Slow Ignition Solution?

sport2004

sport2004

Member
I love the ignition system on my '04 Sport. Quick turn and quick start-up. However, recently I noticed the engine doesn't start quite as quick as it used to, and one time it didn't actually start first time and I had to turn the key again for it to do so. I know terrible, right? LOL

Anyway, is there anything I can or should do to tweak this? Is this a sign it needs some minor maintenance to get it to start right up like it used to? Currently sits at 144,000 miles, runs like a top, and the engine hasn't needed anything other than routine maintenance.

Any insight appreciated, thanks.
 
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If the engine cranks but doesn't start right away I think the computer makes adjustments to fuel and timing. I'm not well versed in that area but I believe that's what's happening. If it's persistent and the engine is running fine otherwise, then maybe take it in and let them run some diagnostics on it.

Do you notice any issues with performance or lower gas mileage?
 
ArthurKotb said:
Do you notice any issues with performance or lower gas mileage?
Click to expand...
Thank you. I was noticing some minor issues with these, but was running with a bad exhaust system and have since taken care of that, replaced nearly the entire configuration.

Minor thing, but I would like to follow up if there was room for improvement.
 
Test the battery, check the battery connections for corrosion. It also wouldn't hurt to verify that the air filter is relatively clean, and maybe clean the throttle body out (note- for best results, disconnect the battery for 5-10 minutes after cleaning, also after you clean the throttle body, it may stumble/not start the first time as it's going to need to relearn idle adjustment)

Those are the usually things I'd say to check on an older/higher mileage vehicle, after that you're starting to get into more technical diagnosis of the starter and such.
 
BlackWorksInc said:
Test the battery, check the battery connections for corrosion. It also wouldn't hurt to verify that the air filter is relatively clean, and maybe clean the throttle body out (note- for best results, disconnect the battery for 5-10 minutes after cleaning, also after you clean the throttle body, it may stumble/not start the first time as it's going to need to relearn idle adjustment)

Those are the usually things I'd say to check on an older/higher mileage vehicle, after that you're starting to get into more technical diagnosis of the starter and such.
Click to expand...

Thanks a bunch for this response. The battery is long overdue to be replaced (I've been meaning to do so for at least two years), but even in this cold Midwestern Winter climate, it just won't outright fail. But, I'll bet there is a strong possibility of diminished function. It's time, I'll report back on that.

Another thing I was wondering is what about the spark plugs? Who knows how old they are. Meanwhile, I am cycling through some Seafoam, will see what that does.
 
-battery
-corroded cables to/from battery
-starter contacts (copper tarnishes and the contacts wear)
-dirty intake due to lack of maintenance (ie egr valve)
-spark plugs
-coils

The list goes on and the truck treats you as well as you treat it. I have 526,000 miles on my 2008 V8 sport and it runs perfect but I also put in a bunch of preventative maintenance using OEM parts.
 
randy88fj62 said:
-battery
-corroded cables to/from battery
-starter contacts (copper tarnishes and the contacts wear)
-dirty intake due to lack of maintenance (ie egr valve)
-spark plugs
-coils

The list goes on and the truck treats you as well as you treat it. I have 526,000 miles on my 2008 V8 sport and it runs perfect but I also put in a bunch of preventative maintenance using OEM parts.
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Thanks much for the comment. Complete random thing, but the Runner won't start. Pretty sure it's the battery, but if something else I still need a new one anyway. Should be done in a few hours, Interstate 24F. I'll tell the installer to spruce up all related connections, etc. Will see how it goes.
 
Looks like the problem is resolved. Switched out the battery, didn't get the one I wanted. (Sad tale, I'll put it in my signature thread.)

Anyway the Runner starts up pretty good again. But, went for a spin and noticed the idle was too low. I researched it and learned how to re-set the idle after the battery replacement, very simple procedure and it worked like a charm. I panicked for a while there, because my head is still in the '70's...LOL

Here it is for anybody interested, very simple, and was amusing to hear the computer "thinking" while I waited for it to finish.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xm-UpLO9tk&feature=youtu.be
 
Seafoam isn't going to fix poor maintenance. Those plugs have a 30k mile change interval. May as well check the coil boots for damage from spark leakage, too.
 
Seymore Butts said:
Seafoam isn't going to fix poor maintenance. Those plugs have a 30k mile change interval. May as well check the coil boots for damage from spark leakage, too.
Click to expand...

how accurate is this statement? the original plugs went 100k before changing, the second also. at 30k with the third set.
 
BlackWorksInc said:
Test the battery, check the battery connections for corrosion. It also wouldn't hurt to verify that the air filter is relatively clean, and maybe clean the throttle body out (note- for best results, disconnect the battery for 5-10 minutes after cleaning, also after you clean the throttle body, it may stumble/not start the first time as it's going to need to relearn idle adjustment)

Those are the usually things I'd say to check on an older/higher mileage vehicle, after that you're starting to get into more technical diagnosis of the starter and such.
Click to expand...

hey, what do you mean by the throttle body out? i recently cleaned my throttle body on the air cleaner side. i did not disconnect the battery (you might recall i started a hesitation thread).
 
Manual states spark plug interval is 120,000 miles on page IG-2 for the V8. Then it recommends Denso Plug P/N SK20R11 or NGK P/N IFR6A11.

Gives a spark plug gap of .039-.043 inches.

The 30k statement in this thread is incorrect.
 
Well, in light of differing comments here, I cracked open the Haynes Repair Manual, not entirely clear, but it may depend on the type of spark plug.

Maintenance schedule verbatim quote:

"Every 30,000 miles or 24 months, whichever comes first

***

Replace spark plugs (non-platinum or iridium type)"
Click to expand...

Not sure, but this seems to mean copper every 30K, while the two others mentioned above can go longer. I've seen references on the internet (so it must be true), platinum go up to 60K miles, iridium up to 120K miles.

Any thoughts on this? Thanks.

P.S. Edit to say that Haynes does not differentiate on this between the V6 and V8.
 
Last edited:
I am quoting the Toyota Factory Service Manual for a 2003 4Runner. A haynes manual means nothing compared to what the Japanese published as official OEM document. They even tell you what spark plugs to use....
 

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