2014 Taco Intermittently Cranking extra to get started

I have a 2014 4.0 with 215k miles. I recently noticed that once in awhile when I go to start it cranks a few seconds more until it starts. What would you recommend looking at first?

I don't know when the spark plugs were last replaced or if they were ever replaced, but I can hardly see how that would make the issue.

 

Need to check fuel pressure when it's slow to crank, if the pressure is slow to build and it starts when it gets pressure you likely have a worn out fuel pump.

 

That is a good thought! Do you know if they have any fuel filter on these?

 

No, it's built into the fuel pump assembly and replaced with the pump.

 

Ok, thanks!

 

Mine did the same thing. Every once in a while it would take a few seconds of cranking to start. At over 100k miles on the stock spark plugs i replaced them and I haven't had the same issue since.

 

How old is your battery? Could be getting weak.

 

Mine used to seem to crank a little too long from time to time. My battery died one day and after I replaced it, it spun faster and hasn't done it since. It could be any number of things but this is one to consider.

 

This would be my guess as the correct answer.

If it’s cranking slow, then look at the battery, terminals, posts, good ground.

If cranking speed is normal but needs to crank longer to start, it’s commonly a fuel issue. If you turn the engine off, then try to start immediately again and it quickly starts every time I’d look at the fuel filter, I know we ain’t got one.

215k? I’d pull a plug to look at it. The gap is probably way big, or the hook part may be worn off. If you look for it, there’s a big debate on spark plugs. Torque to spec or not. Anti seize or not. Only in the morning, when the moon is full, stand on your head first, whatever. I’ve concluded there is no right way, look at what everyone’s opinion is, decide for yourself.

 

215K miles and he doesn't know if the plugs have ever been replaced.High milage spark plugs will definitely cause starting problems.

And you guys are guessing fuel pump... Holy crapoly. Going from an intermittent long cranking issue directly to a fuel pump is insane.

First do the spark plugs then proceed from that to more intense troubleshooting.

 

Start with the simple items. The most complex solution is not the first suspect.

Replace the sparkplugs. Since you don't know when or if they've been replaced.
Clean MAF and throttle body.
Replace the Air filter.
Have the battery load tested. Likely due for a replacement. Weak battery is a common cause of slow cranking.
Or just do a general tune up.

In cold weather temperatures, it is normal for the start to be a little slower.

 

Definitely take your battery to AutoZone or wherever to have it tested. I bet you have a bad cell and while the starter is working, the computer isn't getting enough power to happily fire up the engine. A common issue (for old batteries) and free to check.

Sure, the spark plugs could be an issue, too, at that mileage. Buy the oem plugs from the dealer. If you buy them aftermarket the part number might match, but the center electrode will be different. You want the big, fat center electrode. Not the tiny, pointy one.

Good luck!

 

Thanks for all your replies. I will try replacing the spark plugs once I get time to. I am certain it is not a battery issue, it cranks fast just takes more cranking at times. To me it seems like either fuel or then spark.

 

I’m pretty certain yours were the originals. I don’t think someone would do what the factory did putting one brand on one side and another brand on the other.

I did mine about 1.5 years ago. The one furthest back on the driver’s side gave me trouble. A quick TW search told me take this off, do it like this, made it much easier.

 

I've come out to my truck being dead and needing a jump after work twice now over the course of a week. The kicker; I have a remote start I use but it's only been after work that it fails to fire up. It's fine in the morning and on lunch, but I'm not there to see/hear what it does. If it's taking longer to crank than the controller is cranking for then it would fail to start but not turn off ignition/lights, hence the dead battery that needs a jump. I've had it 3 years and have not put a battery into it, and it's got 90k. A prolonged crank or toasted battery (both?) would make sense to me, but what came first the chicken or the egg? I'm going to get a kickass new battery asap so this doesn't happen again, and if it does I have some chasing to do. Best batteries on the market anyone?!?!