2012 Tacoma TRD Sport Start Problem

Hi everyone,

I took my Tacoma in to the dealership about 2 weeks ago to have things checked out as I was getting some inconsistent starts.

On a good, normal start, the engine turns over right away and the RPM's hit 1500 right off the bat. However, sometimes there is a failed first start attempt, then on the second, it catches, but catches around 1000 RPMs and builds to 1500.

They did some tests on it and the battery was low, so that was replaced, but the issue remains.

The issue will occur in the morning after it has rested over night. Although, I did let it sit for four days and it started fine.

To best demonstrate this, this morning I finally was able to video exactly what happens on a bad morning start. Sometimes it starts right away, but this time it didn't.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LRDEJxwcDI

Looking for thoughts on what could cause this? My hunch is fuel pump, fuel pressure gauge or something to the like but am no mechanic and am just looking to give the dealership some direction on where to look.

 

Problem only when cold? How many miles on truck and/or spark plugs?

 

I bought this truck last August and it's at approx. 100,000 miles on it. It did happen a few times in the summer as well and only in the morning, so I don't know if that classifies as cold, but I'm wondering if it's more on damp days than cold days. I haven't picked up on that pattern yet, but always in the morning - when it happens.

 

I'd start with new spark plugs

 

I see what you did there....

 

Sounds like it has a hesitation right when it fires. Did you scan it for codes?

 

I have not scanned it for codes, unless that's what they did when they ran the start tests.

 

Is it easy to replace spark plugs on my own. What are the recommended spark plugs to get?

 

Mine has done the same exact thing a few times over the last few months since I bought it, even after new plugs, clean maf, and no other apparent issues. Since I've made an effort to keep the key turned for a split second longer on cold startup it hasn't done it. You should replace your plugs if you don't know when they were last done if at all, but if they were that bad they'd cause detonation at warm temps. I'd say plugs are half easy. Drivers side is a little bit cramped. There is a write up posted in the stickies.

 

I am having a similar issue but my truck will crank for twice as long before starting. Need to put more pressure on the dealer to find the cause.

Did they check for codes?

 

I'm going to book it in for an appointment for next week. The guy I trust will be back then. My concern is, due to it being inconsistent that they won't find any codes. There have been times that were longer than this, so it sounds like the issue is similar.

 

New plugs and/or coil packs might be worth looking at.

 

My '12 has done that exact thing. Not at first start , but after sitting at work all day.
It doesn't happen often, but enough to take notice. No codes. dealer checked a couple of times, nothing seen. I always called it a "false start".
I now turn the key and count to 3 before starting and it hasn't done it in a while. I used to do this when I started my Mercury outboard. Merc recommended this to get fuel system and injectors up to pressure.

Truck has 34k on the clock and plugs were changed at 30.

 

Post the outcome please if they find anything. That may help cure mine.

 

I will report back what diagnosis they come up with.

 

I should have read some more - Thats the EXACT same symptom that I just posted about my '14!!

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/very-intermittent-hard-starting-issue-2014-v6.468581/

Let me know what they find - I will probably have to take mine in for hte same issue.

 

My 13 did this a couple times with less than 30k on the odometer. I doubt plugs will fix the problem, but who knows.

 

Yup! Sounds identical! I am wondering though if it's more about dampness in the air than the cold. ie water in the gas tank, faulty gas cap, etc.?

 

Hmmmm...A little more searching may be leading me down another path of the Distributor Cap, but that is just another possibility stirring in my head at this point.

 

My 2011 has done that a few times. Maybe once or twice a year.

I find when it does it, it's been when I immediately turn the key to start and it hasn't been driven for a couple days. Typically I stop at "on" for a second.