Unfortunately my first post is about a starting problem with my 95 4runner I purchased last night. It started and ran fine all evening. This morning when I got in, it would not start. It makes a noise like it wants to start, but it never turns over. It is a V6 automatic.

Any ideas?

Thanks,
Kevin

Check engine earth straps and battery connections. Ours did that and we simply cleaned up the battery terminals...

Bad battery maybe? Sometimes the battery will go dead without notice.

turn headlights on, if they are dimm then the battery is flats. if not check the auto is in park or nuetrol

My mechanic says that it is the timing belt. How about that for bad "timing". The morning after I bought it, and in my own driveway. It has 126,000 miles on it, and according to the paper work, the belt was last replaced at 75,000. Thanks for the ideas!

Hmmmm, I find that difficult to believe that it's your timing belt.

Can you be a bit more specific:

-does the engine actually turn over and over when you engage the key.
-is it simply that it won't "catch"....meaning start ?

Before you tackle a timing belt, you may want to confirm that you have spark. Remove a plug and with the wire attached lay it against the engine somewhere so it's in contact with metal. Have a buddy or g/f turn the engine over a couple seconds and observe if the plug actually sparks. Good opportunity to see the condition of the plugs.

You also may not be getting any fuel delivered (pump). But...this condition usually would be more slow and progressive....i.e. running on a hot day and it just dies. Then starts later when the fuel is cool again.

I guess it could be the timing belt, but your engine would have died.....not ran fine....then not start.