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ChrissyW

Problems with starting and low battery power in Toyota FJCruiser 2014, petrol engine

Engine hard to start

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Weak battery when starting the engine

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Dim or flickering lights

Hey guys! I'm having a weird bug with my 2014 Toyota FJCruiser gasoline engine. The engine doesn't really want to start, the battery seems weak when starting and the lights are dimming or flickering. I suspect that the problem may have to do with the engine control unit. Have any of you ever had a similar problem and have any troubleshooting tips? I would also be interested to know what experiences you have had with the repair in the workshop. Thanks in advance for your help.

(Translated from German)

6 comment(s)


PKern

Hello, here I am again! I have a bit of experience with cars and had a similar problem with my 2012 Toyota LandCruiser, which was also pretty bitchy when starting. I then took it to the garage. After a bit of back and forth, it turned out that the glow plugs were defective or worn out. That cost me around 560 euros, but after that it ran like clockwork again! What does it look like for you? With gasoline engines, such symptoms can be caused by many things. Have you ever checked the battery or looked at the alternator? Details, friend, details! Please give us more information about your car, it might help us to help you better.

(Translated from German)

ChrissyW (Author)

Hey, thanks for your reply! My FJCruiser currently has a whopping 163983 kilometers on the clock. The problem is, it's been sitting for a while now and had its last service about 8 months ago. I haven't checked the battery and alternator yet, but I'll do that tomorrow. I was actually hoping to have this done at the garage. If the glow plugs are blown, that certainly explains the weak starting. The 560 bucks sounds pretty hefty though. Hopefully it will go through without any major damage!

(Translated from German)

PKern

Hey, no problem! With almost 164k kilometers, a lot of things can give up the ghost. Your FJCruiser has done quite a job! Maybe the long standing time has something to do with it. If it's not the glow plugs, since gasoline engines don't have them, it could be something with the ignition or the fuel pump. You should definitely check the battery and the alternator, as these are often the causes of starting problems. I completely understand you about the dough, nobody really wants to fork out that much. With Toyotas, however, the starter motor can also be the cause. The costs for this don't normally eat into the budget that much. Take care of these checks and then tell us what's wrong. Good luck, hopefully it's nothing too serious!

(Translated from German)

ChrissyW (Author)

Hello and thank you for your detailed advice! I will start checking all the parts you mentioned tomorrow. It makes sense that it could be something with the alternator, battery or even the fuel pump. The starter could also be the culprit. In any case, I don't want to spend that much money and hope it's not a big problem. I'll keep you guys posted on what I find out. Thanks for the support, that's really helpful!

(Translated from German)

Azert

I got some time ago a p1604 code on my toyota auris 2013 1.4 d4d and now again but I don’t understand why or what to do?

Best Answer

CarlyMechanic

@Azert

I got some time ago a p1604 code on my toyota auris 2013 1.4 d4d and now again but I don’t understand why or what to do?

The P1604 code is a specific trouble code indicating a "Startability Malfunction". This could be due to a number of reasons such as a weak battery, a faulty starter motor, or even a problem with the engine control unit (ECU). I would recommend starting with the easiest check, which is the battery. Ensure it's fully charged and in good condition. If the battery is fine, you might want to check the starter motor next. If you're not comfortable doing these checks yourself, it would be best to take your car to a professional mechanic. Please keep us updated on your progress.

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