Avensis Verso MPV 2003 D4D Diesel - Starts but not firing help needed to salvage much loved family car

June 19, 2021

Hi All

Is there a Toyota trained mobile mechanic available around the Hounslow, West London area with reasonable charges?

We’ve owned this car for 11 years and engine has done 203k miles. Basic Services carried out regularly.

A few months after an oil filter change, the problem started with Intermittent faults displaying on dash board. These were seen to by the local garage (I have been using for servicing the car), and faults , one of which fuel pump, got cleared. Over a few months the dashboard lights came on and after stopping and re-starting car, the dashboard indicators stayed off. On the occasions I took the car to local garage for testing no dashboard lights were on. They advised that I take it to Toyota specialist for full diagnostics, but with the fault clearing up after re-starting the engine I thought I didn’t need to do this, as all working ok (and put off by the exorbitant rates they charge).

Finally in early June 21, after around a 180 mile trip back from Somerset back home to west London, the following day the engine refused to run. Engine would turn but not fire/run. I had it recovered to a Toyota service centre with the possibility they could trace the fault. After investigations -told around 4 hrs, but not too sure if I believe that- concluded that as they can’t get the engine running couldn’t fully diagnose the fault/s .

Their advice suggested, I change the fuel filter first complete with a new switch float below and cap assembly above the fuel filter, and presented a quote of £450 to do this work, parts and labour included. Also there was no guarantee that this would cure the problem , as it was then likely to be a fuel pump issue or ‘rail line injectors’ which would require more investigations and chargeable. Obviously not wanting to spend so much on one component I agreed for garage to charge for 1hrs investigative work even though problem was not conclusive, and arranged for car to be recovered back home. On following advice of local garage I have personally exchanged the fuel filter only, tried to restart (via jump leads to another car) but engine still behaving the same , turning but not firing (or the starter motor engaging the engine and turning it).

As said car has done everything asked of - 3kids uni trips over the years, various camping trips and other long trips, and would hate to give up on it and prepared to spend a little more to get it going.

Any guidance , pointers or any fixes are gratefully invited, or even any advice. Head says stop spending money on old polluting car but heart trying to salvage from scrap heap as it’s got a lot more to give.

I’m confident-ish to try attempt the repair myself but I need help diagnosing the exact issue. Also I don’t want to take on anything too complex as I may be out of my depth.

Has any other owner experienced the same issues? Please help.