Cranks but won't start

RobCuz · Aug 12, 2025

My 96 Toyota Celica (7A-FE, automatic, 115k miles) was running just fine. I don't use it that much, so I keep it on a charger in my garage. One day I went to start it and it won't start (cranks but won't start). I checked fuses they all check ok, replaced spark plugs, spark plug wires, distributor cap, and ignitor, still won't start. I checked for spark, no spark, connected the OBD2, it won't read it, connected my neighbors' OBD2, it won't read that one either. I can't find anything that will tell me what to do if it can't read the OBD codes. Please help!

sefiro · Aug 13, 2025

Sounds like the ECU is gone. Pull it and look inside, especially at the capacitors

Also, does the dash light up as part of the light display test?

tonyp96 · Aug 17, 2025

If the check engine light does not come on when you turn ignition to the on position, means that the ECU is dead. I would check that the EFI fuse is not blown and the EFI relay is working, since it supplies power to the ECU.

93celicaconv · Aug 17, 2025

Any response to the help provided thus far?

RobCuz · Aug 25, 2025

Didn't do the light display check. Checked all fuses and relays. I pulled the ECU yesterday, removed the top and bottom plates, can't see any visible damage to it, I'm sending it for replacement and programing, will let you know if it was the ECU.

riderightrecovery · Sep 12, 2025

I just had this issue… I’m only here to try to help. I’m no expert but I drive mine every day now. I replaced everything you did and it ends up being the fuel pump. It would run even for a few minutes on flood then wouldn’t start for 10 days!

riderightrecovery · Sep 12, 2025

riderightrecovery said:
I just had this issue… I’m only here to try to help. I’m no expert but I drive mine every day now. I replaced everything you did and it ends up being the fuel pump. It would run even for a few minutes on flood then wouldn’t stay for 10 days!

Thought mine was that fuse thing in front of the ecu… changed, ecu, distributor , wires, plugs, iac, fuel filter, unplugged and checked every relay and fuse. Even though the fuel pump would sound like it was kicking on it was bad

RobCuz · 2025-09-29T18:11:37-0400

Installed the ECU last weekend and it started right up. It's now idling a bit high in Park (1200), but idles normal in drive (700). Any suggestions?

93celicaconv · 2025-09-30T07:40:31-0400

With a properly warmed up engine, transmission in neutral (or park for an automatic transmission), the 7A-FE proper idle speed for an automatic transmission is 750 RPM +/- 50 RPM.

Also, I've never heard of a 500 RPM drop in engine speed switching from neutral (park) to putting the transmission in gear.

Was your 1200 RPM idle speed on a cold engine? If it was, drive it a bit to get that engine warmed up, then give us the engine speed with the transmission in neutral (park) again and let's see what you get.

Cranks but won't start

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