2017 flex fuel not starting

Hello,

I have a 2017 sequoia limited with flex fuel 4wd. It occasionally has trouble with cold starts. Battery fine, alternator fine. Will run well once it starts and won’t repeat problem for a couple weeks.
The problem- starter turns and engine doesn’t catch at all. It’s almost like if I started it without spark plugs. Then, pull key and retry and it starts normally. The dealership couldn’t find anything and charged a ton to clean the fuel injectors. Problem persists.

I hope someone here can help. Thanks for looking.

 

Did they check fuel mixture numbers? I bet they read incorrect ethanol %

 

Is the starter not engaging the flywheel?

 

https://share.icloud.com/photos/02fx7i4UnAIgd5Y6kS2a_dgfQ

This is the best I can do to upload a video. I can’t tell about the flywheel. I don’t know if they looked at fuel mixture data. We definitely never use e85.

 

Mine has been doing the same thing. Is yours similiar to this?

Edit: just saw your iCloud link…
Also posted a similiar thread a few weeks ago. Somebody mentioned a fuel pump but find that hard to believe if it was replaced a year ago when I brought it in for the TSB.
https://www.tundras.com/threads/2018-cold-start-problems.119227/

https://youtube.com/shorts/ntZ7xsgeUJA?feature=share

 

Very similar, yours sounds like it was catching(almost starting)a little. I’m not sure our ever does. It’s frustrating because Toyotas are usually so reliable.

 

Mine just did the cold start about 20 mins ago before I took my daughter to the bus stop. It always takes 4 times before it turns over when I have this problem. Frustrating

 

Thought there was a TSB with ECU flash and a fuel pump replacement for this problem, specific to FFV vehicles.

 

this.

It Is a pretty common problem. Plenty
Of reading here

I would get a cheap obd2 reader and check your ethanol reading. Probably way off

 

There is but it doesn’t help long term. My truck has been to the dealer 5 times for this issue. The dealer readily admits Toyota has no fix for it. Here is the sad part. They will charge you to change the alcohol density ratio even though they know and can’t fix the issue.

 

I’d like to know how to reset it on our own so we don’t have to go to dealer.

 

I believe a recent version of techstream on a 64 bit OS will do it.

 

I brought my truck in for the TSB Jan 22, and the truck is still acting up. My truck had the extended start 3 times today. Only when the engine was cold. Besides the frustration with the root problem, I’m getting worried about the starter at this point too cranking as much as it’s doing. Since I operate aircraft on a regular basis, there is typically a starter duty limitation written, but haven’t found one for the Tundra in regards to how long to let it cool down between restarts to prevent failure.

This time, mine isn’t spitting out codes like it did before on my OBDII.

I’m not sure if my OBDII reads ethanol levels, so I’ll have to check that tomorrow in the settings.

 

lucky for me I guess, but last month I brought my truck in, it sat with them for several days, they couldn’t duplicate it and didn’t charge me a dime. I was pretty impressed they didn’t charge the diagnostic fee. I’m calling tomorrow for another appointment and hopefully be able to somehow give them a video of the symptoms

 

Mine has always been the alcohol density. As soon as they reset it my truck fires up, runs better and gets slightly better MPG.
They told me to pull my key out of ignition when fueling and it “should” extend the time between issues.

This is a FFV engine issue only and Toyota is fully aware.

 

https://www.tundras.com/threads/2-5-gen-alcohol-density-class-action.119048/

I’m started this last week. It didn’t get any traction. I honestly believe it’s time to stand up to Toyota in this long standing and known issue.

 

I just ordered the new version of Techstream so I can reset this if I ever need to. Consumer shouldn’t have to deal with this issue but path of least resistance…

 

It is. You’re correct. It really pisses me off though.
I need to learn more about how to use tech stream and how I can reset this myself.

 

That’s funny. My key is always out of the ignition when I refuel. Did some old timer tell them that and they all agreed? LOL

 

They told me the computer stays active with the key in. I honestly think they are grasping at straws with this issue.

 

I did a quick search earlier on Techstream but isn’t buying the equipment/subscription pretty expensive? Like way more expensive than just having the dealership change fuel density?

 

VCI J2534 Cable Fit for Toyota TIS Techstream - Latest Version V16.00.017, Firmware V1.4.8, Scanner Adapter Diagnostic Cable Scan Tool, OBD2 Diagnostic Cable, Support Win XP WIN7 WIN10 32/64bits https://a.co/d/figHAOG


My old 32bit version can turn things off like the seat belt warning but I don’t trust the laptop it’s on.

 

The $50 bootleg version works fine for resetting alcohol density.

 

the concept is cool but I’m not trusting Chinese malware to be installed on my computer

 

You have an iPhone?

 

Failing fuel filter/pump?

 

How old is the battery? Who checked it? I WAS having this issue until I put in a new battery and put a maintainer on it from time to time.

 

For anyone interested - I was able to get Techstream installed and connected to the truck. I performed a relearn for the fuel trim and will see if that takes care of the hesitates start.

 

I am having this issue also

 

FWIW, I never had a CEL come on but it did have P1604 code logged when I looked at the ECU in Techstream.