Cold start issues

[Foques]

Folks, I have a '15 TE and she's been less than willing to start during the cold days.
Today was the third time when temperatures are hovering around 5 degrees, and it flat out refuses to start via remote start.
Typically starts for a second or two, then dies.
However, when I get in, and just keep cranking the engine, it, eventually, starts and runs fine (naturally a bit rough until warmed up).
Anyone experienced this?

 

[Lester Lugnut]

Under warranty. Time to let the dealer figure it out.

 

[BowJanked]

Higher quality fuels works for my 2015 TEP in -36c

 

[off-road runner]

Got to be a problem there, I've never had issues starting any of my 4runners in the cold. Sometimes down to -20°F.

 

[invisible4Runner]

I'd take it in. That's not normal, and I'd worry about eventually being stranded if it got worse.

 

[Foques]

I'm running an intake, so trying to avoid having to go to the dealer.
My 11' sr5 did have a similar starting hiccups, but not as often. If it continues this week, I'll take her in

 

[Foques]

Another thing is I can't reproduce it at will.
Once started, if I shut her off, engine starts fine

 

[Lester Lugnut]

I'm running an intake, so trying to avoid having to go to the dealer.

So you have modified the engine...different intake

 

[Foques]

Yes, it's an afe cold air

 

[rigtec]

Yes, it's an afe cold air

Hi Foques,

The first thing that I would check would be to see if there's any water in the fuel; the symptoms are just as you've described. As you know, water and petroleum don't mix and so the water goes to the bottom of the tank and often displaces the gasoline in the lines, then freezes!

You can try adding 'Dry-gas' to the tank and see how the truck responds. Dry gas is a type of alcohol; which mixes with water, and it mixes with gasoline, and so becomes a catalyst (buffer), allowing the contaminated mix to burn... it'll also prevent the water/gas mix from freezing above 0 Deg F.

Rgds

 

[LandCruiser]

Mine used to live outdoors (I have a proper garage now) and I've started it after it was sitting for a week at negative double digits.

Not normal.

 

[vjack]

Are you using the right oil weight? Synthetic oil?

 

[20DYNAMITE07]

Another thing is I can't reproduce it at will.
Once started, if I shut her off, engine starts fine

Film it with your phone, and show the tech.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Is it an aftermarket or OEM remote starter? I would monitor battery voltage while starting as well. Also remove that cold air intake and re-install the OEM one to see if that helps.

 

[Dogtown]

Hi Foques,

The first thing that I would check would be to see if there's any water in the fuel; the symptoms are just as you've described. As you know, water and petroleum don't mix and so the water goes to the bottom of the tank and often displaces the gasoline in the lines, then freezes!

You can try adding 'Dry-gas' to the tank and see how the truck responds. Dry gas is a type of alcohol; which mixes with water, and it mixes with gasoline, and so becomes a catalyst (buffer), allowing the contaminated mix to burn... it'll also prevent the water/gas mix from freezing above 0 Deg F.

Rgds

This ^. I too would suspect water in the fuel. Do you usually fill up from the same gas station? Also, do you normally have the high idle that 4runners are famous for? Around 1200 on start up? I think if it were an issue with an intake the MAF would effect the idle.

 

[Foques]

So, in -5 weather beastie started just fine this morn.

I do wonder if it has to do with the battery.

Out of curiosity, can you guys do a quick test.. when idling, if you turn the fan on (no AC), do your RPMS go up?
I just noticed that today, but I don't think that runner did that after a short drive.

The gas is not an issue; same gas station every time.

It is an aftermarket remote start, so this makes things more complicated when dealing with dealer, also.

 

[LandCruiser]

So, in -5 weather beastie started just fine this morn.

I do wonder if it has to do with the battery.

Out of curiosity, can you guys do a quick test.. when idling, if you turn the fan on (no AC), do your RPMS go up?
I just noticed that today, but I don't think that runner did that after a short drive.

The gas is not an issue; same gas station every time.

It is an aftermarket remote start, so this makes things more complicated when dealing with dealer, also.

RPM only goes up when AC comes on.

If the HVAC is set to blow on the windshield, the AC is on, regardless if the light is on, tho.

 

[Foques]

Yah, mine is set to blow air into legs, and rpms still go up.

 

[skikab]

I'm having the same issue with my 2016 LE but at around 25 degrees. It's happened a few times when I have remote started. It will start, run for a few seconds then stall. The remote start then tries to restart and it just turns over. The last time it happened I got in and tried to start it and couldn't get it to start for about 10 minutes. I am guessing the dealer will blame it in the aftermarket remote start but that doesn't explain why I can't get it to start after it happens. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

 

[amdew2]

Cold Start...

Hey there.. I agree with the crew here.... I live near you and probably bought mine at the same place you did... mine is starting fine and strong in this cold weather, but I get a squeal, which im assuming is the belts in the cold weather... take it to the dealer and let them sort it out...