Problems Starting At Times, Any help?

I'm still new to this fourm and have had my Taco for about a year. But my question or advise would be helpful. At times I have problems starting, it doesn't happen all the time just at random times. I would start it up and it would shut off right away until I start it up again then it'll go. The other day I started it and it kept turning but not starting until I tunred off the ignition and gave it another go, started right up. I thought it would be either spark plugs or ignition coil but it only has 30,000 miles. I asked the dealership if it was normal and they said no but they said it might be my TRD intake manifold. Any others have this type of problem or what it could be? Thanks

 

How many miles on the truck? If it cranks but doesn't start, it has to be 1 of 3 things...fuel, air, or spark. I'd check spark plugs and ignition coil, air intake, and fuel pump/filter.

If you have a habit of running your tank down to the last drop, the fuel filter can get clogged with all kinds of crap at the bottom of your tank. It might cause the pump to need to prime for longer to get the correct amount of fuel to the engine.

Just my guess...good luck and welcome to TW!

 

Thanks man. Yea it only has 30,000 miles on it. I'm picky on fuel I usually fill it up right when it passes half a tank and been putting no ethanol gas mid grade. I've been wanting to check the spark plugs but haven't had the time to look at them, but if it has only 30,000 miles on it I wouldn't think it was the spark plugs but who knows. I checked the filter and cleaned it about 2 months ago, you think it could be the TRD intake manifold?

 

I get the same thing sometimes.

My thoughts are: The computer sometimes needs a sec to read the key... Sometimes I've had to hit the gas to make it fire. For what its worth, I seem to notice the problem moreso with a big change in temps or the weather? Weird I know, there was a recall on the 07s, but the 08s+ they say no problem. knock on wood it doesn't get worse

 

It's not just your truck...mine does it too. I had Toyota check it and they came back with nothing. It happens on my Dad's Xterra too (just on one certain key). Best I can tell, it's the key failing to communicate with the computer randomly, and all I can do is pull it out, put it back in, and try again.

 

(Knock on wood) Yea that was another thing I was thinking about weather wise. It started doing it during winter, but we really didn't have a winter this year in TN. And it was pretty hot over here the other day when it did it again.

 

Oh I see, so it's probably just the key trying to communicate with the computer, makes sense. I'm still trying to get use to the new cars and trucks technology. Been driving a 94 honda for a long time and finally got enough money saved up to buy a truck. Thanks for the reply.

 

my '11 only has 10k miles and has been doing that intermittantly from the get-go. seems to do it mostly when it has been parked for several hours at work where it sits with the front slightly uphill. It starts and immediately dies. then starts and runs with no problem. no point in taking it in till it won't start at all.

 

Long starting issues have been a problem since 05'. There also was a TSB out for this problem. Each year the new model comes out and this seems to be a common issue with the 4.0 V6.

 

My 07' did the same thing, especially on my inclined driveway.

There are a lot of posts about this and I think the fuel pump had a lot to do with it. The filters would clog up early before 30,000 miles. This actually happens to a lot of vehicles with this fuel pump design where the filter and pump are one unit and sit in the gas tank. I've heard this from a few technicians that if possible never let you tank go below 1/4.

Could be the key and the computer and what not, who knows.

 

Very valid points. It looks like it's a normal thing for the 4.0 V6's to do. I wasn't quite sure since I've only had it for a year. It's weird how they set up the fuel filter, I'm not looking forward to the day of replacing it lol. Do you think adding a fuel additive like Heet or Gumout help the filter since it's inside the tank?

 

Heet might work if there is water in your fuel, but ethanol does the same thing and that's already in your gas (unless your running ethanol free). Gumout will help keep the fuel system clean I'm sure but never know about the fuel filter. If you do have fuel pump issues and need to change it get the upgrade kit from URD. This way you have a stronger pump and an external fuel filter you can change without having to drop the tank. There are a few threads about the fuel pump upgrade. Try a search and you'll find a whole new ball game to your tacoma.

 

Good to know, I'll keep that upgrade in mind. Thanks for the info!