Tacoma hard start

I have an 05 2.7 pre runner that after it sits for a while won't start, It takes two tries to get it going the first crank it tries to start up as it shakes and sputters and eventually dies while the second time it starts right up. It seems to be getting progressively worse with time. Side note (I changed the spark plugs with auto lite xp finewire spark plugs about 20 thousand miles ago). I don't think it's the fuel pump cause once it starts performance is normal.Toyota is going to charge me 114 just to look at it :/ but truth be told I'm sure you guys could help me save some money

 

I realize what I am about to suggest might be completely stupid, but could it be an issue with the MAF?

 

Check for some pending codes, see if it tells you anything.

 

The truck doesn't have any lights coming on such as the check engine light unless pending codes are something else?

 

They are something else, hook up a reader and check pending.

 

Hooked up my buddy's code reader and had no codes under current or historical but I did have about 17 codes under "readiness". Also the EV would constantly flash the manual said that means it's still testing but it never stopped flashing even after like 10 min. I'm using a INNOVA 3100F diagnostic tool.

 

Pending codes don't always throw the Check Engine Light. What the man above meant was for you to hook up a code reader and see if there are any.

Some will display something like this. Using code P0172 as an example:

P0172 P/D

The P/D means pending. It doesn't have enough "counts" against it to set off the Check Engine Light, but the problem has been seen by the PCM/ECU/whatever you want to call the microprocessor. If it occurs enough, the CEL will come on.

 

I'm no mechanic... but I usually start with simple stuff.

Is the battery pushing a good spark? - Alternator?
Fuel issue (i.e. fuel pump not pushing well?)

 

The battery is great the spark plugs are great the MAF and throttle body have been cleaned air filter new. The code reader didn't throw any pending codes but it did have the option for readiness codes and that had a list of 17 so I'm a little concerned about that.... I looked into the manual and it didn't state much about readiness codes at all.

 

do a fuel pressure test during the time its hard to start, see if its priming the system, it should shoot up fuel pressure as soon as key is turned. check spark at each cylinder

 

Did a pressure test all cylinders were at 180. I Captured a video of what it's doing if it's any help
http://youtu.be/QlWPtNBPDuU

 

Yeah I've left it in for over 3 min before and it makes no difference.

 

I have a 2011 4.0 that's doing this as well. Runs fine while it's running but when it comes to trying to start it it acts like a dead battery. Replaced the battery and it did the same thing.

 

So the video sounds like the motor is turning over ok, it's just not starting. You won't know unless someone else is watching, but let it sit a while and see if any smoke cones out the tail pipe and what color it it.

 

I've been using Lucas at every fill up for the past four fill ups and the problem seems to have stopped.