Have a quick question for you folks and appreciate you taking the time to consider my question. My sons 1996 Tacoma 2.7 would not start today. Yesterday it was difficult starting as it took a handful of tries along with needing to be jumped. I have pretty much lived by the rule that if you don't hear the fuel pump cycle upon turning the ignition key then you more than likely have a fuel pump concern. Is this correct?

Here are some facts regarding this issue.

1. no cycling of fuel pump upon turning ignition key.
2. engine does fire intermittently upon turning over.
3. Check engine light comes on upon turning ingnition key on. Hoping this would rule out a problem with the ECU.
4. Lately it has been idling rough on occasion. Especially at stops.
5. Have tried holding the pedal floored today while turning over. No luck, but could smell a bit more gas after doing so.

I haven't checked fuel pressure and am planning to do so tomorrow. Will also check power to fuel pump. Just curious as to whether the lack of hearing the pump cycle pretty much means it is going or is gone. I did a bit of surfing on the site and it appears it could be a host of things that could be of concern. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again.

 

Best way to test for a fuel issue that I have found is to take off the intake pipe at the throttle body. Then get a can of brake cleaner or Starter fluid and have someone turn the engine over while you spray it at the semi-opened/opened throttle body. If you still get nothing, then time to look else where.

If it starts and runs as long as the fluid is being injected, then it is a fair bet it is a fuel issue.

 

Thanks for the tip Texas Ace! Will give it a try today.

 

At least on the V6, the fuelpump does not run until the starter motor engages (or the engine is running). It does NOT run with just key in ignition on position. I donīt know about the 2.7.

 

Pretty much the same with the 2.7. Determined the fuel pump was working so changed out wires, plugs, and fuel filter. Those items were due for a change anyway. That was the fix. She fires right up now. Thanks for the input.