Starting question

Major Dad · 11-12-2008, 07:17 AM

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

HerNameIsLucy · 11-12-2008, 07:21 AM

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$$.

Major Dad · 11-12-2008, 07:34 AM

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

apexbill · 11-12-2008, 07:42 AM

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.

Major Dad · 11-12-2008, 08:07 AM

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

humanoid · 11-12-2008, 09:09 AM

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.

URBAN ASSAULT VEHICLE · 11-30-2008, 09:11 PM

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?

chris4x4 · 12-01-2008, 04:43 PM

The ECU wont send a spark signal until the oil psi. is up to a set point. Many first gen Tacomas have this "issue".

HerNameIsLucy · 12-01-2008, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris4x4

The ECU wont send a spark signal until the oil psi. is up to a set point. Many first gen Tacomas have this "issue".

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

TacoNut · 12-01-2008, 08:07 PM

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

Major Dad · 12-03-2008, 04:38 AM

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

Thanks

chris4x4 · 12-03-2008, 04:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Major Dad

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

Thanks

You could could change out you oil psi sneding unit. Drop the oil pan and make sure the pick up is clear, but I think thats about it. Maybe run an engine flush. Its a normal condition for the 3.4. I was thinking about it yesterday, and if, indeed, its takeing 8 sec. to crank, that IS a little on the long side.

Major Dad · 12-03-2008, 04:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chris4x4

You could could change out you oil psi sneding unit. Drop the oil pan and make sure the pick up is clear, but I think thats about it. Maybe run an engine flush. Its a normal condition for the 3.4. I was thinking about it yesterday, and if, indeed, its takeing 8 sec. to crank, that IS a little on the long side.

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

chris4x4 · 12-03-2008, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Major Dad

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

What kind of oil are you useing?

Major Dad · 12-03-2008, 04:57 AM

Chevron 5W40 synethic

chris4x4 · 12-03-2008, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Major Dad

Chevron 5W40 synethic

Can you time it with a stop watch and let me know exatly how long it is takeing? Maybe switching to a 5w-30 will be a good idea.

Major Dad · 12-03-2008, 05:36 AM

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

humanoid · 12-03-2008, 08:11 AM

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

Major Dad · 12-03-2008, 12:45 PM

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.

chris4x4 · 12-03-2008, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Major Dad

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.

Im still looking into this. I dont know of anyone who has run 5w-40 in their Tacoma. Manual calls for a 5w-30 in your climate. Have you timed how long it cranks yet?

11-12-2008, 07:17 AM	#1
Major Dad Junior Member Joined: Jun 2008, #7240 Location: Minnesota Posts: 24 1997 Tacoma SR5 1997 Access Cab Automatic	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

11-12-2008, 07:21 AM	#2
HerNameIsLucy If God wanted Hondas to fart... Joined: Jul 2008, #8256 Location: Slowcala, Floriduh Age: 49 Gender: Male Posts: 1,601 02 Prerunner V6 SR5 extended cab 2002 Xtra Cab Automatic 3.4 lotsa little stuff	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$$. __________________ 2009. Ok, now what?

11-12-2008, 07:42 AM	#4
apexbill Senior Member Joined: Apr 2008, #5992 Location: Apex, NC Age: 45 Posts: 116 White 08 DC V6 SR5 4WD TRD Sport 2008 Double Cab Manual 4.0 V6 Factory DRL's, Underhood Flood LED's, Underbody Multi-color LEDS, Red Line Tuning Elite Hood Struts, Anytime Fog Lights, PIAA 4100 Intense White, Luminics JDM Yellow H10 Fog Lights, OBX Sport Pedals, Sill Protectors, Bed Net, Front Bed Tie Downs, iPod and Aux Factory HU Interface, Sirius Sportster 5, Satellite Antenna through third brake light	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. __________________ __________________________________________________ My Mods Factory DRL's, Anytime Fog Lights, Illuminated 4WD switch, Under Hood LED Flood Lights, Red Line Tuning Elite Hood Struts, PIAA 4100K H4's, Luminics JDM Yellow H10's, AFE Dry Pro S Drop In, Sirius Sportster 5 w/antenna through third brake light and Aux plug in factory HU, iPod Interface, Multi-color Underbody lighting, A/C off w/Window Climate Mix, Seat Belt Chime OFF, Sill Protectors, Bed Net, Front Bed Tie Downs, OBX Sport Pedals

11-12-2008, 09:09 AM	#6
humanoid Mom says I'm special! Joined: Jun 2007, #1932 Location: Sunny SoCal Age: 40 Gender: Dude Posts: 1,356 I had a '99 Xtra Cab PreRunner SR5 V6 Automatic	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. __________________

12-01-2008, 04:43 PM	#8
chris4x4 Western Aliance: Fix it Division Joined: May 2008, #6497 Location: Tempe ,Az Posts: 5,959 2007 PreRunner 2007 Double Cab Automatic 1GR-FE (4.0 V6) OME 885's, OME shocks, Total Chaos UCA's, TSB springs with AAL, 5100 rear shocks, custom built fuel tank skid plate	The ECU wont send a spark signal until the oil psi. is up to a set point. Many first gen Tacomas have this "issue". __________________ The simplest solutions are often the most clever..............they are also usually wrong.

11-12-2008, 07:34 AM	#3
Major Dad Junior Member Joined: Jun 2008, #7240 Location: Minnesota Posts: 24 1997 Tacoma SR5 1997 Access Cab Automatic	I just replaced the battery with a 675CCA no different. the original one was 550 CCA

11-12-2008, 08:07 AM	#5
Major Dad Junior Member Joined: Jun 2008, #7240 Location: Minnesota Posts: 24 1997 Tacoma SR5 1997 Access Cab Automatic	temp doesn't seem to make a differnece. it has been warm and cold.

11-30-2008, 09:11 PM	#7
URBAN ASSAULT VEHICLE Junior Member Joined: Nov 2008, #11180 Location: Toronto Canada Gender: Male Posts: 2 97 TACO 1997 Access Cab Manual Fiberglass Bed, 4-runner hood and fenders, 3-inch lift, 33's, brakes	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?

12-01-2008, 08:07 PM	#10
TacoNut Wanna see me FLEX-O? Joined: Mar 2008, #5597 Location: Snobsdale, Arizona Gender: Male Posts: 832 08 Prerunner SR5 TRD OR Acess Cab 2008 Access Cab Automatic 4.0L 1GR-FE V6 Aux. Reverse Lights, Bed Tool/Survival Box, Locking Bed Storage Compartments, Extra D-Rings, Trimmed Mudflaps, Hose Clamp Mod,Mag Light Seat Mount, Door open buzzer removed =], Fully Debadged, BHLM, Tw sticker, Husky floor liners, Fog light mod	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 __________________ I am Adam, And I approve this message. Sig by Robrjohnson

12-03-2008, 04:38 AM	#11
Major Dad Junior Member Joined: Jun 2008, #7240 Location: Minnesota Posts: 24 1997 Tacoma SR5 1997 Access Cab Automatic	Hey Chris is their a fix for this Issiue or do I have to live with it? Thanks

12-03-2008, 04:57 AM	#15
Major Dad Junior Member Joined: Jun 2008, #7240 Location: Minnesota Posts: 24 1997 Tacoma SR5 1997 Access Cab Automatic	Chevron 5W40 synethic

12-03-2008, 05:36 AM	#17
Major Dad Junior Member Joined: Jun 2008, #7240 Location: Minnesota Posts: 24 1997 Tacoma SR5 1997 Access Cab Automatic	I will check it tomorrow morning. Would you consider changing the oil sensor anyway? And is there only one on it?

12-03-2008, 08:11 AM	#18
humanoid Mom says I'm special! Joined: Jun 2007, #1932 Location: Sunny SoCal Age: 40 Gender: Dude Posts: 1,356 I had a '99 Xtra Cab PreRunner SR5 V6 Automatic	Why are you using 5w40 in the first place? It might be too thick for the climate you're in. __________________

12-03-2008, 12:45 PM	#19
Major Dad Junior Member Joined: Jun 2008, #7240 Location: Minnesota Posts: 24 1997 Tacoma SR5 1997 Access Cab Automatic	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.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode