Extended Cranking Time '01 3.4L

[Cheenist]

I have an '01 SR5 4Runner (3.4L, automatic tranny) that cranks longer than I think it should before firing regardless of ambient temp. It's been acting the same since I bought it last year with 75K miles, so I'm not sure how it acted when new.

It cranks over just fine with plenty of speed/power, but it just doesn't start very quickly. It always starts, and it runs great once started--no hiccups or stumbles. It idles smoothly--uses no oil between changes.

Leaving the key on for several seconds attempting to prime the fuel system doesn't have an effect on cranking time.

Notable maintenance I've performed recently:

1. New battery
2. New fuel filter
3. Several tanks of fuel injector cleaner including BG44K
4. Seafoam sucked in through a vacuum line
5. Cleaned MAF sensor--twice with proper cleaner
6. New air filter
7. Cleaned throttle body
8. New spark plugs--correct dual-ground style OEM
9. New NGK plug wires
10. New timing belt/water pump/drive belts

It hasn't thrown a CEL or any codes that I can pull up. I've tried different grades of fuel from different stations--no difference.

If somebody else drives it for some reason, they never get it started on the first attempt because they let off the key before it fires.

Any thoughts?

 

[SilentYoda3]

how long is "longer than you think it should take"?

 

[BlackCat914]

welcome to owning a 3rd gen.

 

[Cheenist]

I'd say it always takes at least 3-4 seconds of cranking before it fires if left sitting overnight. If it was up to operating temp and just shut off for a couple minutes, then it usually starts much quicker--about 1-2 seconds of cranking before firing.

I know 3-4 seconds doesn't sound like that long, but it's very noticeable. When people ride with me, they ask why it cranks for so long before firing.

I've owned and driven a lot of vehicles, and I've never had one take this long to fire when there wasn't some sort of mechanical/electrical problem.

I'm thinking it's fuel pump related, but I'm not sure.

 

[Cheenist]

welcome to owning a 3rd gen.

Well, that's what the two Toyota mechanics who have looked at it said. They claim all the 3.4's in 4Runners take more cranking time.

 

[SilentYoda3]

I'd say it always takes at least 3-4 seconds of cranking before it fires if left sitting overnight. If it was up to operating temp and just shut off for a couple minutes, then it usually starts much quicker--about 1-2 seconds of cranking before firing.

My truck takes about that time to turn over. Never really thought it was long. Long to me is like 10+ seconds, that means you have a problem. 3-4 seconds doesn't bug me.

This could be totally wrong but here's a thought I have for why it takes you awhile. If there is a fuel pressure release then the 3-4 seconds is that time to build up fuel pressure to start the motor. Not a big deal if that's what it is. But that's just my guess, i don't know.

if it starts taking 5+ seconds to crank over then there's a problem somewhere.

 

[BlackCat914]

Well, that's what the two Toyota mechanics who have looked at it said. They claim all the 3.4's in 4Runners take more cranking time.

ya, it's been discussed quite frequently here. Some take longer than others, mine takes 2-3 seconds before it starts.

 

[curtperry]

Many vehicles "prime" the fuel system by running the pump for a few seconds when the key is turned to ON. Not so on our 4runners. The pump only starts running when when the key is turned to START.

This is something that bothered me when I first bought mine but I've gotten used to it. If you start noticing it taking longer, especially on warm starts, then the fuel pump is wearing out and will eventually need to be replaced.

If you think about it this is a good thing... the engine gets a couple more seconds to start generating oil pressure before the it fires. That reduces engine wear and may be one reason why they last so long. I'd rather replace my starter more frequently and have my engine last longer personally.

 

[Brian757]

I performed my timing belt job and all of my belts/tensioners, water pump, tstat, and noticed a huge different in cranking time. I probably dropped a second off the crank time. On cold starts, I am maybe @ 1.5-2 seconds. On a warm start, I'm maybe 1.0-1.5 second start.

 

[LittleCaesar]

90% that it is the fuel pump. Fellow member Gerdo had doubts, but he will confirm that he was experiencing the same problems until he replaced it.

You may want to have a fuel pressure performed beforehand though, just to make sure.

 

[nissanh]

I noticed an improvement when I changed the AFR sensor. Now it takes about a second.

Have you used OEM filters (air and fuel)?

The fuel pump should run when the key is in ON position.

 

[Cheenist]

I used new Wix filters for the both the fuel and air. I highly doubt using Wix filters is causing any problems. Besides that, replacing these items hasn't changed the cranking time at all.

 

[Cheenist]

90% that it is the fuel pump. Fellow member Gerdo had doubts, but he will confirm that he was experiencing the same problems until he replaced it.

You may want to have a fuel pressure performed beforehand though, just to make sure.

I've read through that thread about Gerdo's situation, and it seemed to me like his issues were hot-start related. Mine starts quicker on a hot restart. I'm hesitant to throw more parts/money at it without really diagnosing the problem.

Mine gets driven nearly every day, but recently it sat for three days in a row without being started. It seemed to take even more cranking after sitting for three days, so that makes me think the fuel pressure is bleeding off.

 

[LittleCaesar]

I've read through that thread about Gerdo's situation, and it seemed to me like his issues were hot-start related. Mine starts quicker on a hot restart. I'm hesitant to throw more parts/money at it without really diagnosing the problem.

Mine gets driven nearly every day, but recently it sat for three days in a row without being started. It seemed to take even more cranking after sitting for three days, so that makes me think the fuel pressure is bleeding off.

Hence the reason for the fuel pressure test. You may want to pull the vacuum line off the regulator to see if gas comes out or if you can smell it.

I agree, don't throw parts at something you don't know the answer to, even with deep pockets.

Check all the ground connections, especially the one under the Diagnostic box along with battery connections.

 

[Cheenist]

I noticed an improvement when I changed the AFR sensor. Now it takes about a second.

Have you used OEM filters (air and fuel)?

The fuel pump should run when the key is in ON position.

I assume you're referring to the first O2 sensor? Were you getting any codes or a CEL with the old sensor?

 

[Kanger328]

Same issue here. Bothered me for a bit, but my truck starts reliably every time...so decided to just forget about it. After all, it's 17 yrs old. 12 yrs in your case. Can't expect it to be like new.

 

[ledger35]

Glad to see others are experiencing the same. I have a 2000 3.4 LTD 4WD and turn over seems somewhat delayed and that concerned me as well. Usually Toyota's turn over twice and start up but sometimes it seems to crank about three to four times before crank up. I was really hoping that the fuel pump wasn't the issue because I really don't feel like going there yet.

 

[TheDurk]

Wow, I have had my Runner for almost 14 years and it is still the fastest engine to start I have ever owned. Less than a second in normal weather, and not much more when it's cold. I think 5speeds crank faster, just a guess (easier to spin a flywheel than a cold torque converter).

 

[madbomber08]

Nope, not for me. My family has two 4th gen camry's and they start way quicker than my manual 4runner. Both automatics btw. Honestly I've gotten used to it.

 

[quicksilvr]

It's the fuel pump. There's a drain-back valve that gets loose/floppy with age, so pressure won't stay built in the line. Replace the fuel pump with a new one, and your long-cranking with go away. Documented several times.