2000 3.4L long crank on cold start

[ultimatt]

I have a question as to wether a certain condition is a "problem" or just part of having a 4Runner.

On a completly cold start my Runner takes a good bit of cranking to start. Not so much that you would think there is some big problem, but long enough that is seems out of spec. I would say 3-5 seconds will crank it. However, when it is warm you only need to turn the key for a fraction of a second to get it started. Is this a normal condition?

A few noteworty items, the battery is less than six months old, new starter contacts in last 4 months, and it has never posted a code. Once started it runs great and gets 17-18 mpg with combined driving.

Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[jsmarine]

Its normal when its cold outside. Not sure where you live, but when I lived in Denver, when I had to get to work really early in the morning during winter it would crank a little longer to start, no big deal.

 

[ultimatt]

I guess..

I could have been more clear...the long crank condition exists only when the engine is cold, but outside temp has no effect on it. It has a long crank wether it is 0 or 100 outside...

 

[kball]

I don't know about 5 seconds but it definitely feels like it cranks several times before it fires and that is normal. From what I've heard these engines are designed to check several things before it fires up so cranking for a couple seconds is normal. How long since you did some maintenance like plugs and wires. Maybe clean the MAF. After I changed my plugs my truck starts a hair quicker now.

 

[sogoood]

Im going to say its the fuel filter. When was the last time you changed yours?

 

[holders]

or MAF sensor, clean it and see if it helps.

 

[GetOut]

Mine has always done this too. I have always wondered if it was normal or not. Clean MAF and new fuel filter.
Guess it's not just mine!