Hi Scotty my 1997 Mk 1 Toyota RAV4 with 173k miles on the clock is having trouble starting, but not every time. I've checked the spark plugs. Air filter and air filter sensor but my mechanic could't remove the inline fuel filter to replace it. Could this be the problem or what else could i check please. It cranks but doesn't catch. Then I try a few times and it is then fine. Many thanks and much love xx
Find a better mechanic, check fuel pressure, lot of options sorry..
Several possibilities here:
1. The battery is old and losing its CCA power. So, how old is the battery? Have its State Of Health tested, as well as its CCA capacity;
2. There's corrosion on the battery terminals, or the clamps are loose. Check these,
3. If it doesn't start (but cranks), beat on the top of the starter. If it then starts, then you know the starter is close to the end of life. Replacing it can be a DIY project.
4. Have the alternator tested. (A tool like the ArtiBattery 101 will test both the battery and the alternator status). Perhaps the alternator is the issue.
5. It can be the fuel filter or a restriction in the fuel line.
6. Test the fuel pump, itself. Perhaps that is near EOL (End Of Life). (It takes a bidirectional scan tool to do this test without removing the fuel pump).
7. Check the power/ground from the fuse.
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There are lots of possibilities. An enhanced diagnostics scan, preferably bidirectional, would probably yield some "probable suspects."
