SR5_4Runner
Junior Member
Hi all. First post. I’ve done some searching but nothing seems to exactly match the issue so hopefully someone has seen this before and can offer advice.
First, background info:
1999 SR5 with 4WD and automatic transmission (207k miles). Mostly stock with aftermarket stereo head unit, Webasto sunroof and exterior light bar (added in early 2000s). Only other issue is minor; Toyota remote fob operates the locks but I’ve been unable to successfully program a second fob.
Vehicle runs and drives great and most of the time there are no starting issues. However, when the weather gets ‘cold’ (sub 40 F) it can become difficult to start.
Symptoms are I turn the key to start and all the usual warning lights illuminate on the instrument cluster, but the engine does not crank. Keep holding the key on start for many seconds and eventually the starter spins and the engine immediately fires up just fine. After that if I turn off the engine and restart the engine usually starts up fine.
If the car sits for a few days in cold weather this starting problem repeats. Local indy shop (specializing in Toyota) has looked at it and so far is unable to pin down the issue. But since it was cheapish to do we replaced the starter circuit relay last fall but based on ongoing issue that gamble didn’t payoff.
Battery is newish (under two years), high capacity, and tests fine. When this issue happens everything else electrical is working fine without engine running.
Most of the time the CEL is off. But a couple of times CEL has illuminated after this starting issue occurred. Codes were for cam/crank position sensor, but shop has thoroughly tested and these seem ok. Plus after a drive cycle the CEL goes out and stays off even after multiple reoccurrences of this cold start problem.
And the icing on the cake is that even in cold weather this starting issue is not happening all the time. Sometimes it starts several mornings in a row, and then one morning it just decides to act up. Cold weather seems to be the only common factor as no starting issues rest of year.
So... has anyone encountered this problem before and if so how was it resolved?
Thanks!
First, background info:
1999 SR5 with 4WD and automatic transmission (207k miles). Mostly stock with aftermarket stereo head unit, Webasto sunroof and exterior light bar (added in early 2000s). Only other issue is minor; Toyota remote fob operates the locks but I’ve been unable to successfully program a second fob.
Vehicle runs and drives great and most of the time there are no starting issues. However, when the weather gets ‘cold’ (sub 40 F) it can become difficult to start.
Symptoms are I turn the key to start and all the usual warning lights illuminate on the instrument cluster, but the engine does not crank. Keep holding the key on start for many seconds and eventually the starter spins and the engine immediately fires up just fine. After that if I turn off the engine and restart the engine usually starts up fine.
If the car sits for a few days in cold weather this starting problem repeats. Local indy shop (specializing in Toyota) has looked at it and so far is unable to pin down the issue. But since it was cheapish to do we replaced the starter circuit relay last fall but based on ongoing issue that gamble didn’t payoff.
Battery is newish (under two years), high capacity, and tests fine. When this issue happens everything else electrical is working fine without engine running.
Most of the time the CEL is off. But a couple of times CEL has illuminated after this starting issue occurred. Codes were for cam/crank position sensor, but shop has thoroughly tested and these seem ok. Plus after a drive cycle the CEL goes out and stays off even after multiple reoccurrences of this cold start problem.
And the icing on the cake is that even in cold weather this starting issue is not happening all the time. Sometimes it starts several mornings in a row, and then one morning it just decides to act up. Cold weather seems to be the only common factor as no starting issues rest of year.
So... has anyone encountered this problem before and if so how was it resolved?
Thanks!
