Hard Start. Any ideas?

Quick question, 2009 Tacoma. Every so often in the past 2 years or so the truck does not turn over. Let sit and keep trying and eventually turns over. When it turns over it runs completely normal.

first noticed in the summer months. Happened for the first time in the winter this morning.

randomly disconnected and reconnected the battery and it started after two ignition turns (probably just got lucky).

Almost like something is getting stuck? any ideas?

 

Is the engine cranking but not starting or not cranking at all?

 

It is cranking, sounds completely normal. Just doesn’t turn over.

Has happened maybe 15 times in the past 2 years or so.

 

Cranking but not turn over doesn't compute unless the starter isn't engaging the flywheel teeth.

 

You will have to see what your missing when it doesn't start (spark, injector pulse, fuel pressure, etc) and go from there,

 

That is turning over/cranking, not firing/starting.

 

Yes correct.
Was thinking starter or fuel pump but not sure where to start. It does have 208k.

spark plugs replaced fairly recently.

 

Or fuel injector....

 

Begin with cleaning/tightening battery terminals then check fuel pressure next.

 

I did have a check engine light that was going on and off periodically when I was not driving the truck on a regular basis a couple months ago. Now that I drive daily I have not seen it go on. It was a knock sensor error. Not sure if this could be related?

The more I read, the more I think it could be a clogged fuel injector. Any sure fire sign/symptoms?

 

I am having/have had this exact same issue. Cranks but no start, I have narrowed it down to the chip in the key...... the anti-theft system allows the engine to crank but it will not allow it to start. It is irritatingly erratic but I just put up with it. I have had a new key cut and programmed but it may also be an issue with the tumbler

 

that’s crazy. Next time it happens I’ll try my spare key.

 

Intermittent fuel pump? Next time it happens, bang on the fuel tank enough to jiggle the fuel pump (or listen for the fuel pump). I could be a "flat spot" in the fuel pump (the same way one could develop on the starter) - or even the relay could be intermittent. It could be so many things