Toyota Fortuner Won’t Start? Here’s Quick Solutions to the Most Common Causes

Introduction

Let's face it, we've all been there, you've got places to be, so you get in your Toyota Fortuner, turn the key, and … drum roll please … absolutely nothing! Your Fortuner won't start! This a super frustrating situation, however, don't fret, we've got you covered. There are lots and lots of causes why your Toyota Fortuner will not start, and for this article, to spare you time we'll cover the most common causes as well as provide you practical solutions to get your vehicle back on the road in no time!

Understanding the Problem

First it's essential to have an understanding of the problem. When you hop into your car and realize “My Toyota Fortuner won't start”, this could be because of an array of issues being wrong with your car. Maybe the engine is not cranking at all, potentially it is cranking partially but then not starting, or perhaps it's making a clicking sound when you attempt to start the engine, however in the end nothing happens. Each of these annoying situations can be a sign of different problems with your car.

Common Reasons Why Your Toyota Fortuner Won't Start

There are many reasons a Fortuner refuses to start. These problems usually consist of a dead or weak vehicle battery, a broken alternator, starter motor failures, fuel system failures, as well as electrical or circuitry failures. Each one of these problems can show up as an array of symptoms and require different solutions to detect and resolve, so we can get your car back on the road ASAP.

Symptoms of Toyota Fortuner That Won't Start

Having the ability to identify and diagnose these signs, will assist you in finding the underlying cause of the problem. For example, when you turn the key in the ignition, and you hear a clicking noise however your vehicle still can't start, it can be an indication that there is a problem with the fuel or ignition system.

Analysis of The Reasons Why Your Toyota Fortuner Won't Start

The first step to finding a practical solution to the issue is having a grasp of the root cause of that issue, so let's look into the most typical factors why your Fortuner will not start.

Toyota Fortuner Battery Issues

In the vast majority of cases, the most common reason why your Toyota Fortuner can't start is, in many cases because of your car battery, it's either weak or dead, and you have to either charge the battery or change it. The vehicle's battery stores the electricity required to start the engine, and power all the electrical components in your Toyota Fortuner. Signs of a bad battery issue in a Fortuner, can be things like the car being sluggish to crank the engine, dim or weak headlights, or a lit-up battery warning light on the dash.

Toyota Fortuner Alternator Problems

The alternator is tasked with charging the battery from the engine while the car is running. A damaged alternator can certainly prevent your Toyota Fortuner from starting as it won't have the ability to charge up the battery, from the engine, so it will be drained all the way down till it's dead and you only realize it when you can't get your Toyota to start. Symptoms that the alternator may be faulty include a lit-up battery or alternator warning light on the dash, poorly lit headlights when the engine is idling, and also a whining or grinding sound from the engine while it's running.

Toyota Fortuner Starter Motor Failures

When you start your Toyota Fortuner, the starter motor is responsible for turning the engine over (cranking it). If the starter motor is defective in some way then the engine may not crank, and your Fortuner will not start. You can tell if your starter motor has a problem or not usually by listening, if you hear a clicking noise when you turn the key in the ignition or a grinding sound during the startup, or your vehicle can start, but only intermittently then the starter motor may very well be the problem.

Toyota Fortuner Fuel System Complications

We’re not talking about when you merely run out of gas here, but the fuel system itself having issues. Your Toyota Fortuner uses a combustion engine, andfor that reason to start and run, it needs a mix of enough fuel and air. If your Fortuner issues are due to a faulty fuel system, this can be a clogged fuel filter or a damaged fuel pump relay, which could mean the engine might not be receiving the fuel it needs to get the vehicle going.

Toyota Fortuner Electrical System or Wiring Problems

Today’s modern Toyota Fortuners rely greatly on electronic components, which can mean there are lots of things that can potentially break and cause problems. Even in an older vehicle, you can still have typical issues such as blown fuses, spark plug problems, a damaged ignition switch, or a broken sensor, and more. These can be a few of the many electrical reasons your car will not start up. Symptoms of a wiring or electrical issue can vary widely but can often include the engine not cranking, or your Fortuner can start however just intermittently or numerous alert lights show on the dashboard. To appropriately diagnose and fix these kinds of problems, you will require the abilities of a skilled car mechanic locally or online.

Solutions & Repair Tips

When you have figured out what the reason for your car being unable to start is. The next logical step is naturally to attempt to repair it. Here are some suggestions for the typical issues we've covered up until this point.

How to Troubleshoot and Fix Battery Issues in a Toyota Fortuner

If you think it's possible a battery issue is the reason your Fortuner has difficulty starting, then the first thing you need to do is check around the battery and check the battery terminals. You want them to be clean, not corroded, and firmly connected. If you find that the terminals are in fact corroded you can attempt cleaning them with a mix of baking soda and water. You will need to replace the battery if it's old or weak, otherwise, even if you charge it up enough to start the vehicle, it will probably deplete quickly again in the not so distant future. You can make use of a multimeter as a battery tester to see if it’s worth saving or if it needs to be replaced. You can ask a professional car mechanic online or in your area to advise you on this.

How to Diagnose Alternator Problems in a Toyota Fortuner

If the alternator is what you think is the perpetrator, you can test it to see for yourself. If you can get the car to start up temporarily (you may need to jump-start the car for that), but once it’s going, let the car run, and while it's running, disconnect the positive terminal of the battery. If you find your Toyota Fortuner dies right away, then it's probably due to a problem with the alternator. However, be warned this test can be risky and dangerous if you don't know what you're doing, and might damage the delicate electronic components in your vehicle, so its best to talk to a professional mechanic local to you or online, prior to ever trying this.

How to Identify Starter Motor Failures in a Toyota Fortuner

It's likely an issue with your starter motor if you can hear the clicking sound but the engine does not crank. In these cases, the solution is to have the starter motor changed for a new one by a professional mechanic.

How to Solve Fuel System Problems in a Toyota Fortuner

If you think the issue to be because of a fuel system problem, try and listen for the fuel pump when you turn the key to the “on” position, before starting the car. You ought to hear a humming sound for a couple of seconds. It might be there is an issue with the fuel pump if you are not able to hear this sound. If you observe your Toyota is tough to start, it stalls, or it has poor acceleration, it could be because of a clogged fuel filter. Both of these will likely require a reliable car mechanic in order to properly fix.

How to Repair Electrical or Wiring Issues in a Toyota Fortuner

If you suspect it's a wiring or electrical system problem, initially inspect the fuses associated with the ignition system, and replace any that have actually blown. If your Toyota Fortuner starts after this, then it was an effective, simple and inexpensive repair! Nevertheless, if the vehicle does not start, even intermittently it could be an issue with the ignition switch itself. If different warning lights show up on your dashboard, it might be because of a damaged sensor. These problems can be very complicated and a reliable car mechanic is likely needed to identify and fix it.

Preventive Steps

As my father always stated “Prevention is better than cure”, so here are some preventative measures to ensure you hopefully avoid any Toyota Fortuner starting pains again!

Regular Maintenance of Your Toyota Fortuner:

Routine maintenance of your Toyota Fortuner is key to prevent future difficulties. This consists of things like routine oil changes, checking your car battery, cleaning the terminals, replacing the fuel filter as recommended/required, and of course having your car checked by a reliable car mechanic routinely. You can speak with a mechanic in your area or online if you are unsure or confused about the regular upkeep jobs required for your specific automobile.

Drive Your Toyota Fortuner Regularly:

If you happen to leave your Toyota Fortuner stagnant for long periods of time without taking it for a spin now and again, the battery can waste out of charge as it's not receiving any electrical charge from the engine running being in use. Try your best to drive your vehicle frequently to keep the battery from draining. Take it for a quick spin to make sure there is still charge in the battery if you remember you have not driven your Toyota in a while. Worth noting: letting the battery fully drain, is also damaging for the long-term life of the battery, try not to do this.

Pay Attention to Warning Signs:

If you observe anything weird like unusual sounds, a difference in how it drives and the performance, or warning lights lit up on your Toyota Fortuners dashboard, do not disregard them and get on with your day. These are usually early warnings of an issue and it’s best to be resolved ASAP before they end up being larger problems later. Chat with a car mechanic in your area or online about these warning symbols and find out if they need to be dealt with.

When to Ask a Toyota Mechanic Online

Whenever you have a problem, you can search online forever Googling things like “Toyota wont start clicking noise but battery is good” or you can just speak to an online mechanic now and get the solution in minutes. If you're either limited on time, want a specialist Toyota mechanic on hand helping and advising you, or you've tried to solve it yourself, however despite your best efforts your vehicle fails to start, then chatting with a Toyota mechanic online can be a great choice.

Benefits of an Online Toyota Mechanic

Online mechanic services, like ours in the bottom right of this page, offer numerous benefits. You can get professional Toyota mechanic recommendations 24×7 and without leaving your home, which is especially beneficial if your vehicle will not start and is stuck in the driveway. It can also help you save money as online mechanic consultations are much more affordable than a physical visit to a local mechanic near you. Plus, you can get responses rapidly, which is fantastic if you're in a hurry, require a second opinion, or you simply like having an expert Toyota mechanic on hand.

How Solutions Like MechanicAnswer.com Can Help You

Mechanic Answer connects you with accredited expert Toyota mechanics who can provide instant aid, guidance and advice. Our Toyota mechanics have the skills and experience to tackle any problem with any Toyota, it doesn't matter if your Toyota FJ Cruiser won't start or your Fortuner is having issues, our experts will figure it out and help you solve the exact problem. You even have the ability to explain the issues you are having with your car, ask Toyota mechanics limitless questions, and even upload pictures and videos so you are able to show the mechanic what you mean. You can speak to them via online chat or by phone call, whichever you choose. The Toyota mechanic will help you diagnose the problem, advise you on the best course of action for your individual circumstance and even guide you through basic maintenance and repair work every step of the way.

So if you need help with and the answers to your Toyota repair and maintenance questions, feel free to try out our Toyota expert live chat service now.

Conclusion

To summarize, when your Toyota Fortuner wont start, it will likely be a complete bummer and a huge hassle. However, having a firm grasp of what might be triggering the problems, being able to troubleshoot them, and knowing what actions are required in each case, and where to get help if required, will be a big help. Bear in mind that regular upkeep is crucial for preventing the vast majority of vehicle problems.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I do if my Toyota Fortuner doesn’t start?

Firstly, don't panic. Try to identify any signs that might suggest an issue, such as unusual sounds, warning lights on the dash, or changes in performance. The cause of the issue is likely one of the typical causes gone over in this guide. You will need the assistance of a mechanic in your area or online if you can't find the cause of the problem yourself.

2. How to tell if my Toyota Fortuner won't start because of the battery?

Signs of a battery issue in a Fortuner include the engine being slow to crank, dim headlights, and lit battery warning lights on the dash. You can also check the battery terminals to see if they are clean, not corroded, and firmly connected. If the battery is weak or old, it may be best to simply swap it for a newer one.

3. How can I prevent my Toyota Fortuner not starting issues?

In order to make sure this inconvenience never happens again, regular upkeep is key. This consists of things like oil changes, examining the battery and cleaning its terminals, changing the fuel filter as recommended/needed, and having your Toyota Fortuner checked by a mechanic often. It's also a great idea to drive the car routinely so the battery remains charged.

4. Can I ask a mechanic online if my Toyota Fortuner will not start?

Yes, you can. An online mechanic service like ours can supply immediate expert Toyota mechanic assistance and recommendations, without you needing to leave your home. This is specifically useful if your vehicle won't start and is stuck in the driveway.

5. How can services like MechanicAnswer.com help if my Toyota Fortuner fails to start?

We connect you with licensed specialist Toyota mechanics who can offer guidance on your specific scenario. You can inform them about your vehicle problems, ask unlimited questions, and even submit images and videos so you can effectively demonstrate the problem and describe it fully. The mechanic will have the ability to assist, troubleshoot, identify the issue, suggest the best course of action and guide you along the way.