1997 toyota 4 runner...engine turns over but will not fire
First of all, never... and i mean NEVER, use starting fluid on a gas engine. You will blow intake gaskets, possibly head gaskets, and even warp the valves, and worse yet, blow your head off. Starting fluid is meant for diesel engines, and nothing else.
The first thing you have to do is listen when you first turn on the key, to hear if the fuel pump is running in the gas tank. If you can't hear it, check fuses and wiring. Make sure there is power to the pump by using a test light. If there is power, and it doesn't work, replace the pump.
Check for spark using a timing light. If there is no spark, check the coil, fuses, distributor, wiring, etc. Aim your timing light at the crank mark, if you have spark, and make sure the mark is staying in one place. If it is jumping around, your timing chain has likely jumped, and will need to be replaced.
If there is an engine light on, you are best off to borrow a scanner if you don't have one, and see what it says. Hit and miss can end up costing much more than the price of a scanner. Good luck.
×