Rough Start

[thewagonmachine]

Lately I've been beginning to notice that when I start my car for the first time in the morning or something, it turns over and sounds like it is having trouble starting after I stop cranking. It sort of stalls and takes a half a second or so to get up to idle. Dunno what this is, just started noticing it, maybe I have a bad starting sensor or something? Help would be appreciated, thanks.

[Tek]

Originally Posted by thewagonmachine

Lately I've been beginning to notice that when I start my car for the first time in the morning or something, it turns over and sounds like it is having trouble starting after I stop cranking. It sort of stalls and takes a half a second or so to get up to idle. Dunno what this is, just started noticing it, maybe I have a bad starting sensor or something? Help would be appreciated, thanks.

I am not a tech, but here are my thoughts:

1. Bad plugs / wires
2. Clogged fuel filter

[thewagonmachine]

hmmm well fuel filter is in the tank I believe? That would suck, so I'm gonna check out the plug and wire situation...techs?

[thewagonmachine]

Also, I believe it gets worse the more time my car sits...like today, I didn't think it was going to start on the first crank, it sounded real bad. I have no idea what this could be, and if it is something simple like plugs, I don't want to take it to the garage to have them tell me that, but if everyone doesn't know for sure, or hasn't experienced this I may have to take it in. Thanks in advance.

[TRD VVTi]

There isn't enough information for a response.

Read this:

Need help with a rattle, noise, MIL, diagnosis, squeak, etc? Read this first.
Many times people post a thread asking for help trying to figure out their problem. Usually, there isn't enough information posted to actually help them. I figured I'd add this thread to help some people understand some things that are needed by others to help them out.

First, do a SEARCH. There aren't many problems out there that haven't been seen by others already, and posted here.

Second, if you have an M.I.L. (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) get the code first. If you don't have a code you can't be helped. Getting the fault code is the first step in diagnosis, without it there isn't a way to know what system is being affected.

Third, you MUST describe your problem ACCURATELY and in great DETAIL. This is extremely important. If you have a noise you need to describe what it sounds like, exactly where it comes from, and exactly when it occurs. The same thing goes for a driveability problem.

If possible, make a video clip of your problem/concern. Being able to visualize or hear what's happening is very helpful.*

When making your thread title, be accurate and describe the thread as much as possible. "Need help" isn't a good title. Describe the car and problem briefly. Some people actually cruise the forum looking to help. A poorly written title might result in your thread being skipped by someone who wants to, and can, help you.*

Here are a list of conditions/circumstances that you can consider when you describe your problem:

1) Is the car cold or at operating temperature

2) Is it warm or cold outside

3) Is it wet or dry outside

4) Does the problem occur when turning, if so which way, how hard of a turn, etc.

5) Does the problem occur during cruising speeds, up hill, at idle in park or neutral, at idle in gear, when slowing down or going down hill, on acceleration, when braking, etc...

6) Does the car have to be on even or uneven pavement

7) What speeds does it occur

8) If it's intermittent, exactly how do you duplicate the problem

9) What year, engine size, transmission type, mileage, maintenance history, modifications, etc. pertain to your car (this is actually the first thing that you should post)

10) How long has it been happening and is it getting worse

11) What is your automotive knowledge (mechanical, electrical, and diagnostic skill levels)? Can you perform checks if advised to do so?

12) Did a specific event occur when the problem first appeared?

13) Use proper grammar, spelling, and overall language skills http://www.spellcheck.net/



This is just a partial list that I could think of right now. Please add your input so that I can edit this thread to be more useful to others.

Thank you and have a nice day.

EDIT: Please don't complain about this thread. I only started it to help people out. If you don't want to contribute anything helpful, please don't post in the thread.

* Thanks to Mike Murrell and Lammydi for their previous inputs/additions in the other thread which are included here.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t249869.html

[semyonlibman]

Originally Posted by TRD_EarBanger

Shi Mang, Dat B My Homie N I B Understanding Wat He B Communicating. Wats Da Big Thang Bro? If U Dont B Liken Da Way We B Tawkin My Bro An I Will Tipe Like Dis All Da Time Yo. Dats Dat Fo Reel.

Confirmed - mark780 is a clown!

[thewagonmachine]

wow

[thewagonmachine]

1) Occurs when car is cold

2) It is warm right now

3) Doesn't matter the weather

6) Even pavement does not matter

9) 2002, 2.4L I4, automatic, 114,000 mi., consistent maintenance hist., stock

10) It has been happening for about a month, it gets worse after days of sitting without a start

11) Not much electrical skill, yet. I could do checks, depending on the depth

12) No specific even occurred, as far as I can remember


THERE

[DressUpYourPet]

There isn't enough information for a response.

Read this:

Need help with a rattle, noise, MIL, diagnosis, squeak, etc? Read this first.
Many times people post a thread asking for help trying to figure out their problem. Usually, there isn't enough information posted to actually help them. I figured I'd add this thread to help some people understand some things that are needed by others to help them out.

First, do a SEARCH. There aren't many problems out there that haven't been seen by others already, and posted here.

Second, if you have an M.I.L. (Malfunction Indicator Lamp) get the code first. If you don't have a code you can't be helped. Getting the fault code is the first step in diagnosis, without it there isn't a way to know what system is being affected.

Third, you MUST describe your problem ACCURATELY and in great DETAIL. This is extremely important. If you have a noise you need to describe what it sounds like, exactly where it comes from, and exactly when it occurs. The same thing goes for a driveability problem.

If possible, make a video clip of your problem/concern. Being able to visualize or hear what's happening is very helpful.*

When making your thread title, be accurate and describe the thread as much as possible. "Need help" isn't a good title. Describe the car and problem briefly. Some people actually cruise the forum looking to help. A poorly written title might result in your thread being skipped by someone who wants to, and can, help you.*

Here are a list of conditions/circumstances that you can consider when you describe your problem:

1) Is the car cold or at operating temperature

2) Is it warm or cold outside

3) Is it wet or dry outside

4) Does the problem occur when turning, if so which way, how hard of a turn, etc.

5) Does the problem occur during cruising speeds, up hill, at idle in park or neutral, at idle in gear, when slowing down or going down hill, on acceleration, when braking, etc...

6) Does the car have to be on even or uneven pavement

7) What speeds does it occur

8) If it's intermittent, exactly how do you duplicate the problem

9) What year, engine size, transmission type, mileage, maintenance history, modifications, etc. pertain to your car (this is actually the first thing that you should post)

10) How long has it been happening and is it getting worse

11) What is your automotive knowledge (mechanical, electrical, and diagnostic skill levels)? Can you perform checks if advised to do so?

12) Did a specific event occur when the problem first appeared?

13) Use proper grammar, spelling, and overall language skills http://www.spellcheck.net/



This is just a partial list that I could think of right now. Please add your input so that I can edit this thread to be more useful to others.

Thank you and have a nice day.

EDIT: Please don't complain about this thread. I only started it to help people out. If you don't want to contribute anything helpful, please don't post in the thread.

* Thanks to Mike Murrell and Lammydi for their previous inputs/additions in the other thread which are included here.

http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/t249869.html
__________________

are you a moderator?

[gdanaher]

You indicate it has a consistent maintenance history but that doesn't mean an adequate maintenance history. At 114k miles, look at the air filter and change if needed, put a couple bottles of Gumout or something similar in the gas tank. Lots of folks here love Seafoam. Put something in the gas. Replace the fuel filter. No, it isn't in the gas tank. The pump is. Check vacuum hoses to see if one is broken. This would cause the symptom. Get some spray carb cleaner and degunk the throttle plate/body. Probably time to replace the plugs with some good ones similar to oem. Pull ignition wires and look for oxidation on the contacts--clean or replace as needed.

[TRD VVTi]

Have the spark plugs ever been replaced?

Cold starts require the car to run more rich initially. Do you ever have an MIL?

[thewagonmachine]

Yes the damn spark plugs have been replaced...I am not a dumbass here. I have changed the air filter consistently (12,000mi) and just replaced one at it's schedule, and I have used the fuel system cleaner a couple thousand miles ago. I can try the ignition wire check and clean the throttle body with my carb cleaner. The oxidation on the ignition wires does make sense. If I may ask a question, what is a MIL? Maintenance Light???

[semyonlibman]

Originally Posted by thewagonmachine

Yes the damn spark plugs have been replaced...I am not a dumbass here. I have changed the air filter consistently (12,000mi) and just replaced one at it's schedule, and I have used the fuel system cleaner a couple thousand miles ago. I can try the ignition wire check and clean the throttle body with my carb cleaner. The oxidation on the ignition wires does make sense. If I may ask a question, what is a MIL? Maintenance Light???

MIL is Malfunction Indicator Light = Check Engine Light

[TRD VVTi]

Originally Posted by thewagonmachine

Yes the damn spark plugs have been replaced...I am not a dumbass here. I have changed the air filter consistently (12,000mi) and just replaced one at it's schedule, and I have used the fuel system cleaner a couple thousand miles ago. I can try the ignition wire check and clean the throttle body with my carb cleaner. The oxidation on the ignition wires does make sense. If I may ask a question, what is a MIL? Maintenance Light???

You're not a dumbass? Really? Your reply shows otherwise.

You don't have ignition wires.

You shouldn't clean the throttle body with carb cleaner either.

I have other questions to ask that may lead to some help, but I'm done with your attitude.

Good luck.

[thewagonmachine]

Well maybe next time, genius' like yourself shouldn't act as though you are talking to little children when trying to HELP someone with a problem. I am perfectly fine going elsewhere with my problem, good luck to you too. ha