2001 Sienna V6, New battery, MAF, alternator, key and computer programed (and it ran) security light goes off.
I ran out of gas. Put in 5 gallons and it will not start. Starts with starting fluid. I turned the key on and off several times to prime the system After cranking it several times over several minutes, the gas tank was empty with no signs of fuel anywhere. I added 2 more gallons and in a minute, the gas was gone and no sign of where it went. I have been working on cars since I was a kid (60 now) and this one has me stumped.
Running out of gas can damage the fuel pump, especially one that is 20 years old. It can also cause sediment to clog the fuel filter. The fuel level sending unit that is part of the fuel pump assembly may have been damaged as well. If you put 7 gallons of gas in the tank it has to still be there. Try using some kind of dip stick to check for gas in the tank.
The fuel level came up when gas was added and went down while cranking both times. P.S. New fuel pump relay too. I will see if i can siphon the fuel out.
Have two gas cans at the ready because you're gonna get 7 gallons back out. Good luck 🙂
Start by replacing the fuel filter. If that doesn't solve the problem, you're going to have to replace the fuel pump/sending unit as well. Allowing fuel injected cars to run out of gas is usually the kiss of death for the fuel pump.
The fuel level came up when gas was added and went down while cranking both times. P.S. New fuel pump relay too. Sadly, on this model year there are some with an external fuel filter and some with the filter on the pump. Of course, mine is in the tank.
Murphy's Law strikes again.