Engine Stumbling

Thought I would reach out to the TW nation for some advice/thoughts.

I have a 2018 TRD OR manual that I bought about 1 year ago now with ~27k miles on it. I have little to no issues with it (except some rodents chewing on my main wire harness; which has been fixed) till recently. In the past month and a half I have now had the engine not turn over 3 times. The first 2 times were in the cold (Lake Tahoe cold is not that cold at 25-30 degrees Fahrenheit). Now yesterday it happened again.

Basically the scenario is I turn the key in the ignition and the battery is clearly working as you hear the starter going, then maybe a few cranks of the engine (so I let go of the key), and nothing the engine never got going.

At this point my initial reaction is to repeat, but now nothing happens besides the starter “clicking”. I then let it sit for a minute or so and try again at which point the engine has turned over each of the 3 times. But even once turned over, the engine sounds like it is lugging/turning slowly for a bit.

All in all of the engine doesn’t turn over it almost sounds like the engine got flooded and it needed a bit of time before getting turned over again. Seem reasonable? If so why is the engine not turning over the first time?

Any similar experiences, thoughts, recommendations, or fixes?

 

Have you had the battery tested?

 

Battery is done.

On an '18 your dealer may give you a decent proration for the replacement.

If they are a stick in the mud, Costco has good pricing on Interstate Batteries, you install and turn in your old unit.

 

I just did my 25k service 2 weeks ago and they are supposed to check battery, but I will go back and have them take a look.

Any other suggestions or thoughts?

 

I'd have the battery tested before moving onto other possible problems.

 

Key word highlighted.

But in all fairness, it seems modern batteries fail with no prior warning more often than older models did. Just 'poof' and I'm done.

 

absolutely. just thinking ahead because my local dealership does not.

 

unfortunately, poor quality/failure is common in too many areas (not just Tacoma batteries).

 

Need one of the these brother...keep an eye on your battery

 

I believe your batter is covered under the 3yr/36K. Take it in, I'm sure it's the battery.

 

Agreed on this. Just had the same issue on my Subaru and went to Costo to grab a new one. All is gravy now.

 

Huh that’s a nice little mod to have for sure. Do you happen to have solar panels also?

 

Sounds like the battery.

 

I agree with all above....your battery! Did you check for corrosion and tightness of battery clamps? Ground to engine is tight? Pull the battery cell covers to check distilled water level? Your mileage is typical for battery failure and as important as age. Common all manufacturers..poor factory installed batteries. Get your dealer involved pronto!

 

Reach out to your dealer, it should have a 3/36 warranty. It may be pro-rated, just pay the difference if they ask, and If that turns out to be the issue.

As soon as you get home (or get the chance) put the battery on a (low & slow) trickle charge.
The longer the better so I'm talking at least over night or a weekend, just make sure it's an auto charger. In other words, it will turn off/on as needed.

Moreover, get into the habit of doing that once a month and on checking the water level once a month. Add distilled or filtered water if needed. See you for a new battery in five years.

Hope that helps
Cheers!

 

What is this and how do I get one

 

I like this option.... Where did you get yours.???

Thanx man.

 

Thats me asking bud, I dont know

 

There are a broad variety of types.

LaoDa Dual USB Charger Socket Waterproof Power Outlet 2.1A & 2.1A with Voltmeter & Wire in-line 10A Fuse for 12-24V Car Boat Marine Motorcycle

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B076FF2G9G/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08__o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

This is nifty ... where do you gone one and where is this located on the instrument cluster?