Starting question

I have a starting question. I have a 1997 Tacoma with a 3.4. Is it normal for it to crank for 5-8 (guessing) seconds before it fires, longer when it’s cold. I have only had this truck for 4 months so I’m not too familiar with its starting.
Comparing it to one of my other vehicles, 1999 Grand Am you can't let go of the key fast enough and it's started
I have good fuel pressure, though my spark is not right away when cranking, it comes just before it fires.
Is it possible that my cam or crank sensor is getting bad?
Any ideas would be great.

Thanks

 

My 02 does the same thing. I have driving lights hard-wired to the battery, when I crank they really dim. Haynes manual says if the battery is weak it can cause hard starting. Figure that's what's going on with mine, soon as I start getting paychecks in again I'm gonna replace it with something kick-a$$.

 

I just replaced the battery with a 675CCA no different. the original one was 550 CCA

 

what is (was) the current ambient temperature?

My old '91 toyota would take a little longer to start when it was cold, like the 5-8 seconds you are experiencing. When it was warmer, it would take 2-4 seconds.

I had one experience where I hadn't driven it in a month because I was moving from CO to NC and it was parked at about 6500 feet elevation. When I went to pick it up, it was -10 degrees and it took us about 5 minutes to get the thing to start.

 

temp doesn't seem to make a differnece. it has been warm and cold.

 

Change the battery out. Winter is starting rear its ugly head and I'd rather be safe than sorry. Although it's gonna be in the 90s by the end of the week here in SoCal.

 

I'm having a similar problem with my 97, except the problem gets better when it's cold. It's as if the choke is on all the time. In the summer it takes 3-5 seconds, or in the winter when its warm. However, go out in the morning on a cold day (I live in Toronto so that's like -15) and it starts better than a brand new 09. Can anyone help?

 

damn Chris...just with little things like this you've helped me understand what's going on...thanks!

 

i might say change out the battery but i'd listen to Chris


about the grand am american car makers always tend to over-engineer their starters

 

Hey Chris is their a fix for this Issiue or do I have to live with it?

Thanks

 

I have notice that it does take longer for it to start when it is colder out. But when its warm it pops right off. Would you u still change the oil sensor for cold starting problems?

Thanks

 

Chevron 5W40 synethic

 

I will check it tomorrow morning. Would you consider changing the oil sensor anyway?
And is there only one on it?

 

Why are you using 5w40 in the first place? It might be too thick for the climate you're in.

 

I've been using it for the past 3-4 years in multiply vehicles and have had no problems with starting issues. But if you think changing to a 5w30 would make a difference I'm willing to try it. Remember this tacoma is new to me and i just picked it up this past summer with 300,000 miles on it.