4300 Miles and several Questionable Starts

Hi everyone, I have a couple questions if you'll bear with me:

I have a 2014 V6 Trd Off road. 4x4. It is always parked in the garage and i haven't done any engine modifications other than change to synthetic after the first thousand. Using a toyota filter as others have suggested. Lately I have noticed there are a few times when I start the truck that It really struggles to get started....by that I mean it turns several more times and it seems as though there isn't going to be enough juice to start the truck.

Last night the truck was parked in the 10 degree weather for about 5 hours, I went outside to fire it up and it started right up without hesitation, I then drove it home and parked in the garage. When I went to start the truck this morning to head to work after being in the garage for 6 hours the truck BARELY started, I held the key for longer than normal and the truck weakly turned over and started. Long story short I have had this happen several times in the last few months since the truck was new, this morning being the most severe. Not sure if it is the weather, fuel or something else going on. Just looking for suggestions or any help.



I have plans to send the truck in to be looked at in the next week.

Thanks for all the help, I apologize for the ramble....

 

Are the battery connections tight and clean at the terminals?... that makes a difference in a starter's strength.

 

Battery Connections are tight, I have an ultra gauge and the battery is always between 13.89 and 14.02 volts when the truck is running.

 

Yes Kyle. Stayed with the same weight as recommended.

 

Kyle, I really didn't notice...I came from a 4runner where you just flick the key and you dont have to hold it to turn over. In the 7 years I had the 4 runner I never had it start like ive described my tacoma starting.

 

Add some Isopropyl during your next fill-up.... and try a different brand and gas station (maybe a bad batch of gas was delivered).

With no codes and you checked the terminals as tight, you must bring it to the dealer... it's still their problem right now, not yours.

 

It's a new truck.

 

Well I have all most killed my battery at least 3 times the doors do not close easily and all though I thought they were closed the dome light was on over night. I "fixed it" I turned off the dome light haven't had a problem since.

 

When you turn your truck over do you turn the key to on for a few seconds to let the fuel pump cycle or do you go from key in ignition to turn her over.

Im not sure if this makes a difference but its worth askin to diagnose.

or the engine imobilizer has a play in this???

I do miss the way my 4runner used to start...

 

I know. New doesn't matter, it needs to be checked.

 

I have tried both methods honestly and none have the same result. I let the fuel pump pressurize and other times I just fire it up. Maybe Ill try my other set of keys?

 

I doubt it would be it. The immobilizer will or will not allow you to start.

 

i would say contact the dealer and ask the service manager if they have any similar cases and start taking video of these concerning start ups.

My truck did this once and kinda freaked me out. hasent happend again

I did a quick search and read some imobilizer issues so i thought id throw it out there

 

The fuel pump (i'm told) pressurizes the rail after you shut down so the pump won't have to work hard for the next start.

 

Awhile back I herd this weird noise comin from my truck and I got closer to hone in on what it was. It was coming from my gas tank. I did a quick search and I found our fuel pump runs every so often to keep the system pressurized when not in use.

 

Isopropyl alcohol is not the same as fuel additives with alcohol as their primary ingredient to absorb water. Isopropyl alcohol has about as much water in it as the alcohol can keep in solution, meaning it really can't absorb any more water.

 

I'm gonna make that dealer appointment. Maybe they can rectify the issue

Thank you for all the input!

 

These trucks seem to have a hard start now and then. Ive had 2 tacomas and both of them had/have the occasional longer engine turnover before finally starting.

 

Isopropyl doesn't absorb water, that's not it's job in the tank.


OP, good to hear you're letting the dealer run with your issue... good luck.

 

Take it in to your dealer immediately. May be a lemon. Let them diagnose it and note in your maintenance record why you brought it in. They need to make that right ASAP...especially after spending 30k on something.