2003 Corolla Hard to start - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Jcleary1 · 06-24-2011, 01:19 AM

Hello All,
I am hoping to use all the knowledge of TNF to solve my problem, I have a 2003 Corolla and I am the original owner. There is 175k on the vehicle and I have been having my problem since last year. I bought a OBd2 reader and came up with P0440 and P0441 codes. The problem is i have a hard time starting the vehicle when the car has sat in the hot temperatures of summer (+20c) and also sometimes after refueling, i mean I have to attempt to start the engine 2-3 times before the engines starts. It sounds like there is a pressure concern, the engine sounds like it wants to turn over although there may not be any fuel there. The starter sounds like it is doing it's job, I can't hear the Fuel pump although it is in the tank, I know because i changed the fuel filter as a easy fix. i also changed the battery, spark plugs . I cleaned the battery terminal and also the ground off of the negative to the frame.

According to the codes I have visually checked the EVAP system; the canister, the Purge valve at the canister and the 2 in the engine compartment next to the Air Filter and did a visual of all the lines of the EVAP system i could not see any holes or cracks. I didn't see anything unusual but i am no expert. The problem sounds more like a fuel pump issue but these are the codes that I pull up.

Should I just attempt to change the canister and hope for the best? i have also been checking the website for any other threads with a similar problem although there is none as unique as this problem. I also read in one thread to check the Purge solenoid, is this attached to the purge valve?

Also I am hoping that I do not bore anyone although since this is isolated to summer heat and also refueling should I consider the "pressure" build up or vacuum buildup? this should point to the valves right? Just a thought.

Please if anyone has any suggestions it would be much appreciated.

Ordered Chaos · 06-25-2011, 04:53 PM

I had the exact same issue with my 2003 at around 240,000 kms.

Mine had a ton of other codes as well.

I thought one of the VSV would need to be replaced so had my mechanic replace the PITA one by the canister. Figured to get to it to test is the expensive part why not just replace it? That didn't work, so I replaced the VSV by the airbox. After that, my car had no more refueling/hot days starting problems. In hindsight, should have replaced it first.

Your results may vary, but I would try the VSV by the airbox before dropping over $250 for the canister.

Jcleary1 · 06-25-2011, 10:22 PM

Is it easy enough to test the Valves to eliminate one by one? It only occurs on Hot days, today was a little cool so it started like a dream. Although when the car sits during a hot day and I attempt to start I will have to crank the engine 2-3 times to start. Was the valve itself expensive? looking at other posts it seems that the first one suspect to change would be the valve next to the Charcoal canister, I may start with this valve just to start. I did visually inspect it although I cannot for certain determine if it is intermittent.

Ordered Chaos · 06-27-2011, 08:08 AM

Don't know how to test them, I would have left it up to my mechanic.

Since the valves were not that bad in price, around $35, I figure why pay the labor for testing it and i just ended up replacing them. The one by the canister got rid of the some of the codes (don't remember which ones, P0446 comes to mind) but my car remained very hard to start in hot days if left for the day and after refueling. Even when it finally starts, it takes about a minute for the idle to smooth out.

Replacing the one by the airbox I did myself and took almost less then a minute as it's literally just reconnecting a harness and 2 vacuum lines. I would just pay for that part and replace the one by the airbox and see if does the trick. If not, then tackle the one by the canister. I was there when it was replaced and it wasn't fun.

paulstoyota · 06-29-2011, 08:40 AM

I wish I had time, but don't have it to look it up....I've seen the VSV test somewhere online, step by step instructions and all and very clear (picture form too). Search for it and you'll find it. Pretty simple too from what I remember.