Start problem, please help.

[Smhx4]

2003 V6, 118k miles 4x2

About 6 time the last two weeks it has taken about 3-5 seconds of cranking before the truck starts.

Recent work;

New filters
battery
Spark plugs
Fuel system cleaned.


Starter tested fine
Battery cables and connectors fine
Fuel system has good pressure

No engine lights are on.

Mechanic thinks it may be the camshaft or crankshaft sensors? Doesn't want me to replace them until it gets worse, lights come on and it gives codes.

Just bought the truck two weeks ago, love it and want to drive it everywhere but the starting thing is pissing me off.

Any thoughts?

 

[cabowally]

Thanks for tossing the first post. It was nearly impossible to read with the oversized picture and difficult to understand.

If the truck starts, runs fine and isn't not producing any DTC's then what's the problem?

There is no manufacturer specification on crank-to-start time.



.

 

[Smhx4]

Doesn't seem right if most of the time it starts right up. Then others it can crank for 3-5 seconds. Big difference. It's long enough to wonder if it will even start.

 

[Smhx4]

I'm sorry about that first thread, I guess I made a bad first impression.



3-5 seconds doesn't sound long, but count out next time you start your T4R, feels like forever.

It has a remote start which I never use, could that go bad and cause problems?

 

[chaz]

not that it helps but heres a thread on same symptoms only in cold weather http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...conds-before-starting-cold-weather-ideas.html maybe theres a few more.

 

[alex56]

When it gets into the colder months (25degrees) where I am right now, I notice my rig takes a bit longer to crank over and I even have the optima yellow top.

Plus I swear I've read somewhere that toyota's are known for more "cranks" initially to ensure all the fluids are circulating properly on start up

Nothing is wrong with your rig

 

[Smhx4]

not that it helps but heres a thread on same symptoms only in cold weather http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...conds-before-starting-cold-weather-ideas.html maybe theres a few more.

My problem is identical to this. Thanks for the link.

I was telling my brother about my problem and he said it was the fuel pump. Firestone said it had good pressure though.

I may just replace the fuel pump and see what happens. It did two slow starts today. One so long I just gave up and turned it off. Then it started right up.

Anyone know of a excellent mechanic in the San Antonio area?

 

[Smhx4]

The problem is definitely the remote starter. Contacted the previous owner and he stated they used the remote to start the truck 99% of the time.

Starts up perfectly every time I use the remote. Using the key I get the long crank about a third of the time.

It's an audiovox system they had installed shortly after purchase.



Not sure of a fix for this, the remote start is convenient but there are many times I'd like to use the key. It feels like the long crank could stress the engine so I just use the remote as much as possible.


Take it to a place that installs these systems or go to the dealer? What would ya'll do?