i have a 99 gs300 with just under 160k. recently, it has had intermittent starting issues. the car will turn over, but not start up. sometimes if i wait 10 minutes and try again, it fires right up. i noticed this was only happening with lower fuel levels. over the past 2 weeks, i have kept the fuel level above half a tank and i havent had a single issue. has anyone had this problem before or know what my problem might be? i really dont wanna start throwing parts at it, hoping it fixes the problem.

 

...is your security light blinking when it doesn't start?

 

i haven't paid attention to that. it doesn't seem like it's a security/ key fob issue though.

 

is the check engine light on?

 

nope. hasn't come on at any point since it's been doing this.

 

He is asking if when there is a crank No Start, that there is a CEL when the key is in the ON position.

No CEL= NO power to the ECU= crank + No Start

Indicating a bad EFI relay, fuse and or circuit.

Good Luck

 

if it was one of those things, wouldn't it be happening at all times and not just when the fuel level is low?

 

Sounds like fuel related. Fuel pump? Pick up tube in tank?

 

Check your grounds and battery terminals

 

FrankT's on point if you ask me. I just had this same dam issue. Reset your ECU, and try not using the keys fob or whatever it was called again, lock the doors by using the driver lock button then shutting the door, or simply using the key in your door and lock it. Wait, see if when you go back to starting it if it works.

 

Have the system scanned for codes. There should be a fault set in the security module? that will send you in the right direction. Are you sure all your key fob batteries aren't dead or low? Is the battery for the car charged fully and does it crank over normally? The code's are pretty much key here (IMHO).

 

Gdwrench is pretty on point as far aA what he's suggesting could be the cause of the situation. Honestly you may want to simply start by trying a new battery or taking yours in for a recharge Man. How long did you leave the battery disconnected for?

 

By this statement 'There are no codes being displayed' you mean that you've hooked up a scan tool and checked all modules for codes? And I mean a scan tool, not a code reader, as most will not display security codes. I have a very difficult time believing that your security light is flashing, causing a no start, but no codes are set. Very unlikely.

Also, by disconnecting your battery, you are clearing all codes in the systems. Check for codes after the no start occurs but before you disconnect the battery.

 

yes, an actual scan tool. i work at a body shop, so i have access to 2 different scan tools. i did a full system scan and everything checks out.

 

Did you scan the car after the no start condition occurs? I would crank, see no start, leave the key on and scan it immediately. If its a security issue, it should set a code unless its just a dead battery in your key fob. The code will clear itself out after it successfully starts. If locking and unlocking the car till the security light shuts off makes it start, then its definitely a security issue. Security failure stops power to the EFI relay stopping fuel feed.

I hate guessing but I highly suspect that the immobilizer ring on your ignition switch is failing. This rarely sets codes (one of the few failures that doesn't) and is typically very intermittent.

One more thing to check, be very sure your battery is good (the car, not the key fobs). Just because the car cranks over does not mean that the battery is ok. Have it tested. A battery with a shorted cell will still crank the car but can cause all sorts of weird electrical issues.