Hard to start when cold

I have a 95 Tacoma with the 3.0 V6 when it is cold it is hard start. I have to try 3 to 4 times until it starts and then it idles low until I press the gas the it is good. Once it is warm it starts up fine on first try. The engine runs good other than the trouble starting at first. It doesn't leak oil, gas, or coolant. Anyone know what I could try to fix the problem or any thing I can replace. Thanks in advance.

 

Im pretty sure it is a fuel problem but can't figure it out.

 

Since it is temp-related, I would look at the coolant temp sensor,
and the air intake temp sensor, assuming you have those.

 

Thanks for the reply the sensor seem good. I did figure out if I turn the key to on and wait for 30 seconds it starts on the first try.

 

#1 Clean the throttle body.

 

I will try that and update sounds like a great idea.

 

Having to wait 30 seconds, that could be from the fuel system losing pressure, and the pump taking that long to re-pressurize.

I'm not an EFI expert, but there may be something like a check valve not working right, or the EVAP system bleeding the pressure off. These trucks should start up almost instantly. Even when cold shouldn't take more than 3 seconds.

 

I cleaned the throttle body this afternoon and It started on the first try with out waiting at all. It was a little sluggish at first assuming because of the cleaner built up but once I blew it out it was perfect. I shut it off and it started right back up. I'm going to try to start it in the morning (i have a company car so don't drive it everyday) and hope that it is finally fixed for good. Thanks for the advise and if there is any other tips you have for me I'd be glad to try them. Thanks again and I will update again tomorrow.

Tan4x4 i was planning on having my buddy who's a mechanic check the fuel pressure this weekend because I was thinking the same thing and probably still will have him check it for me just in case. Thanks again I will update and hope cleaning the throttle body fixes it.

 

maybe try changing the fuel filter. my '88 had the 3.0 and did the same thing

 

I changed the fuel filter over the weekend. It was definitely time the gas that poured out of the filter was a rust or mud color. Thanks for the tip I think it may all be fixed for now.

 

I tried to start it again this morning and it did not start good Lin it's supposed to. It is better but not where I'd like it to be. Any other ideas would be greatly appreciated.

 

maybe try turning key to on for a 15-20 seconds before starting

 

That works but I want to try to fix that problem.

 

i understand man. i had my 3.0 rebuilt @ 203k miles but only b/c the front main seal blew and it was leaking oil. but even after that my truck still was hard to start in the cold lol

 

It's possible you have more than one problem.
like others have mentioned it could be fuel bleed down.
Keeping the key on for 30 seconds does nothing. Beyond 2 seconds it needs to see inputs from the engine. this is in case of an accident so the pump won't spew 20 gallons of fuel onto a fire.You going to need to do a bleed down test with a fuel pressure gauge.

 

Tmanspd123,

You mentioned that when you changed fuel filter that the fuel coming out was rusty and muddy in color. I would try the cheap things first, run a bottle of fuel treatment in a full tank of fuel.

 

I just put a bottle of seafoam in it this past weekend hoping that makes a difference. I plan on checking the fuel pressure hopefully this weekend. All the vacuum lines look good. Hoping I can figure it out soon. Other than this the truck is in great shape. I'm hoping it doesn't need new injectors.

 

Fuel pump?

 

Without testing things your shooting blind and wasting money.

 

Good Point