2020 randomly difficult to start?

My Tacoma (2020 double cab 4x4 sr5) has had two instances where it didn’t want to turn over in the last couple of months. Had to basically hold the key in start after about three times to get it running. Second time was this weekend. Both times we were at about 10000 feet and the temperature was about 20 degrees out. Other than that can’t think of any other unusual factors to normal every day starting. Took it to dealership for 10000 mile service right after the first time and they said it threw no code and the battery was fully charged. Has anyone else had this issue and does anyone have any thoughts? I’m 2 hours from a Toyota dealer so can’t jus turn it over when I have this issue. Love the truck but can’t have an unreliable vehicle so hoping I don’t have to just trade it in. Really frustrated!!!

 

Clarification:
Does it sound like the electric starter is turn over the engine slowly,,,, or is it normal and the engine not firing right away?

 

It seems normal.

 

My 2020 does the same thing randomly. Most of the time it starts normally but one in a while it cranks for like a solid 5 seconds before it finally fires up

 

Have you ever had it not start? I’m really thinking I might trade it in.

 

Mine is a manual so I have a normal key. I just hold the key forward until it eventually starts. I notice the longer cranking/ not wanting to start probably once a week but has never NOT started.

 

Have you taken to the dealership? If so, what have they told you?

 

No I avoid the service dept like the plague. I do all my own service despite the free service. I have had too many bad experiences. If it becomes a bigger issue, as in the truck won’t actually start, then I’ll probably be forced to bring it in.

Edit. I don't see myself keeping this truck for more than another 6months-year. It has way too many small quirks and quality issues. Not to mention the ridiculously horrible tune on the factory engine.

 

So much for Toyota reliability

 

Two usual suspects suspects come to mind:

1-Fuel pump, check and see if there's a recall on yours. If not ask the stealer to check its operation anyway just in case. its not that hard.
2- could be the CPS sensor, ask them to do the "wiggle" test on the wiring harness and make sure they're nice & tight

Good luck

 

So your truck has had “trouble” starting, but hasn’t ever NOT started, and you’re ready to deem it unreliable? Not trying to diminish your experience, but that isn’t exactly what I’d call an issue of reliability. Having the dealership check the voltage after driving 2 hours to get there won’t give you any idea on whether your battery will hold a charge or not since the alternator charged it the entire drive. You should check it first thing in the morning after it sits overnight. Speaking of, check the voltage while the truck is running to ensure the alternator IS providing adequate voltage to recharge the battery after start up. I’d start there before trading your truck in. You might just have a prematurely failing battery.

 

Thanks. The reason I bought new was so I didn’t have to deal with BS like this. Otherwise I would have just bought a low mileage used truck. If dealership was close I wouldn’t be thinking about a trade yet. But if I trade it, any other brand has a dealer five minutes away. No use having a warranty if you have to figure out the problems yourself. Just moved here so that’s why I’m in the situation where dealer is far away. Really appreciate the suggestions though! And I am going to try to figure it out before getting to trade in option because I love the truck.

 

On the voltage/battery issue. If the truck had trouble starting but then started and starts every morning (other than those two times) could it still be a battery issue. Would it? Or could an alternator randomly not work once and then work 20-30 times fine and then not work again. I am no mechanic by any means so know very little about fighting this out.
Someone mentioned getting an AGM battery. What are the thoughts about that?

 

This sounds fairly minor to me; the most likely culprit that jumps immediately to mind is fuel system pressure; your fuel system is not always maintaining pressure, and so occasionally those extra couple of seconds of cranking are required to rebuild the system pressure. Plumb in a fuel pressure gauge and watch it over the course of a weekend to see if it stays within spec.

 

Any chance the extra 3000 feet (live at 7000 and had problem at 10000 both times)in altitude could lead to a fuel system pressure issue?

 

Don't see how...

 

Anyone think the fuel pump recall may play a factor? I wouldn't think so, but maybe

 

According to their site my vin isn’t one of the recalls.

 

They may not know that yet. I'm still waiting to hear if our 4Runner is on the list. By all means it should be, but nothing listed online yet. A relative only recently got notified for her 4Runner.

 

Also, if you hit "quote" in the bottom corner, you can reply directly to someone and they'll get a notification that you responded.