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Scion xA/xB 1st-Gen Drivetrain & Power Engine and transmission discussions...

No start after wash

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Old Mar 22, 2026 | 05:08 PM
  #1  
iTrytoMechanic's Avatar
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Default No start after wash

So I washed my wife's engine bay and after letting the car sit for a couple hours the first start was rough. It started but it was definately not running on all cylinders. It then completely died after a few minutes. Upon attempting to start again the crank was completely smooth so it seemed like it had no spark. It does not throw a code.

So far I have diagnosed the following and still run into the same issue except after the smooth crank it now cranks normally. I attempted to start with the crank sensor disconnected and it started but backfired after a few seconds(I have learned not to do this now). During this few seconds the car sounded normal.

Crank position sensor and cam sensor looks ok on multimeter and oscilloscope. Changed these both to make sure it was not a false reading. Electrical cleaner and air to the connectors.

Coil packs were mixed between some duralast and toyota genuine and resistance readings were inconsistent between them all. Changed all 4 to brand new toyota oem. Electrical cleaner and air to the connectors.

Used a test light to confirm spark while cranking on all cylinders. One spark per cycle it is what I see.

Confirmed mechanical timing did not jump by setting to TDC and removing valve cover.

Confirmed MAF working properly. Shows reading on a autel ap200. Disconnected and tried to start. Electrical cleaner and air duster.

Confirmed vvt clicks and resistance seems normal.

Bought another ecu from a junkyard same model. This vehicle does not have an immobilizer so any base ecu should work. Same exact symptoms.

Tested that injectors click when car gets put in on position and cranking. Multiple clicks.

Tested fuel pump by removing a hose at the tank and checking for pressure while cranking. Fuel pushes out of the fuel tank(i did not have a pressure tester)

Every connector i have found has been cleaned and dried.

Grounds appear to be ok, or at least any grounding between sensors and ecu i have test is ok.

There might be some steps im missing but this is what is coming to me off the top of my head. I have ben trying to diagnose on my days off for a month and any additional help or ideas is appreciated.

Thank you!

Old Mar 23, 2026 | 11:05 AM
  #2  
RichBinAZ's Avatar
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From: Mesa, AZ USA
Default

Do you have the stock inlet system? Just wondering if water could have got into the IAC valve.
Did you pull the plugs out to see if they are fuel wetted? - neat trick, use a deep well socket with extensions to fully loosen the plug, then put the igniter on the plug to remove and replace it.
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