Hard start after 6 day no use - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

koreywill · 01-30-2006, 05:57 PM

I jumped into my 2000 Corolla this a.m. to go to work after not having driven the car in 6 days. It cranked and cranked for about 45 seconds before it started. Everything seemed fine (light were bright, starter turned at the right speed, etc) but it just wouldn't catch. I'm thinking a slow leak in an injector allowing pressure to drop. Day after day uage and the car starts fine but this was a first. Thoughts?

Koreywill

94_Rolla_Guy · 01-30-2006, 06:10 PM

i got an intermittent problem with mine that sounds the same i think its just the fuel system leaking back to the tank slowly letting some air into the lines so when you go to start it theres a little air lock by the injectors that takes a sec to clear

TBayToyotaBoy · 02-01-2006, 01:18 PM

My mother's 2005 Matrix XRS does the same thing, but it happens even after a day sitting. My 1990 Camry (currently at 345,000km) and my 1989 GT-S (230,000km) somehow do not! The jacka$$ I bought the Corolla from hadn't started it in NINE MONTHS when I went to see it, but it cranked-over after six rotations--on bad gas.

Does anyone know what the design difference would be between these model years? Whatever they changed for the newer models, it's causing this problem.

Nad1370 · 02-01-2006, 05:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBayToyotaBoy

Does anyone know what the design difference would be between these model years? Whatever they changed for the newer models, it's causing this problem.

98 + model Corolla's went to a returnless fuel system.

Either air got in the fuel lines and it took a while to get gas to the injectors like Rolla guy said or plugs were slightly fouled.

Flashmn · 02-02-2006, 02:16 AM

after 6 days of standing still I wouldnt be surprised if air got in the fuellines.

***MRQtwinturbo*** · 02-02-2006, 07:15 AM

battery would be the first culprit.....

koreywill · 06-01-2006, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MRQturbo

battery would be the first culprit.....

As it turned out, you were right. I recently bought a new battery and after 6 days of sitting the car started right up. Good call.

koreywill

***REN69*** · 06-01-2006, 11:49 PM

That doesn't mean the alternator is not at fault either though.. if the alternator is beginning to fail, the battery will not charge properly. Give it a few days, if the battery still holds charge then you're good to go.. if not then your alternator is failing.

cuzman · 06-02-2006, 12:42 AM

ALso make sure the terminals are clean and greased to stop corrosion

all the best....

FLCEGuy · 06-02-2006, 03:17 PM

My 2006 CE has a rather complicated fuel vapor recovery system. A note that came with the car says "It TESTS fuel pressure 5 hours AFTER turning off the ignition." A pump near the gas tank can be heard. I don't know if it is evacuating the fuel line or filler tube back to the tank or checking for vapor leaks or what? I know the gas cap seal on most cars since 2001 is a big deal.

My car is still like new (850 miles over 6 months) and sits for days between uses. It has never started without about three seconds of cranking, warm or cold, but doesn't lose a drop of fuel sitting in my garage. I'm averaging over 37 mpg in mostly suburban stop & go driving so I'm pretty sure it is working efficiently.