Some hard starts?

[BennyLava]

Every once in a while, my 2009 automatic sedan will have a hard start. Where the car will continue cranking for another 3 or 4 seconds, after it should. But its doing this because the engine isn't starting. This only happens about once every 20 starts. But its really noticeable and I was wondering if anyone here might know what causes this. I was thinking maybe fuel pump, but this has been going on for so long now, that I assume the fuel pump would have died a natural death by now if indeed it was the problem. Then I thought maybe it could possibly be the fuel filter needing changed, but I read here on the forums that the filter doesn't really ever need to be replaced unless it clogs from bad gas and then the car just won't start.

I'd like to address this issue before whatever the real problem is, finally gets worse and I get stranded somewhere. The car just takes longer to start, but its so long that you know that there is something going wrong that needs to be fixed.

Forgot to mention, the car has 187k miles on it.

[Yaris709]

I've had my yaris for 2 years now and its been doing the same thing since I've had it. The starter sticks is what's happening. Wouldn't worry to much about it.

[dogsridewith]

Observed in different cars over several decades. Sometimes or usually in hot restarts after some period of rest. Never explained, never got worse, no confirmation in at least one web forum discussion I had somewhere.
One possibility is the engine cold-start temperature sensors not in sync w/ engine needs during heat-soak transients. Another is the EVAP system somehow sucking the fuel line contents back into the tank.
(Random long cranking starts)

[RutherfordmanX]

The new 2017 I just got a few weeks back takes longer to start than my 2008. It is well within a reasonable time but not as quick as my older one. I do see it putting a bit more wear on the starter.

[BennyLava]

I've had my yaris for 2 years now and its been doing the same thing since I've had it. The starter sticks is what's happening. Wouldn't worry to much about it.


Were you ever able to absolutely confirm this is the case?

If so maybe replacing the starter would fix it. I just wanted to do something in case it will eventually leave us stranded somewhere.

[Bluevitz-rs]

Some cars are equipped with crank and hold feature. So the computer is actually controlling the starter.

[BennyLava]

Some cars are equipped with crank and hold feature. So the computer is actually controlling the starter.

That was something I was wondering about. It would help to know if my car is one of those cars. 09 automatic sedan. If my car has this, it could mean that it is not actually a starter issue, and that the computer is having to make the starter spin for longer in order to get the engine to start. Could mean there is a different problem.

[Bluevitz-rs]

Simply turn the key for a second and let it go. If it keeps cranking you have crank and hold.

[IllusionX]

All 06+ Yaris have it. Not sure about the gen2 or gen3, but I'm pretty sure they are.

You don't even need to hold it for 1s. Just flick it as if you pushed a start/stop button.

Mine takes a tiny bit longer to start since I changed the battery. I wouldn't worry if it doesn't overcrank.

And seriously? More wear on the starter? Do you push the hand brake button as you engage it, so you don't wear the clicker?

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[BennyLava]

Who said more wear on the starter?

Although yes, the more a starter is used, the more wear it sees. You don't wear out a starter that never gets used and sits on a shelf.

[Kaotic Lazagna]

All 06+ Yaris have it. Not sure about the gen2 or gen3, but I'm pretty sure they are.

You don't even need to hold it for 1s. Just flick it as if you pushed a start/stop button.

Mine takes a tiny bit longer to start since I changed the battery. I wouldn't worry if it doesn't overcrank.

And seriously? More wear on the starter? Do you push the hand brake button as you engage it, so you don't wear the clicker?

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I know the third gens removed that feature.

[NYC-SE]

I know the third gens removed that feature.

Correct. No crank and hold on 3rd gen cars (or at least on mine).

[BennyLava]

Well its doing it more and more often now. Its the wife's car that she drives to work every day. Although its also something of a shared car between us, since my 87 silverado gets a pitiful 15mpg. So I also use the car a good deal.

She's becoming concerned about it, because its doing it more and more and its doing it for longer. Is there anyone here who is really clear on what causes this?

[hairygityeti]

I have a first gen Yaris i wounder if i have crank and hold?:iono:
But one thing i do know i have is 1st gen rust:bellyroll:and a lot ofit! lol

[dogsridewith]

Some cars are equipped with crank and hold feature. So the computer is actually controlling the starter.
Mine did the crank-and-hold thing this cold damp morning. (Short drive after dark last night.) Started fine--before enough cranks to make me concerned that something is out of tune. But I had definitely released the key. I'm not sure it always does crank-and-hold on a key turned too briefly to start...will have to pay attention to that. Interesting if it only does crank-and-hold under certain conditions.

[malibuguy]

I had the same issue...every once in a while i'll get an extended crank. I disconnected the battery and it hasnt done it since.

Is it a fix or coincidence? no idea

worth a shot for y'all to try

[BennyLava]

I'll try the battery disconnect. Can't hurt to try that.

[dogsridewith]

Is this a problem? Or is it something gen 2 Yaris is supposed to do under certain conditions?

[BennyLava]

Seems like its something that will be more of a problem than not. Since it has increased in number of occurences, as well as the length of time that it takes before it stops doing it.