02 Camry V6 takes several seconds of cranking before starting

[2002Camry]

I have a 2002 Camry LE V6 with 189K on it and noticed that it takes several seconds (4 to 5 seconds) of cranking before the car starts. When the car was newer, it used to crank quicker.

Here is what I have done so far:

- Changed all spark plugs @ dealer using iridium type
- Always used Premium Fuel (Petro Canada 91 grade)
- Put in a bottle of injector cleaner (Redline Complete Fuel System Cleaner)
- Throttle Body has been cleaned about 20K ago
- Oil changes are Mobil 1 5W30 year round with Denso Filter
- Battery was replaced last year with an Optima Red Top and was tested a few months back to be in excellent working order.

What I have observed is that when the weather is VERY cold outside (i.e. -20), it seems to crank quicker, but if I keep my car parked in my garage overnight and start it, it takes several seconds. I have never had the car not start on me so that's a good thing.

Any idea what could be doing this?

[fatngs]

i would have the battery tested again

[CamrySExxx]

^ Yeah I would say its the battery, it could also be your starter starting to take a crap.

[2002Camry]

I don't think it is the battery as there is plenty of juice. As for start motor, there is lots of strength in it too and no clicking sounds.

According to this video, I do no have a starter problem:

You Tube

You Tube

I think it may be a fuel leakdown in that when the car is warmed up a bit, there is less fuel in the fuel rail.

[wreyes1989]

only two things i can think of

1. the battery, make sure its the right size, my girl got a new battery and they sold her a civic car battery and she drive a 4runner.

2 starter. my girl 4runner have 194k and we replace the starter two times because of the long start time

[CamrySExxx]

Originally Posted by 2002Camry

I don't think it is the battery as there is plenty of juice. As for start motor, there is lots of strength in it too and no clicking sounds.

According to this video, I do no have a starter problem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBAsz8ImDyk

I think it may be a fuel leakdown in that when the car is warmed up a bit, there is less fuel in the fuel rail.

It still could be ... that video describes a starter that is pretty much on its way out. Yours could be just in the starting stages. Over time they get worn out.

Also did you replace it with the appropriate battery? The optima red tops are known for their CCA's ...

[2002Camry]

Originally Posted by CamrySExxx

It still could be ... that video describes a starter that is pretty much on its way out. Yours could be just in the starting stages. Over time they get worn out.

Also did you replace it with the appropriate battery? The optima red tops are known for their CCA's ...

Yea, the optima fits the Camry and has more then enough CCA for it. I will see if switching from premium fuel to regular makes any difference. Premium is recommended on my camry.

[2002Camry]

I am bumping my thread as this issue seems to be back again.

[hardtopte72]

Extended crank could be caused by several things. Did the dealer show you all 6 replaced plugs? Have the battery checked again just to be safe.

Corollas had a TSB for extended crank from weak fuel pumps. The fuel pressure would drop down from a weak/faulty pressure relief in the pump. Your Camry pump with 10-11 years and almost 200k could be on its way out.

Also I would consider going to the dealer for an EFI service. The EFI service uses a special tool with a special bleach smelling fuel cleaner to clean injectors. It is done by unhooking your fuel line, hooking up the tool and can, shutting off your fuel by removing the circuit open relay, and finally starting and running the car on the special can until it dies. This stuff works great and is much better than auto parts store fuel cleaners that evaporate before they hit the injector.

Short of those recommendations maybe take it to the dealer.

[2002Camry]

Originally Posted by hardtopte72

Extended crank could be caused by several things. Did the dealer show you all 6 replaced plugs? Have the battery checked again just to be safe.

Corollas had a TSB for extended crank from weak fuel pumps. The fuel pressure would drop down from a weak/faulty pressure relief in the pump. Your Camry pump with 10-11 years and almost 200k could be on its way out.

Also I would consider going to the dealer for an EFI service. The EFI service uses a special tool with a special bleach smelling fuel cleaner to clean injectors. It is done by unhooking your fuel line, hooking up the tool and can, shutting off your fuel by removing the circuit open relay, and finally starting and running the car on the special can until it dies. This stuff works great and is much better than auto parts store fuel cleaners that evaporate before they hit the injector.

Short of those recommendations maybe take it to the dealer.

Yes, I saw the plugs and still have them as I always ask for old parts back. I had the battery checked and it was fine.

I suspect that when I start the car, I really don't know when it will start unless I just turn the key, let it crank a second and release (sometimes it does and sometimes not). That's why I just let it crank a few seconds and then see if it starts. I gotta feeling I will kill the starter by doing this. On my NEW 2012 Camry, I turn it and it catches and starts right away.

[dudutzu]

Originally Posted by 2002Camry

Yes, I saw the plugs and still have them as I always ask for old parts back. I had the battery checked and it was fine.

I suspect that when I start the car, I really don't know when it will start unless I just turn the key, let it crank a second and release (sometimes it does and sometimes not). That's why I just let it crank a few seconds and then see if it starts. I gotta feeling I will kill the starter by doing this. On my NEW 2012 Camry, I turn it and it catches and starts right away.

does it make any difference if you turn the key ON and wait a couple seconds before you try to start it?
and does it still do it only when the car is hot and not when is cold?

[2002Camry]

Originally Posted by dudutzu

does it make any difference if you turn the key ON and wait a couple seconds before you try to start it? I always wait a few seconds before I start the car to prime the fuel pump.and does it still do it only when the car is hot and not when is cold? It does not make any difference.

[gdanaher]

Try just bumping the starter for a fraction of a second. If the fuel presure is bleeding off, a momentary bump will key the pump to run. Then try starting. If this cures the problem, the issue is most likely in the pump itself, or there should be a valve there somewhere that retains a minimal pressure in the line that isn't working.