4 cylinder 99 tacoma wont start in mornings or after work

So I have a 1999 taco and in the mornings it will just turn over act like it wants to start once, then just turn over. But once the engine is up to temp i can turn it off and start it up like it always use to. I have scanned it many times the first time it had a code for a bad tps and a random missfire. Since then it has only threw missfire codes witch I have narrowed down to in the morning and after work I have to push start it and that is the only time that the check engine light will come on. I have replaced plugs, wires, air filter and the tps. Has this happened with anyone els dose anyone have any ideas what it could be?

 

Do some general checks:
coolant in oil?
Coolant in exhaust? (excessive white smoke)
Fuel pressure when starting?


Try this: Clear all codes, have scanner handy and as soon as it DOES start and the CEL comes on, read the codes right that second. Let's start there.

 

No coolant in the oil. No smoke I can hear the fule pump kick on and off witch correct me if I am wrong if it kicks off after a few seconds it should be because there is enough fuel. And it was getting fuel to all 4 cylinder when I changed the plugs and wires on wendsday. Also I tried the scanner as soon as it starts it didn't throw any codes when it started I will have to try again though tomorrow some time when I tow start it since that is the only time that the check engine light comes on.

 

Did you throw in a new fuel filter? Clean the MAF sensor if you haven't yet, then run a can of

$25 BG 44K Fuel System Cleaner Power Enhancer 11oz.

BG 44K in a full tank of gas, and go from there.

 

I'm really dreading changing that fuel filter, but that is my plan for tonight I already ran fuel injection cleaner through my last tank.

 

Since it only happens when the engine is cold, it could be an engine temp sensor mal-functioning. Check the resistance and wiring.

 

I replaced the "cold start injection senser" is what the guy at autozone called it but it didn't change anything. I wasn't able to get the fuel filter in tonight it was raining all day, I will try tomorrow. A friend said maybe the crack position senser dose that make sense to anyone else?

 

I used this method and it was fairly painless.

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1s...fuel-filter-replacement-diy-6-easy-steps.html

 

What makes you think that the fuel filter might cause these symptoms? Just throwing parts at it?

bamatoy suggested fuel pressure might be the problem. Have you checked that? A faulty fuel pressure regulator might be the problem (easier and cheaper to replace).

 

There is no sensor related there. Whenever you key on the computer will run the fuel pump fora few seconds to "prime" the fuel system. It cuts off after a predetermined time period, not by sensing pressure or fuel. It will do this even if the tank is bone dry.

 

I have the fuel filter I'm just throwing things at it I picked it up when I bought the truck so I figured I have it I may as well try it. I really have no idea anymore on what it could be. How do I check the fuel pressure? Also y would it start just fine warm if it didn't have enough fuel pressure to start cold. I'm really thinking that it's some kind of senser or something. I'm open to all suggestions on what I should do I'm just trying to start cheap as possible is mostly y I'm doing the fuel filter.

 

Also before I forget I'd like to thank everyone for the help keep throwing things out there.

 

Fuel systems maintain fuel pressure after you shut them off for a certain period of time. HOWEVER if there is a problem with the check ball in the fuel pump, then after sitting for a long period of time, the fuel can drain back into the tank. This leaves a nice 7 or 8 foot of fuel line empty. Takes some time to fill up and pressurize 7 feet of fuel line.

 

I had a similar issue with my '90 4Runner. Would randomly not start when the engine was cold more than when it was warm or had been recently running.There was a faulty starter/ ignition relay. I bypassed all the relays between the ignition and starter and it worked without issue after.

 

That makes sense bill but I have sat there and kept turning the key back and forth for about twenty minutes to keep the fuel pump going and it still wouldn't start. And mike do you happen to know what relay it was? Or any guesses? Will save bypassing everything for a very last resort.

 

That sucks. The only way to know for sure would be to check fuel pressure. Sadly on the Tacoma it is a special tool, and a pain in the ass, but many times will rule out a HUGE possibility of many failed parts if you can verify proper pressure.

 

Is there a way to do it without the tool?

 

Not accurately, no.

 

All right well I changed the fuel filter just for something to do it didn't help the starting issue. What is the tool called for checking fuel pressure?

 

Simplest, start with your nose. If you're cranking and there's fuel but no fire, your tailpipe will stink like unburned fuel.

If your cat is loading up with unburned fuel, when it is running, it will stink like rotten eggs. This isn't a fool proof method of course, but usually a pretty good indicator.