I have an 88 runner with a 22re, 5 speed, and when it is parked pointed uphill (nose higher than rear), it won't even crank. The idiot lights and clock come on as though it stalled, and they dim when key is turned to try and start it. When rolled down the hill to level ground, after sitting a minute, it will crank and fire right up. It never happens on level ground.
Thanks in advance for any insight...
DeWitt

 

next time you find yourself pointed up hill, turn the key on- wait a few seconds, turn it off, then turn the key on and wait a few seconds, then turn the key off and back on and try to start.
if it starts, change your fuel filter.

 

lol, wierd. ever check the batt voltage/ batt acid while its on the hill? or maybe a loose wire somewhere?

 

it doesn't even crank, so i dont think its a fuel issue...

 

battery acid was a thought I had, because as far as i was thinking, there was no other liquid that would change position on a hill and make it not crank.
battery is only 6 months old, same as all battery cables, and i cleaned all the grounds real well when all that went in.

 

Won't work on a 22re. The fuel pump cylces on when CRANKING only!

 

it could be the start singal wire to make it crank over try wiggleing it and then starting it

 

actually, the fuel pump is triggered by turning the key 'on'. there is a simple resistor/capacitor timer that runs the fuel pump for a few seconds after which the pump shuts off. after that, when cranking the engine, the AFM triggers the fuel pump when intake air volume causes the vane to move far enough to close the contact in the afm.

 

so if it won't crank, get the battery checked.
I can't imagine the electrolyte levels affecting things the way you describe, but maybe it's a battery problem.

 

yea, it does sound kind of crazy, but can't seem to think of anything else other than battery. i checked all the contacts on the wires, they seem tight, and i have previously cleaned them and replaced battery cables, and liquid in the battery is the only thing that could really change on a hill, i mean there are no sensors to detect fuel, oil, coolant, etc. levels that would prevent the starter from cranking, or am I mistaken?

 

it may sound crazy, but maybe there is an issue with ground wires.

 

Fuel filter could very well be clogged, I would check the grounds an change the filter.

When changing the filter try to blow through it, if you get very little air its clogged.

Oh enjoy the gas in your mouth b/c a compressor will make whatever gas is left fly all over..dont use one.

 

if it was a fuel issue it would crank but not start, try parking on a hill and getting the battery level and then trying to start it...just how steep of a hill was it anyways?

 

i agree mine did this often the wire on the starter on toyota have a plastic plug that drys out and breaks it does get loose try looking at this can see through passenger side fender well on the starter solenoid good luck

 

could it be the clutch safety switch on the pedal if the wire was loose it might not work on a hill.