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Figuring Out A Misfire 2013 Tundra Limited - Solved

Discussion in '2nd Gen Tundras (2007-2013)' started by Tundraguy1981, Dec 26, 2020.

  1. Dec 26, 2020 at 7:23 PM
    #1
    Tundraguy1981

    Tundraguy1981 [OP] New Member

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    Hello,
    I have a new to me 2013 Toyota Tundra Limited. Previously owned a 2007 Tundra almost hit 300,000 before someone rear ended me hard enough to bend the frame. Anyhow, got this about a month ago, mid November. Everything checked out, got a good price with 160,000 mile on it. Now a month later we are getting into colder weather and not I am experiencing a problem. The last week or two in the morning with the first start of the day it takes a moment or two longer to start and and kind of muddles for about 10-15 seconds then runs normally. This only happens at that start. The rest the day it starts normal with no issue. I start and stop allot throughout the day so I would notice if it did anything else abnormal. On Christmas Eve morning it was about -2 the truck turned over but didn't fire. Tried until the I almost ran the battery dead. Disappointed to say the least. I charged the battery up and tried again later in the day with still no luck I pushed the peddle to the floor and it started. and muddled to a start. I have run sea foam through the system, checked the battery, air filter run it empty with new gas and checked for error codes. After talking it over with others we are thinking it may be the Fuel Regulator. Before I start throwing parts at it thought I wanted to ask here to see if anyone else has run into the same problem. Thanks for any help!
     
  2. Dec 26, 2020 at 7:42 PM
    #2
    landphil

    landphil Fish are food, not friends!

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    Is your truck flex-fuel?
     
  3. Dec 26, 2020 at 7:47 PM
    #3
    audiowize

    audiowize New Member

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    You would not necessarily know what was causing the issue without looking at sensor data logging while attempting to start the vehicle. Alternatively you could check to see if you have spark while cold starting. I would bet you don't!

    I would purchase some freeze spray and hit (one at a time) the cam and crank position sensors while the truck is warm but off, then try to restart it. If you freeze one of those sensors a bit and you get hard starting, then you know what needs to be replaced.

    There are procedures for testing fuel pressure, but you have to use a banjo bolt extension to tap into the fuel rails. Something like this kit may work to do that:
    https://www.amazon.com/BETOOLL-Inje...ocphy=9033283&hvtargid=pla-642510783312&psc=1
     
  4. Dec 26, 2020 at 7:52 PM
    #4
    Tundraguy1981

    Tundraguy1981 [OP] New Member

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    @landphil It is a Flex-fule. I run 87 regular in it though.

    @audiowize These are good things to know. I may work through them to test stuff out.
     
  5. Dec 26, 2020 at 8:01 PM
    #5
    landphil

    landphil Fish are food, not friends!

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  6. Dec 27, 2020 at 7:23 AM
    #6
    Tundraguy1981

    Tundraguy1981 [OP] New Member

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    This is VERY interesting. I would have NEVER thought about this. I may make this the first thing I do. It would totally make sense because the previous owner kept it in a garage and I don't so he may have never experienced the rough start before. Thanks for this info!
     
    landphil[QUOTED] likes this.
  7. Dec 27, 2020 at 7:42 AM
    #7
    CTB Mike

    CTB Mike It's RED? My rods and cones must be screwed up!

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    And yet another reason I would never own a Flex Fuel POS.
     
  8. Dec 27, 2020 at 8:44 AM
    #8
    landphil

    landphil Fish are food, not friends!

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    No problem. The PO garaging it makes sense too, my one hesitation in suggesting that is that the update hasn’t been done in all these years.

    I would totally make it step one, <1 hour labor at the dealer if you ask them specifically to update the software, not attempt to duplicate or diagnose. Toyota paid dealers 0.7hrs to do this under warranty.

    At that mileage you may be in need of new spark plugs and other maintenance, but since it seems to run well for the rest of the day...

    Oh, and since I forgot my manners before, welcome to Tundras.com!
     
  9. Dec 28, 2020 at 8:24 PM
    #9
    Tundraguy1981

    Tundraguy1981 [OP] New Member

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    Thanks!
    I was eager to test the gas theory and so yesterday at half a tank of 87 filled the tank with 91 to come close to 89. This morning it started and ran pretty smoothly at first start. I'll keep you posted as it could have been a fluke but I am hopeful that a gas adjustment and then system flash down the road could correct this. Tomorrow will be below -0 so it will be a good test.

    I agree that a spark plug change is still in order. That will happen soon if nothing else to just get that squared away.
    Thanks again for the info and the Welcome!
    Tundra guy now for 3 years and never going back.
     
    Filthyphil and landphil[QUOTED] like this.
  10. May 3, 2021 at 6:28 AM
    #10
    Tundraguy1981

    Tundraguy1981 [OP] New Member

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    Just an update. Higher grade gas did work at solving the problem but is also a costly fix. I eventually took it to the local Toyota dealer and they had to reset (flash) the computer. Apparently it was set to low thus why high octane helped. Cost me $250 or so but it's been good now ever since.

    Still unsure why this is something I should have to pay for and not Toyota but glad it's done.
     
  11. May 3, 2021 at 6:55 AM
    #11
    trunda_74

    trunda_74 New Member

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    I had a recall issue for my 2013 Tundra Flex Fuel according to the dealer I talked too. You might want to have the Toyota Dealer check to see if your truck has one as well and see if you can get that $250 back.
     
  12. May 3, 2021 at 7:01 AM
    #12
    Tundraguy1981

    Tundraguy1981 [OP] New Member

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    Ugh, I asked and they said they didn't find any. I'll have to hunt a bit and see what I can find. Thanks for the heads up!
     
  13. May 3, 2021 at 9:56 AM
    #13
    2turbz

    2turbz New Member

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    If you don't gain traction with the local dealer a call to corporate can sometimes get things moving. I view it as their software issue so you should pay the .7 or 1hr labor at absolute most.
     
    Tundraguy1981[OP] likes this.

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