Hard starting - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

bwe · 01-20-2006, 02:33 PM

I have an 05 XR with 4500 miles on it. Recently it's gotten hard to start. It will start and die a couple of times. Then, usually on the 3rd attempt, it will start and run very rough for a few seconds before catching and smoothing out. This is at an ambient garage temperature of 55F. When leaving from work with the temp about 10 degrees it's touch and go to get it started, even with the block heater plugged in. In either situation, once it's started it runs fine. Has anyone else encountered this?
Thanks!

Frank@toronto · 01-20-2006, 06:19 PM

Try to get someone to read your OBDII codes. This may give you some more clues. Your "engine light" only turns on when one of your emission systems failed. Hence it worth to take a reading.

If the problem is very repeadable, then it leave overnight at the dealer. Let them monitor your car during the first start of the day.

bwe · 01-21-2006, 11:17 AM

Thanks! I have a friend who has a code reader and I'll try that first. The dealer is 3 hours away so if I can narrow this down maybe I can avoid a weekend hanging out in town.

deekay140 · 01-21-2006, 04:45 PM

if its the 1zz-fe motor, there are a few tech bulletins for starting problems. one is a new cpu, and the other is a new fuel pump.

take it to the dealer, its under warranty.

Trixter · 01-22-2006, 12:36 AM

Yeah i got a 06 matrix (1zz-fe) and even tho i have changed to better spark plugs, the start isn't all that great (maybe the factory battery sucks to begin with).

bwe · 01-22-2006, 11:10 AM

Yes, it is a 1zz-fe engine. Thanks for the info. Are the tech bulletins posted anywhere?

bwe · 02-03-2006, 12:20 PM

Since the problem began I experienced difficulty starting the engine every morning and it continued to get worse. I took the car to the dealer (120 mile drive, one-way) and had them leave it inside overnight to duplicate the problem. I showed up the next morning to watch the tech try and start it. You guessed it. Started first crank! No problems, no stumbles, no codes. He could find nothing wrong and he checked everything. Since then it has started like it is supposed to, even at -25F. Go figure!

Frank@toronto · 02-03-2006, 09:01 PM

Too bad it started.

Remember that when starting these type of engines, which use crankshaft and camshaft position sensors, you need to crank the engine longer. If you miss the 1st time, the second start is more difficult. Hence "kinda" overcrank it during starts.