Cold start analysis?

My 2000 has developed an odd problem (3.4V6/auto)

When cold - first thing in the morning - turn the key and it turns over for a split second and then nothing, no starter turning, no click click, nothing, no noise at all - JUST like a dead battery, that turns the engine over briefly and then stops. The idiot lights are all lit when this happens.

Except, turn the key back to off and try to restart it, and it fires right up, starter turns without any delay, it's just a normal start. And it continues like that all day, shut it off and restart it as many times as you like and it fires right up, no hesitation. It only happens on the first attempt in the morning (it's been about 57 overnight here - not cold).

I'm no mechanic, but it doesn't sound like a starter problem, and it turns over with no drag or hesitation, so I'm thinking it's not battery either (I have no idea how old either are since I bought it used in January). I'll test the battery just to eliminate it completely.

Anyone have something like this happen, or can take a shot at what this might be?
Thanks

 

Poor connections between battery posts and cable ends or bad starter is my best guesstimate. Check the power and grounds closely at the battery/starter and engine/body. Draw test the starter and see what it's pulling. If not there, ignition switch is next best.

 

your battery could have a bad cell and still check out good on some testers that don't do real load tests. start there. also, some tacomas had a "low-temp starter" option cause of stuff like this.

 

In your trouble shooting don`t forget to check the neutral safety switch.

A poor connection there could cause this.

 

Let me state that i occasionally experience this exact issue with mine, it has not happened often enough to concern me though. It should be noted that this last "winter" it didnt get colder then then the high 50's in LA.

Look at the Starting and Charging wiring diagram for your truck, there is a path the current has to go through before it gets to your starter relay and the starter itself. Like the last member said, the P/N switch is one of these, though i doubt thats the issue. Your alarm (if you have a RS3000) is another. Another your ignition switch itself. If you can predict this, you could rule these switches out by removing the covers of the steering column and shifter and checking for voltage drop between the positive and ground sides of the circuit.

That being said, im thinking it might just be your starter solenoid, which is just a high amp relay, that is getting old and sticking with age. If it has not gotten to the point of stranding you and having to call AAA, i would ignore it for now.

 

Rule out the cheap and easy stuff first:
Try a new starter relay. Check the battery connections.
Check the starter switch (at the end of the ignition key assembly)

 

This is good info - thanks for the suggestions guys.