hard to start when cold

I have a '12 v6 double cab base package. nothing done to the motor or intake or air filter even yet. but when it is really cold sometimes it will randomly be hard to start. just wondering if this is common or maybe im just paranoid the truck only has 35k on it

 

battery may not have enough cca

 

My Tacoma cranks harder than almost any modern truck I can think of when started in the cold. That being said it always fires relatively quickly and once it does there's no hesitation so I think it's just a characteristic of the motor.

As already said, a higher CCA battery might help you feel better but as long as the motor is catching in the first couple of seconds I wouldn't worry about it. Consider installing and plugging in a block heater and running synthetic oil as well. All of those things lead to easier cold starts.

 

Switch to synth oil and get a battery with better suited cca

 

Curious as to what your definition is of "really cold" in Alabama. That might help diagnose. Mine was a little slow to start last couple of days at around -15F, where "slow" means 2-3 seconds instead of instant.

 

i think we need more info to help you better.For example when you turn the ignition on does the engine really turnover slowly or does it turn over fast but just doesnt fire quickly?If it turns over slowly you should get a load test done on your battery.Really cold to me would be -35 F.If it turns over fast but just doesnt fire quickly it is not the battery.

 

Just did the spark plugs on mine at 100,000 km or 60,000 miles . The spark plugs were original and the gap had worn to .60,000 from the factory specified .40,000 gap .
The throttle body and mass air flow sensor were very dirty .
The factory 2010 battery was completely shot when load tested .
Had the hard start while cold ....same issue as OP .
Truck now starts at -50 below , better on fuel and runs much smoother .
With this said , these 3 easy fixes are a good place to start

 

35k? I think the plugs are to be replaced at 30k for the V6.

 

Welcome to T.W

 

OP is slightly overdue for new spark plugs if they weren't done at 30K miles, so if cranking speed is OK and delayed starting is the issue, then I'd suggest starting there with a MAF cleaning too.

 

Since the OP is from AL, I'd suggest, as above, plus air filter. I heard of many late model Toyotas with battery dying at 3 + years as well. Sounds like time for some needed maintenance anyway ...

 

thanks for all the responses sorry for the delay in response I have been out of town traveling for a while for work. the battery is in fine shape got tested and is good to go and is putting out enough CCA's for the truck. the only way I can describe the starting issue is that it takes merely a second longer than normal to fire. and this may very well be a characteristic of the V6 but I wanted to ask around to make sure... I will do the maintenance soon as I get time.

 

Was about 12 this am. Firs time truck ever been in that cold and parked outside. Took about 1.5 seconds of cranking to start.

Mine is a 14 with 10k miles. It was a hard start this morning. I'm also in Alabama.

 

12F ?
Damn you guys have heatwave there.
-6F here (and that's not windchill) and truck fired right up. But for winter driving I always switch to 87.

 

Yes 12 F

Heat wave.


I always hear its different kind of cold. I keep seeing guys posting neg temps. I don't want to find d out. Ha