1. Welcome to Tundras.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tundra discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Tundra owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Truck died - any ideas?

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by work_truck, Aug 8, 2022.

  1. Aug 8, 2022 at 7:23 AM
    #1
    work_truck

    work_truck [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2022
    Member:
    #72569
    Messages:
    14
    Vehicle:
    2013 RCLB 4x4 5.7 SR5
    My coworker was driving the truck the other afternoon and it just died. He lost power, power steering/brakes, engine died. It displayed the check engine light and also A/T oil temp light and possibly a couple others. The truck cranks strong but won't turn over. I did not see anything obvious like a missing or shredded belt. It is worth noting they had filled the tank from about 1/8 full that morning and drove about 20 miles to the job site. They had to go up and down steep hills to get to the site but the truck was parked flat all day. The truck started and ran fine when they left the job site but died suddenly about 2 miles later. We had the truck towed to a mechanic who has not begun to diagnose it yet. Any help is appreciated. This truck has been rock solid except for the brakes (WTF is with the brakes on these trucks by the way, definitely a weak link).

    The truck is a 2013 SR5 5.7 4x4. Thanks for your suggestions!
     
  2. Aug 8, 2022 at 7:27 AM
    #2
    1lowlife

    1lowlife Toxic prick and pavement princess..

    Joined:
    May 4, 2016
    Member:
    #3296
    Messages:
    7,941
    First Name:
    DADA
    THE GREAT STATE OF TEXAS
    Vehicle:
    2014 MGM DC SR5
    Bad gasoline?
     
  3. Aug 8, 2022 at 8:41 AM
    #3
    work_truck

    work_truck [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2022
    Member:
    #72569
    Messages:
    14
    Vehicle:
    2013 RCLB 4x4 5.7 SR5
    I was thinking bad gas is possible too. Like the fuel pump was pulling "old" gas from before the fillup as they drove in the morning, the steep hills caused mixing, and then as they drove off, it took 3 miles to pump the "new" gas through the line, at which point the motor died. It was an Exxon where I have filled up before with no problems, but it is not a regular station we use frequently. Thanks for the help!
     
  4. Aug 8, 2022 at 9:10 AM
    #4
    Danny3737

    Danny3737 New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2021
    Member:
    #59491
    Messages:
    642
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2012 Tundra Limited Platinum
    If it were bad gas, I would expect it to run a little rough before it shut down. The very first thing I would do, is check for spark. If you’ve got spark, then I’d focus on the fuel system.
     
    Terndrerrr likes this.
  5. Aug 8, 2022 at 9:24 AM
    #5
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,612
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    I would bet it's fuel delivery. Is this a flex fuel truck?
     
    AZBoatHauler likes this.
  6. Aug 8, 2022 at 9:49 AM
    #6
    work_truck

    work_truck [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2022
    Member:
    #72569
    Messages:
    14
    Vehicle:
    2013 RCLB 4x4 5.7 SR5
    Danny - good point. I would expect the same. But I'm also scratching my head at what would cause immediate loss of all spark.

    TJ - nope, not flex fuel.
     
    ColoradoTJ likes this.
  7. Aug 8, 2022 at 9:51 AM
    #7
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,612
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    I would be testing fuel rail pressure. You can rent these kits at a local parts store or just buy one. Cheap.
     
    AZBoatHauler likes this.
  8. Aug 8, 2022 at 9:55 AM
    #8
    Notarobot

    Notarobot Jagged lines!

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2020
    Member:
    #53937
    Messages:
    318
    Vehicle:
    2013 CM
    Check the fuel pump fuse and relay. I had a truck get parked, sat for a few hours, went to move it and it just sat there and cranked. 15amp fuse popped. $0.35 fix.
     
  9. Aug 8, 2022 at 10:04 AM
    #9
    AZBoatHauler

    AZBoatHauler SSEM#140/ASCM#3/2ndGenNaysayer/BAF140

    Joined:
    Aug 13, 2019
    Member:
    #34576
    Messages:
    6,926
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Adam
    So.Arizona
    Vehicle:
    2017 CrewMax 4x4, 2017 LandCruiser, 2005 Sequoia 4x4
    Demello / SOB Fab Bumpers, SuperWinch, WKOR sliders, RCI skids, Baja Designs lighting, Billy 6112 and 5160 w/ CB +2, JL Audio with Alpine HU, DD 10" Exhaust, LED headlights, Rago fab mounts, 35” BFG, HAM radio
    Ill take fuel pump replacement for $800
     
    Black Wolf and FrenchToasty like this.
  10. Aug 8, 2022 at 2:39 PM
    #10
    work_truck

    work_truck [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2022
    Member:
    #72569
    Messages:
    14
    Vehicle:
    2013 RCLB 4x4 5.7 SR5
    Notarobot - I checked the fuel pump fuse which is 25A in my truck and it was ok. Thanks for the tip!
     
    Notarobot likes this.
  11. Aug 8, 2022 at 3:34 PM
    #11
    blenton

    blenton New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2022
    Member:
    #80740
    Messages:
    1,488
    I would agree. Start here. Oh, and make sure he didn't fill it with the green handle pump...
     
  12. Aug 8, 2022 at 4:18 PM
    #12
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

    Joined:
    Feb 24, 2016
    Member:
    #2766
    Messages:
    35,612
    Gender:
    Male
    Colorado
    Vehicle:
    LML 3500HD
    Calibrated Power 5 Tune pack, Allison 1000 tune, PPE deep trans pan, Cold/Hot CAC pipes, Banks CAI, PCV reroute, resonator delete, S&B 62 gal fuel tank, B&W GN hitch
    That would suck!!
     
  13. Aug 8, 2022 at 5:09 PM
    #13
    work_truck

    work_truck [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2022
    Member:
    #72569
    Messages:
    14
    Vehicle:
    2013 RCLB 4x4 5.7 SR5
    Yeah he says he for sure did not do that. It shouldn't even fit right?
     
    AZBoatHauler likes this.
  14. Aug 8, 2022 at 5:10 PM
    #14
    Terndrerrr

    Terndrerrr guzzling dealer repellent

    Joined:
    Jul 8, 2019
    Member:
    #32965
    Messages:
    4,909
    Gender:
    Male
    Music City
    Vehicle:
    Dual 5.7s
    TRD Fox, RAS, 285/75 DTs, dual battery, SS3 Pro
    This is a 2013 with the 26 gal tank. The reserve is what, 5 gal? I would assume that when you fill up from E, you’re putting about 21 gallons in it. If that’s the case, then 1/8th of 21 gal is around 2.5 gal, and your 26 gal tank actually had 7ish gal in it when it reads 1/8th of a tank. All this to say: Is that really low enough to start scraping the bottom of the tank and mixing bad gas in from steep inclines/declines?

    If your check engine light is on, then it threw some codes. I’d find out what those are. That may determine your next step. How many miles? Sometimes even Tundras need new fuel pumps after 9-10 years.
     
  15. Aug 8, 2022 at 5:13 PM
    #15
    TheBrit

    TheBrit Wrinkly member

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2022
    Member:
    #77262
    Messages:
    614
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    Vehicle:
    2013 Double Cab Tundra 2WD stuckinthemud
    Stick your nose in the filler, if it's been filled with diesel it'll be obvious.
     
  16. Aug 8, 2022 at 5:13 PM
    #16
    blenton

    blenton New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2022
    Member:
    #80740
    Messages:
    1,488
    Haha. No, it shouldn’t fit. But you never know. I know somebody that did that years ago to a fleet vehicle. How they managed to get the nozzle from the diesel pump into the gas tank was a bit perplexing. They made it back to the shop; it was running rough and they shut it down. Took a while to realize what had happened but they drained the tank, filled it up with gas, and sent it on its way. As far as I know, it ran for years and is still parked behind the building for yard duty. It was an early 90’s Toyota Pickup. Darned 22r motor wouldn’t die..
     
  17. Aug 8, 2022 at 5:15 PM
    #17
    blenton

    blenton New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 15, 2022
    Member:
    #80740
    Messages:
    1,488
    Just don’t use a match to illuminate the filler. I also know somebody that did that when their snow machine died on the trail as the sun went down…
     
  18. Aug 8, 2022 at 5:16 PM
    #18
    TheBrit

    TheBrit Wrinkly member

    Joined:
    Apr 16, 2022
    Member:
    #77262
    Messages:
    614
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mark
    Vehicle:
    2013 Double Cab Tundra 2WD stuckinthemud
    And then you get someone like me come along who knows the gas light comes on at 21 gallons down but is going to drive across two more counties before he fills up because the gas is 30 cents cheaper...
     
  19. Aug 8, 2022 at 5:18 PM
    #19
    Pillslinger

    Pillslinger New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 28, 2020
    Member:
    #48612
    Messages:
    858
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rollin
    SWMO
    Vehicle:
    2018 Cement TRD CrewMax
    Bed light kit Jerry can mount Badge overlays (removed 2021) Pin stripe / TRD decal / pillar vinyl removal Raised tailgate lettering Center console badge/tray/divider Interior/exterior LED upgrade VLED footwells TVD Vinyl TRD Offroad wheels Icon 17x8 rebound titanium Bubbas Garage grab handles WeatherTech floor mats (Eagle Klaw added) Rough country front shackles (removed 2021) DD SS3 yellow fogs MESO map light replacement Softopper MESO Chrome delete
    Happened to my MIL. She swore she didn't use the 'green handle' but they found diesel in the tank of her vehicle. Then it all happened. Every vehicle that got gasoline at that gas station had the same issue. I'll admit I know nothing about the safeguards for this but the tanker truck had somehow put diesel into the unleaded holding tank. Lawsuits ensued.
     
  20. Aug 9, 2022 at 7:41 AM
    #20
    work_truck

    work_truck [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2022
    Member:
    #72569
    Messages:
    14
    Vehicle:
    2013 RCLB 4x4 5.7 SR5
    Thanks for the ideas everyone. I will double check on the diesel issue - I've heard of the tank mix-up at the station as well.

    Fuel pump is a real possibility. The truck has about 215k on it. I'm expecting at least 400k - my 2004 Tacoma was still running great at that mileage when I sold it for the bigger truck. That one also suffered fuel pump failure at 380k, but it still ran (badly).

    Brit - I too am the cheapskate. I've put 23 gallons in before although I do usually aim for about 19. I hope my past penny pinching isn't what did in the pump.
     
  21. Aug 10, 2022 at 7:18 AM
    #21
    Uncledan

    Uncledan New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2020
    Member:
    #52987
    Messages:
    25
    Gender:
    Male
    I've seen where an alternator will go bad and cause a vehicle to die like that while driving.
     
  22. Aug 10, 2022 at 3:53 PM
    #22
    work_truck

    work_truck [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2022
    Member:
    #72569
    Messages:
    14
    Vehicle:
    2013 RCLB 4x4 5.7 SR5
    Mechanic cleaned the throttle body and it's running again. Cheap fix, seems to have worked.

    Unfortunately when I turned it on at the shop, it flashed 4HI and 4LO with solid ABS and traction control lights. Won't go into 4x4. Code says open circuit in the right rear wheel speed sensor. This is two weeks after I had the brakes overhauled: 3 calipers, rear pads, front rotors. Same thing happened around this time last year after doing similar work. The brakes on this truck have been a problem since I bought it.

    Thanks for the help and guesses everyone.
     
    ColoradoTJ likes this.
  23. Aug 13, 2022 at 7:57 PM
    #23
    work_truck

    work_truck [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2022
    Member:
    #72569
    Messages:
    14
    Vehicle:
    2013 RCLB 4x4 5.7 SR5
    Update: somebody, either the tow driver or mechanic, broke a wire to a wheel speed sensor, causing the 4x4 and ABS problems. I picked up the truck Thursday night

    Friday morning, after about 30 miles of driving, the truck died again, same as before. It got towed back to the mechanic. We'll see what happens next.
     
    ColoradoTJ likes this.
  24. Aug 13, 2022 at 10:10 PM
    #24
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

    Joined:
    Apr 27, 2016
    Member:
    #3246
    Messages:
    12,518
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    2012
    I was gonna say the abs sensor. quite common here to break while not being careful.
     
  25. Aug 15, 2022 at 6:55 AM
    #25
    Uncledan

    Uncledan New Member

    Joined:
    Sep 30, 2020
    Member:
    #52987
    Messages:
    25
    Gender:
    Male
    Interesting.. appreciate you keeping us updated. Times like this are a serious pain in the rear. Did the mechanic ever check the fuel pressure?
     
  26. Aug 15, 2022 at 6:57 AM
    #26
    work_truck

    work_truck [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2022
    Member:
    #72569
    Messages:
    14
    Vehicle:
    2013 RCLB 4x4 5.7 SR5
    Major update 1: I picked the truck up from the mechanic Thursday evening. Friday morning, after driving about 30 miles over two trips in mixed conditions, and about 5-10 minutes after starting off on another trip, the truck died again in the same manner and was towed back to the shop. I've done some more internet research suggesting everything from various sensors to the mass airflow/secondary air injection pump, weak battery, key/immobilizer issues, fuel pump/system, ECU wiring harness/rodents. Looks like it could be quite a difficulty diagnosis.

    Minor update 2: The 4x4/ABS issue turned out to be a damaged wire. The mechanic blamed it on the tow truck and the tow truck blamed it on the mechanic.

    Uncledan - I don't know whether fuel pressure has been checked but I will follow up with the mechanic.
     
  27. Aug 15, 2022 at 3:56 PM
    #27
    work_truck

    work_truck [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2022
    Member:
    #72569
    Messages:
    14
    Vehicle:
    2013 RCLB 4x4 5.7 SR5
    I just got the truck back again. This time they diagnosed and replaced the fuel pump control module. After doing some reading on the topic, I feel fairly confident this was it. But I'll feel a lot better if it is still running on Friday.
     
    Terndrerrr and Blang805 like this.
  28. Aug 16, 2022 at 5:10 AM
    #28
    MadMaxCanon

    MadMaxCanon New Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2021
    Member:
    #63566
    Messages:
    4,017
    Gender:
    Male
    SoCal
    Vehicle:
    '21 CM SR5 4x4 6 seater
    Too many, but not enough....
    What did that run you? Is it an easy replacement DIY?
     
  29. Aug 16, 2022 at 6:11 AM
    #29
    work_truck

    work_truck [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 2, 2022
    Member:
    #72569
    Messages:
    14
    Vehicle:
    2013 RCLB 4x4 5.7 SR5
    07DCLimited - Maybe keep the spare in the glove until you need it.

    MadMax - $450. I had a mechanic do the work but I bet it is very easy - probably just a couple of wire plugs and a couple of fasteners. The hard part was the diagnosis.
     
    Last edited: Aug 16, 2022
    MadMaxCanon likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top