Toyota Tacoma Cranks But Won’t Start – Causes And Tips You Should Know

So, your Toyota Tacoma cranks but won’t start – why does this happen and what can you do about it?

For the most part, a cranking engine that won’t start can be due to a few things. For instance, there’s an issue with generating a spark. It could also be caused by your engine creating compression or a failure to get fuel. 

If you notice this issue, it may be worth looking into these possible reasons behind this. Let’s explore these crank-no-start issues and discover the best solution for this problem. 

Toyota Tacoma Cranks But Won’t Start – Possible Causes And Solutions

When you start your Toyota Tacoma, and it cranks but fails to start, here are some reasons why it happens.

1. Failure With The Electrical System

Your vehicle requires electricity for it to run and start. If there is no electric current, then this causes a failure with starting the spark plugs, ignition coil, and starter.

In fact, among the common reasons why Toyota Tacoma cranks but won’t start is  an electrical issue. Furthermore, it is linked to the battery, or at least 70 percent of such a case.

With this in mind, you should check the battery first and determine its charge level. If the vehicle won’t start, yet it cranks, then the battery charge may be too little. 

Try turning the headlights on to see if they light up. If it happens to be quite dim, then it is definitely a battery problem. 

You may either recharge the battery using jump cables and hooking it up with another vehicle. Do keep in mind that it is only a temporary solution to the issue. You will still have to change the battery completely to prevent this problem from recurring. 

Another thing linked with the battery is the connector. There may be a charge in your battery, yet it is not charging right. This is caused by loose lugs or any oxidation in this component. When this happens, the battery fails to charge well as you drive. Problems with the alternator and electrical wiring can also be the reason behind this. 

Do keep in mind that batteries do not do very well in extreme temperatures. During the cold weather, you need to reduce your vehicle’s performance. There is more strain involved with your battery in the winter because of powering up the heating, headlights, as well as your windshield wipers. 

The same holds true when it is quite hot. The metals’ conductivity tends to be compromised during extremely hot weather conditions. 

2. Fuse Issue

If you have checked the battery and observed that it is in perfect condition, yet your Tacoma still fails to start even if it cranks, then it could be a fuse problem. 

There are some cases when a blown fuse is causing the breakdown and failing the start process. Be sure to inspect all the fuses and that they are all in good condition. 

3. Faulty Starter

Next up is the starter problem, which definitely prevents your vehicle from starting. When there is inadequate electrical contact, a starter may fail to function. 

4. Fuel Problems

Sometimes, a lack of fuel may arise, which is related to poor fuel quality. If you have bad fuel along with water in the tank, then this compromises the performance of your engine. This is why you need to regularly check the fuel tank to make sure this problem does not arise.

In other cases, some auto parts may be causing the failure to start. These components supply your engine with fuel such as the inlet pipe or fuel pump. If you have observed that these are the reasons why your Toyota Tacoma cranks but won’t start, then it is best to have these parts replaced.

5. Damaged Spark Plugs

A mechanical failure may also be to blame for a failure to start your vehicle. When your spark plugs are dirty, loose, or old, then the engine takes too long to start. The debris or damage to the spark plugs will prevent these parts from generating spark to start your engine. 

Fortunately, a simple replacement to these spark plugs will get your vehicle running in no time. 

Preventing The Issue With Toyota Tacoma Cranking But Not Starting

With all these causes in mind, it is worth knowing how to prevent these issues to avoid inconveniences. 

Regular maintenance is a must to make sure that your vehicle is running well. You need to make sure that there’s proper compression, the fuel reaches the cylinders, and there’s a spark generated when you start the engine.

Also, you will have to keep these things in check:

  1. The battery is not discharged or corroded or loose. All the starting system wires should be in solid condition.
  2. The fuse is working well. A blown fuse prevents the circuit from functioning well such as the computer system or fuel injection.
  3. Make sure the starting system is doing well. There should be zero strange noise generated each time you crank. Moreover, the circuit voltage drop is not having any issue or the starter motor works well. 

Speaking of spark, you may ask the help of another person to crank the engine while you check the spark tester. Be sure that the spark is bright and stable. If there is no spark, conduct the test once more and adjust it to 30 KV. In cases there is still no spark generated, set it to 10 KV. 

If there is still no spark or just a minimal spark, it is highly likely that the issue is with your ignition system. Further problems may be linked with it such as an issue with the igniter, ignition module, distributor, or ignition coil. 

Supposing the spark is not the issue, then you will need to make sure there is sufficient fuel reaching your engine. Check the carburetor and make sure that the unit is being fed with a good amount of fuel when the engine is cranked. 

However, if there is no fuel injected, then it is definite that your fuel system is the culprit. The fuel pump must be working well and there is no clogging to the fuel filter. Otherwise, the fuel won’t reach your engine. 

Final Thoughts On Toyota Tacoma Cranks But Won’t Start

There are a few reasons why your Toyota Tacoma cranks but won’t start. It could be your battery, electrical system, starter, spark plugs, and fuel.

The first thing to do is to check all of these components to make sure they are doing their job right.

If you notice one or a few of these are having problems, it is best to get a replacement and have the issue resolved with the help of a professional. By doing so, you can prevent these issues from persisting and will spare your from inconveniences in the future. 

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