2001 Tacoma - Why do I need to step on gas in order to start vehicle?

Hi,

I currently own a 2001 Tacoma PreRunner (4-Cyl, 2.4 Liter, 2WD) with approximately 150,000 miles. Over the last year or so, whenever I go to start my vehicle up, on occasion I need to step on the gas a little in order to start it. Meaning, sometimes the vehicle will just start by only turning the key over, and other times I will need to press the gas as I'm starting it. It doesn't seem to make a difference if the engine is warm or cold.

Before taking it in for service, I would like to run it by this forum to see what I can change or try on my own before bringing it in. I'm not a mechanic by any means, but was wondering if it could it be that the fuel filter needs to be replaced or dirty fuel injectors (these are pure guesses on my part). Any suggestions on what to first try on my own is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

 

could be as simple as a battery... when was the last time your truck was serviced? the alternaters are pretty good in tacomas. it may just be time for a new battery.

 

Hi all,

Just to give everyone an update on this... I ended taking my Tacoma into my local mechanic, and the problem ended up being the idle air control valve. The total cost including parts and labor was about $500 ($280 for idle air control valve and rest being labour, etc).

Thanks

 

Those damn IAC valves are defective. i feel like ALMOST every high mile tacoma has problems with it.

 

Ouch. I see the IAC valve for under $200. $89 shipped on Ebay.
It looks like an hour of work. What you really paid for was the diagnosis.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3P0UCx7Yn0s

 

Thanx for posting up the final solution, not everyone does that.

I would have guessed the TPS, rather than the IAC.

Just curious about the original symptom. When it 'would not start', do you mean that it cranked over without catching, or no sound at all?

 

I personally would get the part from the dealership.. Which is like 300$ or if you order on camel back toyota it's like 220$. When I found out about my IAC I paid the dealer 125$ just to diagnose it. They wanted to charge me over 600$ to replace it. I cleaned it and paid 15$ for a throttle body gasket and an iac gasket.