Truck doesn't start right away. Get "Check Charging System"

I've had the truck 2 days. Both mornings when I go to start her up, the ignition will not turn over for like 20 seconds, and I get the "Check Charging System" message on the display. After a few tries to turn the ignition, it eventually starts and everything is fine. This also happens when I get off work to go home. It seems that after sitting for a few hours, the truck doesn't want to start right away. Is anyone else having this problem? The truck drives great otherwise. Should I take her back to the dealership?

 

I'd take her back and let the dealer check it out under warranty.. Just my $0.02

 

Check charging system comes on anytime the ignition is "on" but the truck not running, so that's unrelated. This is the key start I'm assuming because it's a MT. Are you pushing the clutch all the way? Have you tried it with the clutch cancel switch on to see if that makes a difference?

 

I would check the charging system. If that doesn't work, I would bring it back to the dealer.

 

Clutch is definitely all the way in. And the truck eventually starts, after about 4-5 tries. It's a bit frustrating.

 

My thought is try it with the clutch cancel switch on, if it works fine with that switch pushed you've narrowed the issue down to the clutch start system. When you say it's not starting, I'm assuming you mean it's not turning over at all, no sound from the engine whatsoever, and then all of the sudden back to normal?

 

Is the brake depressed as well as the clutch? My old manual Chevy was like that - had to have both pedals. I know my AT won't start without the brake depressed.

 

That's only if push start equipped. He should be able to start it with just the clutch in, or with no pedal action if the clutch start is cancelled.

 

Not sure if it's needed, but I do this anyway out of habit, so yes.

 

No sound. No clicking. Just lights/power, hence the warning message. I'll try the clutch start cancel later tonight after she's sat a while to see if that solves it.

 

Auto won't start without brake depressed?!

 

If you have push button...

 

I've seen one where one of the fuses was loose. Can't remember which one, but it was smart key and randomly it wouldn't start, you would push the button and nothing would happen, just stay in the key on position. Just pulled the fuse that was causing the issue and tightened the tension where it goes and it was all good.

Edit: it was the engine bay fuse block

 

All push-start Toys are like that. My wife's Prius and in-law's Highlander are the same. Pressing start without the brake engaged goes into accessory mode, and does not engage the starter.

 

Good lord.

 

Could be a dead spot in the starter motor

 

I'm no Thomas Edison but here's what I would look for. What is the voltage of the resting battery? As new as yours is it should be 12.55 or higher. Colder temperatures reduce this some. Batteries have been know to short out between cells. Next after you get it started, check the voltage at the battery while running. It should be pushing anywhere from 13.2 up to 14.0, depending on the battery discharge rate. If it's lower than 13.2 it could be alternator, voltage regulator, or even a slipping belt that isn't noisy. You aren't charging the battery with less than 13.2 volts. I'd for sure take it in under warranty.

 

If the battery was weak it wouldn't act the way he describes. It wouldn't start at all or it would crank very slow. The problem here is the starter is not attempting to crank the engine for a few tries, then it starts normally. That points to a sensor issue more likely then not.

 

It almost sounds like a connection issue. If you think you can replicate it take it to the dealer and show them and let them figure it out. Sounds like you'll have to leave it with them for a while so it's a cold start but its worth it when its a 2 day old 40k truck having issues.

 

And what I would do, is 1) Make sure you are doing the start procedure correct, then once that is confirmed to be correct, 2) Call the dealer and hand them the keys.