Intermittent Start Issues

J

johnsIslander

New member
My 97 3.4L is occasional slowly starting. Usually, my truck fires right up when I crank it up. However, it takes several tries before it will start. This doesn’t happen every time. As well, it idles high and sporadically sometimes too.

I have recently replaced the timing belt, spark plugs/wires, and cleaned the throttle body intake. My guess is one of these may be the culprit but I am not sure how to check.

:doh:
 
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johnsIslander said:
My 97 3.4L is occasional slowly starting. Usually, my truck fires right up when I crank it up. However, it takes several tries before it will start. This doesn’t happen every time. As well, it idles high and sporadically sometimes too.

I have recently replaced the timing belt, spark plugs/wires, and cleaned the throttle body intake. My guess is one of these may be the culprit but I am not sure how to check.

:doh:
Click to expand...

Is it making a clicking noise when attempting to start it?
 
If there is no check engine light on, then start with cleaning the throttle body and even the idle air controller.

Fuel filter ever been changed?
 
^^This if it just takes longer to fire up. High idle is normal during the first five minutes of running.


johnsIslander said:
My 97 3.4L is occasional slowly starting. Usually, my truck fires right up when I crank it up. However, it takes several tries before it will start. This doesn’t happen every time. As well, it idles high and sporadically sometimes too.

I have recently replaced the timing belt, spark plugs/wires, and cleaned the throttle body intake. My guess is one of these may be the culprit but I am not sure how to check.

:doh:
Click to expand...

Is it cranking with good power just taking longer to fire up or it doesn't turn over when you turn the key?
 
johnsIslander said:
Just on occasion is takes longer to fire up.
Click to expand...

If the fuel filter has never been changed, do that first. My money is on the IAC. Some have cleaned it with success, some have not. If you decide to clean it, try to remove it from the TB so the gunk doesn't resettle back inside the IAC or further into the TB. The screws can be a bear. I used one of those little ratcheting bit holders. There's a thin, little rubber seal right underneath so gently remove the IAC once the screws are out and watch that seal as it will stick to the IAC when you lift it off the TB. New IACs aftermarket are around $130. OEM are almost $300.
 
Last edited:
JRZEE2000TR4LTD said:
If the fuel filter has never been changed, do that first. My money is on the IAC. Some have cleaned it with success, some have not. If you decide to clean it, try to remove it from the TB so the gunk doesn't resettle back inside the IAC or further into the TB. The screws can be a bear. I used one of those little ratcheting bit holders. There's a thin, little rubber seal right underneath so gently remove the IAC once the screws are out and watch that seal as it will stick to the IAC when you lift it off the TB. New IACs aftermarket are around $130. OEM are almost $300.
Click to expand...

Copy, I just picked up a fuel filter and will start there. I will start learing about the IAC in the mean time.
 
The fuel filter is replaced. Why does Toyota claim this is a "lifetime part"? Note to Self: don't allow gas from filter to go up your nose on next fuel filter change.

The truck is cranking easier so far but I won't be able to tell for few day since the problem was intermittent. However, it idled rough initially and then went down to 800ish rpm idle.
 
johnsIslander said:
My 97 3.4L is occasional slowly starting. Usually, my truck fires right up when I crank it up. However, it takes several tries before it will start. This doesn’t happen every time. As well, it idles high and sporadically sometimes too.

I have recently replaced the timing belt, spark plugs/wires, and cleaned the throttle body intake. My guess is one of these may be the culprit but I am not sure how to check.

:doh:
Click to expand...

My 2000 Limited can be a little hard to start after it's warmed up...I've replaced plugs, PVC valve, and fuel filter, still does it.
edit; also cleaned the MAF, and throttle body, replaced air filter. Both filters were WIX brand.
 
Majindan said:
My 2000 Limited can be a little hard to start after it's warmed up...I've replaced plugs, PVC valve, and fuel filter, still does it.
edit; also cleaned the MAF, and throttle body, replaced air filter. Both filters were WIX brand.
Click to expand...

Does your 4runner idle sporadically too? Mine will jump up to over 2k then it will usually settle around 900.
 
Toyota usually has a long crank before it starts up. As in you have to have the key turned for like 2-3 seconds.... I think it's normal.
 
Well I had the exact same issue. Sometimes she would just click and nothing would happen and she wouldn't start up.

What I did was I actually unhooked the starter took the contacts out and sanded them down I also did the same thing with the wire contact also. They get pretty mucked up where they are. Then apply some dry grease to keep it clear. Should work no problem after that. (Don't forget to unhook your negative terminal).

Hope this helps.
JM
 
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