trouble starting

[sirhc1179]

I have a 2000 4Runner LTD and it has a hard time starting.

when i start the car, most of the time i have to press/hold on the gas peddle for about a minute or 2, keeping it at 2000 rpm so it won't shut down on me. when i do not do this most of the time idle won't stay up and would just go all the way down and the car would shut down.

i already replaced my fuel pump and fuel filter. battery is only 2 months old.

please help me diagnose this problem.

 

[004Gunner]

Check your MAF sensor. If it has never been cleaned I would recommend trying that first. Do you get a check engine light?

 

[Stick Figure]

does it do it all the time? or just after it sits for a while?

If it only does it after sitting for a while i would check the coolant temp sensor. if this isn't working right, the ecu won't know that the engine is cold and won't change the timing, fuel, and idle to make it run right. You can either check this w/ a scan tool, and watch the engine temp. (a real scan tool, NOT a code reader) or you can check it w/ a multimeter and a factory service manual to see what resistance is.

 

[sirhc1179]

I will most definitely check that and I do hope it works out. It is quite a hassle and stressful know there is a problem with the vehicle and not knowing what it is. I do not want to take it to the dealer cause it will cost so much money. So, I will take that advice and let you guys know what happens.

Thank You

 

[sirhc1179]

if the coolant temperature sensor is not working properly would it show a code???

it started fine this morning, but when it was time to go home it had a really hard time starting again. it seems it has a hard time starting when it's warm which is really weird.

i show no engine light.

 

[Matt Starr]

I had this same problem, not even a month ago. It is the MAF sensor. Cause when its warmer, the sensor tells the ecu that the air temp is cooler than it actually is and thus not sending enough fuel to let the motor idle. So after you start it and give it a little gas, does it usually only take about 30 seconds till the engine start idling ok? Cause if so than Im 99.99% sure its your MAF sensor. I cleaned mine with throttle body cleaner but I was told there's a better way to clean it but I dont remember. If you havent already, clean your throttle body too while you're at it.