Cold start "hesitation"

[JEL]

Lately I have been having a slight hesitation upon cold starting. What I mean by that is, when I turn the key it fires slowly on a cold start just for a second, then it's fine. I'm not sure if it's battery related (still the original from 06), but I'm pretty sure it's not the infamous head gasket for a couple of reasons: one the redesign is in my truck, and there are no other symptoms (CEL, rough running, old/coolant mixing, low coolant, etc). I haven't had a low battery act this way before, but I suppose it's entirely possible. I can try and get a vid if that helps, but I'm wondering if anyone else has had this issue? I didn't have a lot of luck searching, I just came across endless head gasket threads. I sure hope that this isn't the beginning of that in my truck...

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Have the battery tested, the Panasonics tend to last a long time but they do go dead. Do you mean the vehicle cranks slowly or doesn't seem to fire off the cylinders, I am maybe mis-interpreting that statement.

Colder weather months tend to show a lot of battery issues, even in Southern California, depending on where you live. When I lived in Fallbrook it could dip to freezing during the nights or at the very least in the low 40's which will make a borderline battery start being sluggish.

 

[hearno]

Ever notice your rear windshield wiper make a swipe as you start the truck?

 

[JEL]

Thanks for the replies. No swipe when I start the truck, is that a symptom of a weak battery or electrical gremlin?

What I mean by hesitation is it cranks alright, perhaps a little slow, but it fires "off" if that makes sense. I should probably try and get a video so it'll be more apparent, but basically it cranks, fires, "coughs" or bogs for less than half a second and away it goes like nothing happened. My parent's 4.7 Tundra did that a while back, my dad was telling me a couple rounds of Techron over two or three tank fulls took care of it, so I may just replace the battery (which I know is old anyway) and try the techron. The truck has relatively new OEM plugs (10k) and has been fastidiously maintained other than never once having fuel system cleaner.

 

[Travtaz997]

Thanks for the replies. No swipe when I start the truck, is that a symptom of a weak battery or electrical gremlin?

What I mean by hesitation is it cranks alright, perhaps a little slow, but it fires "off" if that makes sense. I should probably try and get a video so it'll be more apparent, but basically it cranks, fires, "coughs" or bogs for less than half a second and away it goes like nothing happened. My parent's 4.7 Tundra did that a while back, my dad was telling me a couple rounds of Techron over two or three tank fulls took care of it, so I may just replace the battery (which I know is old anyway) and try the techron. The truck has relatively new OEM plugs (10k) and has been fastidiously maintained other than never once having fuel system cleaner.

I know exactly what you mean. My T4R does the same exact thing on cold starts. I also have the original battery and should probably replace it .... If you end up replacing yours before me, or you do something else - let me know if it works!

 

[simple]

I was in the snow recently snowboarding and there were a couple times where it seemed like she didn't want to start, and even back here I'm now noticing she's got a few extra cranks. The head gasket comment concerned me, since I feel like I just replaced my battery. But as it turns out, it's probably been 4-5yrs (where the hell did the time go?!). So I'm guessing that may be the culprit.