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Hard Starting With Block Heater?

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by jks84, Dec 16, 2020.

  1. Dec 16, 2020 at 5:17 AM
    #1
    jks84

    jks84 [OP] New Member

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    Ok, so weird issue. I had a block heater installed last year on my '06 Tundra (freeze plug heater). I usually have it kick on with a timer a couple hours before I leave for work in the morning. After a couple hours I walk out, unplug it, and start the truck. However, when it turns over it doesn't fire right up. It turns over for several seconds then barely starts, revs low, revs high, then idles nicely. Sometimes it revs so low it shuts off and I start all over.

    It does not do this when the block heater doesn't get plugged in. I noticed too that if I go home for lunch (2 minute drive), plug it in while I eat, and start it 45 minutes later it doesn't do it either.

    I am scratching my head and so is the mechanic who installed it. Any ideas?
     
  2. Dec 16, 2020 at 5:42 AM
    #2
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

    Joined:
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    The SoAz
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    Welcome.
    The engine uses a few different parameters during start up, one being air temp at the MAF, another would be the coolant temp sensor. My guess is the block heater is only heating up a certain amount of the coolant and when it passes the sensor it is going from hot to cold.
    It’s also a good idea to clean your throttle body and check or replace your pcv valve and clean your MAF as well.
     
  3. Dec 16, 2020 at 5:47 AM
    #3
    Festerw

    Festerw New Member

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    I wonder if it's something as simple as the computer seeing different temps. Example the coolant temp sensor showing parameters for a 'warm' start and the MAF showing for a 'cold' start. So it gives enough fuel for a 'warm' start, realizes once the engine starts that it's not enough (the low idle), gives it some more (high idle), then figures everything out (normal idle).

    No idea if that's based in any factual nature but it sounds good :D
     

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