A friend of mine has/had a similar problem with her Saturn. I know Toyota and Saturn are different. It ended up being an ignition control module. Some other things to check are battery and alternator readings. Any AutoZone should be able to check the readings for you for free and they'll charge the battery if needed and of course sell you the battery and alternator. I don't work for AutoZone but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night.

 

I don't work for AutoZone but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night.

Hmm...gotta try that sometime.

 

+ 1 on the auto zone (or advance auto) I had them pull a code on my Malibu and was able to fix the problem the same day. give it a go....it's free information.

 

Right, Thanks for the input about the free services.

Dark Taco, regarding the 'code', how and where do i obtain this code on my Toyota? I did check the 'code' forum, but the link took me to the Tundra forum.???????????

Carolyn,

 

^^^^^ all correct information above. If the check engine light is on or was on (it gets stored in the computer) take it to auto zone and they will pull the code using the port under the drivers side dash. It is called an OBDII port.

 

Is the truck throwing a check engine light?

As to the how and where, you will need a code reader of some sort, and there are variety out there. You simply plug the reader into the OBDII port, which is under the dash below the fuse panel to get the readout.

Most auto parts places will either read them for you, or let you use a reader to get them.

 

There will only be a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) code in the computer if the Check Engine light is on.

So, if the light is on, go to an auto parts place and ask them to read the code. Once they tell you which codes were given by the computer, either search here or post them here and I'm sure you'll get some help.

 

check your temp sensor or cold start injector. connections could be dirty

 

Regarding Responses

First and foremost.....Thank you!!!

No Check engine lights....yet, and thanks for the heads up in the reader.

I was going to have Steve check the sensor (connections) and he did mention the cold start injector (wasn't sure it had one). We are leaning toward the fuel (in the tank...:headbang:...filter). He's been reading (here) about it. Looking at the URD unit.

Cold mornings here, at this time of the year, are about 70 degrees. The truck even has a problem about 3 hours after you shut it down. Our Volvo had a 'fuel accumulator". This worked with the fuel pump to keep the fuel at pressure. I did take a dump once upon a time and he had to change out the fuel pump and the accumulator to solve the problem.

The service bulletin states that when you turn the key (cycle) a second time it would start. I will be getting to that tomorrow and get back to you all.

Again, Thank you!!!!!
Carolyn

 

Ever changed the plugs? Are you running super gas or regular unleaded? 70 degrees is warm enough that it should fire right up. Is it over cranking, meaning you hold it for 10 seconds roughly till it catches? Just looking for some more insight, my truck started cranking about 5 seconds and thats' when i decided it was time for plugs, just my 2 cents... good luck, hope this helps, Matt

 

New plugs

Thanks Matts for your reply, I don't think it has had new plugs.......yet.
I know it has had steady service (dealer....that I am not too happy with). While I haven't looked into the records, i think it hasn't.

Hubby's good with mechanics but bad with keeping records himself. He is usually quite busy too . He has 2 companies he owns and tries to keep track of. He understands the frustration w/the dealer and drove the truck last night to experience the starting problem, he won't be able to really check it out till this weekend, I think he might check / replace the plugs at that time.
Our Silverado reqs plug change at 100K (2002). I'l get the book out for him and let him think it was his idea .:lol: Maybe offer to buy him some plugs for his Birthday (2 weeks).

I have read that some of these trucks were hard starting from the beginning. Just look at the key on the chevy and it starts. The old honda was the same way as the chevy, and the new honda has to crank a bit like the tacoma.

I am going to look again at the book... I'll get back to all of you.

Thanks again to all of you for your help!!!!!!!!!!! carolyn and off to the beach in an hour

 

a little update (by steve)

Thanks guys for taking care of carolyn while I was not

Took a look around the under the hood. etc,

Dealer replaced spark plugs at 33000K (spec). i don't think so. I don't think some of those bolts have ever been out. checked out all sensor, emmisions connections, etc that I could find. air filters 2 mon old. cleaned throttle body (wasn't bad). went online looking for the cold start injector location, seems that the 1GRFE may not have one. have read several posts on different forums that say nay.. one post said that the cold start injector has a fault # that will read and give a engine warning light. that ws on this site. there was some confisioun as to weather it was fault codes for a tacoma or a matrix????? I'll look at it again. will post back.......sl

 

Do you have original battery in that truck? 4 years in California heat is a long time for a battery. What color is the "eye" on top of it? Green is good, yellow/black--bad. Have AZ load-test the battery, it's free.

 

hi everyone

Well the beach (San Clemente) was just great! we got there about 2:30 pm. most of the crowd was starting to leave at that time. Steve went to catch some waves and I worked on my tan. We had a light dinner and watched the sun set. Left there about 9:00pm.

Steve ordered some spark plugs from AZ, as jeddak called it. I picked them up today. Steve took one look at them and boiled over!!!!:ugh3:. seems that they sold me USED spark plugs!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not used much, just slightly used, haha:thumbsdow. I am glad I wasn't the one at AZ when he got there! and he didn't go to jail. He said, and showed me where the rings on them were crushed. They didnt look like it to me, but they were a little dirty and you could see where a wrench sockker was used on them!

I downloaded a free manual too! not from Rapid share but another place I found here on this site. good tool! Steve is thinking about checking the valve-lashes, while he has it apart. My poor truck is sick and is getting surgery:disappoin.

Jddak, the battery is fine, dot is green.

Matt, the gas I run is regular unleaded.

Some of you asked about a service code and dash light (check engine), no, no 'check engine' light has come on. Maybe when you first turn the key, all of the lights come on for a second.

????? Will I get a 'check engine' light if the fuel filter, fuel pump or the fuel pressure regular is faulty? I remember the Volvo had to have a new fuel pressure regular.

Well that brings us all up to date.

P.S. Steve was reading the service manual (that I downloaded ) and looked at the diagrams and said that my little engine is veryadvanced and high tech! (of course it is! I always knew that)!
thanks,
Carolyn