Engine Slow to Start

[ruimond]

Hey guys,

Been having this problem for a few months already, but haven't really gone to have a look at it really. As it hasn't really affected the car. But was wondering if anyone had experienced a simalar problem.

Very rarely this happens, but it does...happened today but the last time was maybe a few weeks ago. Whenever i start the car i can hear the engine cranking but it won't kick in till a few seconds later, its kinda like a delayed start. The car drives fine, and the radio, lights etc seem to work fine, so i don't think its the battery.

Could it be spark plugs or something? Maybe if someone has had this happen to them could tell me what it might be, that would be great.

Thanks.

[djgab101]

hey my brother drive a 2004 corolla and his is doing the same thing.... i think maybe it does this after u have dont alot of kilometer !!!

how many kilometer have u done in ur car... my bros has done 1000 km and his also does the same thing

[ruimond]

well its got almost 32,000km already. Don't think its anything to do with that.

[Cutie Pie #2]

Mine did it when I had 800 miles on it, but it didn't crank slow, it just over cranks once the engine is on, and does still does do it rarely. I asked the dealer about it they could not find any thing wrong with the car.

[ChinoCharles]

How many times has your battery died?

[xpeteyjtx]

Hey guys,

Been having this problem for a few months already, but haven't really gone to have a look at it really. As it hasn't really affected the car. But was wondering if anyone had experienced a simalar problem.

Very rarely this happens, but it does...happened today but the last time was maybe a few weeks ago. Whenever i start the car i can hear the engine cranking but it won't kick in till a few seconds later, its kinda like a delayed start. The car drives fine, and the radio, lights etc seem to work fine, so i don't think its the battery.

Could it be spark plugs or something? Maybe if someone has had this happen to them could tell me what it might be, that would be great.

Thanks.

Can you clarify a few things...
So it cranks slower than usual? and it cranks over 1 or 2 more times and then starts?

What is the ambient temperature when this occurs? If its cold out (around freezing or below) then the Yaris will experience those symptoms. ChinoCharles brings up a good point... auto batteries don't like to be drained and then charged back up.

[ruimond]

It cranks a few times 2 or more times then starts. But it doesn't sound like its cranking slowly. Sounds like normal but just takes more cranks to start. So yeh it isn't instant like normal. My battery hasn't died, coz everything electrical wise has always worked.

Temperature was fairly warm the other day when it happened, its summer at the moment. But it has happened in winter before. Though we never get to around freezing temperatures really, so i think we could possibly rule that out. lol.

[IllusionX]

it does happen to me.

do you let the gas pump go on (ie, let the light settled down, engine light ON) before cranking it ?

[Ryu]

It has something to do with the temperature of your place now.
I know by chaning a battery will solve your problem.

These are my little tips to help you start your car better even though by changing to a new battery will solve all the problem.
Fasten your seat belt first, turn fan to zero, turn off radio, and then start your car.
I found these little step help me to start my car easier in the winter time here.

[xpeteyjtx]

It cranks a few times 2 or more times then starts. But it doesn't sound like its cranking slowly. Sounds like normal but just takes more cranks to start. So yeh it isn't instant like normal. My battery hasn't died, coz everything electrical wise has always worked.

Temperature was fairly warm the other day when it happened, its summer at the moment. But it has happened in winter before. Though we never get to around freezing temperatures really, so i think we could possibly rule that out. lol.

Many factors go into this issue...

We can rule out the battery.
It may take a few more turns to start the engine due to a previous short run. So let's say you started the engine and did not let the car run for a long time. Then, when you start it again, it may take a few more turns.
The other factor is cold weather.

Those are the major reasons for what you are experiencing. Obviously, it could be something else, but your situation sounds normal.

[ruimond]

Thanks for the replies guys. Been helpful.

[slvryaris]

Mine has been doing this it has been cold outside. Just cranks a little longer then usual. My sedan has almost 70,000 on it and I am going to go ahead and change the plugs probably.

[SL Runner]

Hey guys,

Been having this problem for a few months already, but haven't really gone to have a look at it really. As it hasn't really affected the car. But was wondering if anyone had experienced a simalar problem.

Very rarely this happens, but it does...happened today but the last time was maybe a few weeks ago. Whenever i start the car i can hear the engine cranking but it won't kick in till a few seconds later, its kinda like a delayed start. The car drives fine, and the radio, lights etc seem to work fine, so i don't think its the battery.

Could it be spark plugs or something? Maybe if someone has had this happen to them could tell me what it might be, that would be great.

Thanks.

Did you experience this problem again? I'm experiencing this issue every time I start my vehicle.-

[victorddr]

Poor starting can be contribute by many factor. First thing to check will be your battery. If you have a DMM (Digital Multi-Meter), check if your battery have a minimum 12.4V (That is 75% of a fully charged car battery). Anything below that may cause slow start problem.

[SL Runner]

Battery voltage is fine..Spark plugs (Iridium) checked and fine..Fuel pressure is normal, changed the Air Filter, Vehicle ODO is 20800, Engine light is not ON, but there is a DTC called 'vehicle start issue' if im not mistaken (cant remember the DTC code), cleaned throttle body too. I dont know what else to do... help me friends... I have started a separate thread for this.. http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35594

[ilikerice]

according to your other tread, if anyone is going to help you with your issue on yarisworld, CTScott is the man to help you as much as someone on a forum can. He knows his shit.

[CTScott]

according to your other tread, if anyone is going to help you with your issue on yarisworld, CTScott is the man to help you as much as someone on a forum can. He knows his shit.

I'm kind of stumped on his, without seeing the car in person. Based on some PMs back and forth with him, the only thing I can see causing it is the fuel system depressurizing over time as it sits.

[KCALB SIRAY]

Is it basically the car turning over for several seconds and not fully starting. Relate this to us old people....does it sound like the carburator isn't getting gas?

[CTScott]

Is it basically the car turning over for several seconds and not fully starting.

That's what it sounds like from his description. It would actually be helpful to see/hear a video of it.

[schume]

I'm kind of stumped on his, without seeing the car in person. Based on some PMs back and forth with him, the only thing I can see causing it is the fuel system depressurizing over time as it sits.I have the same problem with my car. Usually happens after it has been driven. I insert the key and turn it to the start position right away. I had it crank for a good 5 seconds in front of my friend's house once. Everyone thought I was doing it on purpose. I was thinking fuel pressure too, but how could it be depressurizing in such a short period of time? If I turn the key to ON for a few seconds and then start, no problems. Between this, the random loud intermittent clacking on startup, waiting for my waterpump to die an early death, the waddling suspension and the horrible smell from the A/C, I could almost regret buying this thing.

[KCALB SIRAY]

That's what it sounds like from his description. It would actually be helpful to see/hear a video of it.

I know what he's talking about now, mine does it as well and not the first I've heard of this. Just think of it as exactly a carb not getting gas and you're turning the key on at a constant until it kicks in. Happens for about 5 to 7 seconds.

OP, check to make sure you are not running rich and change the filter (check to make sure nothing is clogged in the intake as well incase you sucked up a squirrel or something living in there. A dirty filter can cause this issue.

[SL Runner]

"fuel system depressurizing" I cross checked this with the 1NZ-FE manual. it says,

Fuel pressure - Starting: 44.1 to 49.7 psi.
Idle pressure: 21 psi or more.

http://s1086.photobucket.com/albums/j444/SLrunner/?action=view&current=06082011450.jpg

The attached picture shows my vehicle's fuel pressure when idle. It is within the range. When I push the start button, it quickly jumps to 44 - 45 psi

http://www.etimago.com/yaris/repairmanual/Fuel.pdf

Now another technician asked me to do a throttle learning as I cleaned my throttle body (manually). next 20th Im taking my vehicle to Toyota dealer. Then I'm planning to get the DTC code recorded in the ECU. And follow the instructions mentioned in the below manual.

http://www.etimago.com/yaris/repairmanual/Engine%20Control.pdf

I noticed one more thing. When I push the start button and when engine starter motor cranks, I pushed the accelerator and vehicle started quickly. Time duration for this scenario is between 3-4 seconds.

Appreciate your help friends. I sent a PM to Mr. Scott. Appreciate if you could get back to me.

Cheers...

[SL Runner]

Guys... for the last three days I was trying to capture the engine start delay on the video. Now engine starts smoothly once you start it in the morning. Once the engine get heated up problem occurs again when you try to start it. However here is the link for the video for morning start. I will capture the delayed start scenario and post the video soon.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWiKu-D4jWU

[ptown]

First timer reading the boards and saw this thread. Registered so I can put my two cents in. Got a 08 Yaris, intermittent extended crank. Randomly happens, cold or hot engine. It doesn't occur all the time but when it does I get an extended crank for up to 10 seconds and the engine will crank over.

Took it the dealer, found no trouble codes. Changed air filter, cleaned MAF sensor and throttle body. About a week later happens again. The issue started happening around 60k miles, I got about 90k now. I check spark plugs and found some residual oil on them. Very little oil in ignition coil bores. After replacing the spark plugs I havent experiences the problem again. Not sure if its a fix but worked for me. I haven't rechecked for any further leaks...been lazy..but I'm leaning towards the valve cover gasket leaking and causing my issue. Again the oil I found was very minute...wouldn't have even noticed if I was just doing a regular spark plug service.

[SL Runner]

Hi Guys,

Read this "http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/showthread.php?t=54982"

One of my friend who owns a Yaris had the same issue and he changed his injectors. Problem solved. My injectors are on their way...

BTW: ECU indicates a trouble code and it is: P1604 - "Startability Malfunction"

Remember guys: This trouble code covers a huge area of problems such as, check fuel pump, MAF sensor, Crank Shaft Position sensor, Spark Plugs etc. Diagnostic details are not available to public. I asked for it ...but Toyota refused to give it to me.

Conclusion: Injectors have gone bad due to contaminated petrol. Therefore replace all 4 injectors.

CTScott...Thanks mate... :headbang:

[Yarisillo]

I have the exact same issue as described! 125,000 miles on the odometer, VVT-i engine. 3-door.

Car will occasionally start only after several seconds of normal-sounding cranking. Have already replaced two muffler parts, had a brand new battery put in and no luck.

It used to be maybe once in five starts that it would do this -- the other times it would start instantly.

Now it's almost every other start. I use the car daily, so it's not a matter of it not being driven enough. Also, this happens in 30 degree (F) weather as well as 95 degree weather, so it's not temperature.

I have not tried waiting a few seconds after turning the key to 'ON' -- does this allow for some extra heating or preparation of the engine? My next step, I guess would be to change the spark plugs and/or injectors.

And I guess the next step after that would be going to a Toyota Dealership? I have taken it to 2-3 certified (insured, have numerous certificates displayed in their shop, good volume of customers) places and they have all scratched their heads and assured me that it can't possibly be the fuel filter (which I guess in the Yaris, is located inside the gas tank!)

[ex-x-fire]

I have the exact same issue as described! 125,000 miles on the odometer, VVT-i engine. 3-door.

Car will occasionally start only after several seconds of normal-sounding cranking. Have already replaced two muffler parts, had a brand new battery put in and no luck.

It used to be maybe once in five starts that it would do this -- the other times it would start instantly.

Now it's almost every other start. I use the car daily, so it's not a matter of it not being driven enough. Also, this happens in 30 degree (F) weather as well as 95 degree weather, so it's not temperature.

I have not tried waiting a few seconds after turning the key to 'ON' -- does this allow for some extra heating or preparation of the engine? My next step, I guess would be to change the spark plugs and/or injectors.

And I guess the next step after that would be going to a Toyota Dealership? I have taken it to 2-3 certified (insured, have numerous certificates displayed in their shop, good volume of customers) places and they have all scratched their heads and assured me that it can't possibly be the fuel filter (which I guess in the Yaris, is located inside the gas tank!)
Sounds like the fuel pressure is bleeding down. A proper fuel pressure test should tell you if it's bleeding down.