How quick does your truck start?

Mine takes several cranks as well before it catches and starts. My Silverado fired on the first crank so I was used to letting go of the key and the Tacoma takes more cranks and I sometimes let go too early before it has started. I think it's pretty normal for Tacomas.

 

I'm the second owner of my 2014. I bought it with less than 12,000 miles on it and it does the same thing you're describing. I would GUESS that the fuel pump doesn't start pumping when you just turn the key forward, maybe it doesn't start pumping until the engine actually starts to turn over. Maybe it takes a second or two to build up adequate fuel pressure. Just spit balling here....
Some of the ASE certified mechanics on this site might be able to tell us. I've never really let it bother me but I have noticed it. I had a '77 Camaro (piece of shit) back in the 80's that would start with just a blip of the key. Everything else about the car sucked though.

 

Depends on temp, weather, and how recently the plugs have been changed.

Cold weather = a little longer
Recent plug changed = faster

Usually no more than 3-5 rotations before it fires. I've noticed for the past several months after the plugs were changed it's fired much faster.

2009 taco, only 75,000 miles.

 

P.s. I've noticed that the corolla the dealership gave me as a loaner takes longer to start than my taco, and it's a 2017 with push button vs my 2009 truck. Maybe it's a Toyota thing.

 

Well I’m glad to know it’s not just mine.

 

This problem is described as "extended crank time". If it was in my shop i would start with the following-

-check battery voltage while cranking. It should not drop below 10 volts. Maybe pull fuel pump fuse so it wont start and you can get a good look at the voltage while cranking. It may sound like its cranking fast enough but maybe it's not, dont go by sound alone.

-Check fuel pressure with a gauge while the problem is present. If the pressur is fine move on.

-Is the check engine light on? Any codes? A weak crank position sensor could cause this issue as well as a coolant temp sensor that is out of normal range. Get a little scan tool and look at the crank speed/engine speed while cranking. It should be sending a signal immediately while cranking. Sometimes the signal shows up late and it finally starts. Look at the temp sensor signal and see if it's a crazy number like negative 140 degrees or something. The first thing the pcm looks at for fuel calc on startup is the temp sensor. It looks there before it looks at maf sensor or anything else

 

Maybe I only notice the longer starts but I think my truck takes a bit to start and has done this whether or not the battery or plugs are new or not.

 

I've heard this before on here when the question came up. On GM's, you turn the key, wait a second while the pump builds pressure, then they pop right off. The taco doesn't do that, so you have to wait for the pump to build pressure while it cranks. Again, this is second hand internet info, so take it for what it's worth, but seems reasonable. Some vehicles will only energize the fuel pump when the crank is rotating for safety reasons.

 

My 2012 takes between 1 and 2 seconds. It took me a little while to get used to it. But it's never let me down. Starts every time.

 

Sounds like fuel pump issue or maybe injectors a little clogged?

Dude ran same spark plugs for 700,000 miles.

My 05 starts normally fwiw. Chug chug start.

 

Mine starts first or second crank, of it sits all night in negative temps it takes around 3. An old ranger I had needed a second before you try to crank it to let the fuel pump prime or it wouldn’t start lol

 

I'm oldschool and let the dummy lights turn on before I let it crank. It takes less than a second to start.

 

My truck acts exactly the same way, sometimes i stop cranking and take a second go.

Work at a Toyota dealer have two long time master techs nothing jumps out as a problem

 

Mine takes a couple seconds, and today it kinda popped/backfired when starting. That is the first time I have ever noticed that. Usually i get like a gravely rattle noise right at startup, but I think its the secondary air pump and the Airaid cold air making the noise.

 

Yesterday I changed the plugs and gapped them to .39. Since I was half away there I cleaned the throttle body and maf. Two cranks and then she fires up.

 

My 2001 with the 2.7 spun over twice as much as my 2010 with the 4.0 before starting.

A new battery on the ‘01 changed nothing about how it started.

 

I’m suprised so many people are having issues.

I have none. Starts right up.
I use cheapy gas, live in the midwest with shitty winter blends, irridium plugs, synthetic oil, and I park on a slight incline everyday I work.

OP, I’d look into the issue. Hard starts are hell on your starter. You could be putting 2-3 times the amount of stress on it every start up than normal.

 

My 4.0 has always taken a few more cranks than I’m expecting since new. Have a 2012 tundra that does not share this trait.

I think after one of the major maintainence milestones it turned over a little quicker but may have been in my head.

Rare I let go before it turns over but there is the odd time or too, still.

 

You guys are not alone!!! Neither am I. I bought my DBSB 15" this summer and it does the same thing. Take a few cranks before it starts. Had 24K on the truck so it sure has heck is not the fuel pump or injectors or plugs. Truck runs amazing just slow starting. I sometimes have to do it twice. Thought I was crazy. Thank you guys!!!!!

 

Mine cranks 3 times and then fires up every time unless it's really cold.