My 2000 Lexus won't start this morning. My husband put Kroger gas in it last night and drove home and this morning he tried to start it and it would start to work and then right when you think it is starting up, nothing - it dies. Could it be a clogged fuel injector or something to do with the compression? We just bought it two months ago and hope it isn't a lemon. thanks for any advice you have, anne
There are lots of things that can cause the symptoms you are describing. What was the air temperature when the problem occurred? Does the engine turn over normally or does it turn over more quickly than normal? If the engine turns over more quickly than normal, then the timing belt may have broken (which kind of has something to do with compression).
How old is the battery in the car? How many miles on the car?
An engine needs 3 things to run, at the appropriate times and amounts: air, fuel, and a source of ignition.
A fuel pressure regulator that is bleeding down can cause longer cranking times but it won't keep the car from running. One clogged fuel injector will not prevent the car from starting.
Check for air, fuel, and spark
You didn't say what model Lexus you have or with how many miles, but it could also be the idle speed control valve sticking.
************ Good point, although a sticking idle air control valve will often also cause poor idling even after the car is started.I didn't list other possible causes in my original response because I wanted to know the mileage and maintenance history first, but here are some other possible causes in addition to the sticking idle air control valve; dirty or clogged MAF sensor, dirty or clogged air filter, disconnected wiring, problem with the coolant temperature sensor for the ECU and associated wiring; worn spark plugs; problem with the ignition system, problem with the fuel delivery system, vacuum leak, leak in the intake snorkel between the air filter and throttle body; restriction in the exhaust.
More information from the OP would make diagnosis a little easier.
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