Problems Starting Truck!

[BT-22]

Yesterday when I got out of work I started my truck and it wouldn't start. So I turned the ignition switch again and had to hold it for what seemed like 5 + seconds 'til it started. I've had this problem before but not that freaquently.

It has only happened about 3 or so times. Other than that the truck starts fine the first time. I figure it's no use trying to take it in. Duplicating the problem would be next to impossible.

Has this happened to anyone else? Any one have any idea what the problem could be?

[dennyb]

I have been having the same problem lately. It happens about once a month or so. (Maybe cheap fuel?)

[lelandstanford]

I have similar problem. If I don't crank for more than 1.5 second the first time the engine will not start (regardless of temperature). The second crank will require 3+ seconds to start. Normally it takes a 2 second crank to start. Is this a characteristic of Tundra or all Toyota (long crank before start)? All my Honda require only 0.5-1 second crank as long as the starter reach the maxium speed. All Ford Tritons need is 0.5 sec or barely turn over the engine.

[blktundr]

Well, from day 1, it seemed as if I had to hold the starter down for an unusual amount of time. Never for five seconds, though.

More like 2 seconds but it is consistent everytime. I asked the dealer about it when I bought the truck and they said it was because of the way the starter is designed. They also said that it is virtually impossible to flood the ignition because of this feature .

Steve

[SCtundra]

If memory serves me correctly, correct me if I am wrong....

I believe the general consensus was that the Tundra's computer does a series of checks prior to starting the engine and that it is normal for the car to turn over for a while before it cranks up.

I don't know if I buy that or not. My 2002 does it about once a month. Most of the time it cranks right up (possibly requires a little more time than most other cars). Just every once in a while it requires a second try at it.

Kind of annoying, but I am getting used to it.

[Shnick]

Same thing here. Doesn't matter what the temp. is. Every once in a while I'll get the old crank that just won't catch. Hold it for about 2.5 seconds and nothing, turn the key again and hold it for another 2 or 3 seconds then it may turn over. Like someone said earlier, happens about every three or four weeks. This is the first vehicle that I've owned that takes this long of a crank. No other problems so far though.

[BT-22]

Geeeeeezzzzzz!

I guess I started some trouble in here! LOL! LMAO! ROFLMAO!

Wheeeeewwww! I thought I was the only one that was experiencing this problem. As some of you have said I've noticed that it takes a longer crank to turn on. I've driven Fords, Chevys, GMs (in general), & even a corolla and never had this problem. Unless it was my old F150 and the starter was breaking down.

This is my first Toyo Truck. I don't mind the 2 sec long crank. But when i have to crank a second time and even longer!

That I just don't like! I'm paying good money for this truck, as I believe most of us are. The thing that gets me is that if it is a problem, I can't replicate it.

I'm gonna have to wait until it goes bust! Which I don't want.

Oh and dennyb, no cheap gas for me $1.30-$1.50/gal premium gas for this Toy! Maybe I should teach the truck a lesson and switch to regular 87 octane!

[lelandstanford]

Even Lexus LS400 the engine Tundra is based on takes only 1 second crank. Perhaps Toyota used the same starter to crank larger engine. I don't think Tundra's computer can be more sophisicated than Lexus LS-400 or LS-430. A longer crank will only drain down battery quicker.

[DJ]

I have a 2000 Tundra and a 2001 Sequoia. Both take a bit more cranking to start than any other vehicles I've ever driven.

The engine has lots of sensors and lots of software in computers to run it. It takes several revolutions to get everything self-tested, waked up, and synchronized. You'll confuse it if you "anticipate" when it's going to start and run and let off the key too early. Just hold it on start until it fires up. It ALWAYS works.

This is just one aspect of progress in engine design. With my first car, I had to change points and plugs EVERY 3,000 MILES. This engine can go perhaps 100,000 miles on one set of plugs and THERE ARE NO POINTS. There aren't even any high voltage plug wires. If I have to pay for that progress by cranking the engine a bit longer to start it, that's just dandy with me.

[BT-22]

If it's just that then no problem! I just don't want to hassle with too many starter problems and what not. I'll take 1-2 cranks but more than that seems like a problem waiting to make me mad!

[haymaker]

i find on my 01 that i must crank for a couple seconds prior to it starting. habit occaisionally has me letting off the ignition prior to the truck starting, as 26 years of starting other vehicles did not include this 1 or 2 second engine diagnostic interval. when i let off the ignition prior to the truck starting i usually wait 30 seconds or so before trying again, that seems to help.

[Ric17]

My Tundra does the same thing...

My Tacoma (99) also seemed to take few more cranks than other vehicles as well.

I really cannot remember if my older Toyota trucks (93 T100, 93 pickup, 90 pickup, 89 4Runner, 83 pickup) also had this "problem", but it never stuck out in my mind before I purchased my Tacoma in 99 and my Tundra last year.

It does always start, but there was an incident with my Tacoma where it once took like ten or fifteen seconds to start one time. I did take it to the dealer, and for some reason they look at you like you got four heads. As expected it worked fine (for some reason they never can find the same problems as me - ha) for them...