Toyota lists a diagnosis process for engine running at idle.which is not the case here.

However there is an off the engine test.

With the IAC valve body electrical socket locking tab facing to the right and looking at the 3 electrical terminal pins, Center terminal is 12v positive. The upper and lower terminals are negative 12v. Connecting to negative to upper closes the valve and to the lower opens it.

Check the throttle linkage and cable to make sure nothing is holding the throttle plate open more then it should be. There is a vacuum controlled dash pot on the throttle body having a rod that moves the throttle plates slightly more open when engine is off. Once the cars starts to turn over vacuum retracts the rod to allow the plates to close slightly. The plates are never fully closed per the throttle plate clearance adjustment screw (which is NOT the idle adjustment).

Try applying some throttle at start up.

 

IAC seems to work. everything else seems to be good. From what I have read there is no way to test the ECM. Still not throwing any codes. I am leaning towards the ECM. Can you get another ECM with the same part number from a 2000 or 2001 Camry with the 4 cylinder in it that is Federal Emissions from a junk yard or are they VIN specific? Thanks

 

Not all systems are monitored.

Have you tried other ideas such as limiting throttle body air intake (engine getting too much air now). Disconnecting the fuel pump and injecting fuel directly into the throttle body.(too much or not enough fuel).

Perhaps the engine floods out and then stops trying to start.

To an extent ECM's are model specific such as year, engine and trans type, emissions certification built to, etc. Get the exact same part number as the one currently on the car or in some cases the one Toyota states is their direct replacement. How do you know this, go to an online Toyota dealer and check the computer part number.
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Ebay sells ECM's cheap or just search the internet for the part number.

 

ECM is good. Come to find out my wife's 2001 Camry is the exact same set up. Put the ECM in her car and it ran fine. checked all the grounds they are good. Still trouble shooting but running out of ideas.

NEWS FLASH.....clogged CATS will not let your engine start....pulled the 02 sensor and it fired right up.....

 

Is the CAT clogged or the O2 sensor bad?

 

>I was not sure where or how to post, I hope it is ok to connect with you directly as you appeared informed<
I have a 2016 Camry LE with 99777 miles
It's been a perfect car until Recently.
If the engine is off, while my phone is being charged for approximately 10 minutes, and then when I go to start the engine it will not start-it does turn over (crank).
It tries, and all of the dashboard lights and headlights come on, but it still takes me several attempts to get the engine to start?
The battery, alternator, and starter are all good.
When I come out to the car first thing on a cold morning-it still always starts.
Talking with several mechanic friends I had the Crank Position Sensor replaced, but it still will not start after that 6-10 minutes with my cell phone in the car charger and the engine off?
Ideas?
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Engine starts cold. What happens if the engine is warm and you only turn it off for say 1 minute?