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Random hard starting.

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

  1. Feb 16, 2020 at 12:09 AM
    #1
    Aerindel

    Aerindel [OP] New Member

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    This just started over the last couple days but a few times now my truck has refused to start after several seconds of cranking unless I give it a little throttle. Once running, it runs and idles perfectly...and its not doing it every time...but its happened enough to make me worried that its not going to start one of these days.

    No codes.

    Suggestions?
     
    theblurry1 likes this.
  2. Feb 16, 2020 at 12:53 AM
    #2
    Johnsonman

    Johnsonman New Member

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    LED headlamps/fogs; interior footlamps.
    Fuel pump maybe? anti-backflow valve leaks fuel back into tank, hence the cranking required to get it all primed, pressurized again...
     
  3. Feb 16, 2020 at 7:09 AM
    #3
    PCJ

    PCJ New Member

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    Since you have to give it throttle to start you are introducing more air so I would think a dirty throttle body or dripping injector.
     
    Filthyphil likes this.
  4. Feb 16, 2020 at 7:24 AM
    #4
    FrenchToasty

    FrenchToasty The Desert rat, 6 lug enthusiast

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    Weak battery, might cause a weak spark
     
  5. Feb 16, 2020 at 8:14 AM
    #5
    ZPMAN

    ZPMAN 2nd place is the 1st looser

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    Filthyphil likes this.
  6. Feb 16, 2020 at 8:16 AM
    #6
    zombie

    zombie Master at Something

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    Separate fuel from ignition to further help you figure it out. Next time it happens spay some hi-test brake cleaner in the intake and if it fires right up vs before, it's a fuel issue. If you can see spark at the same time, then it's either you have spark or you don't.
     
  7. Feb 16, 2020 at 9:24 AM
    #7
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Time for a can of SeaFoam fuel cleaner to clean up any bad fuel, dirty injectors, etc.

    $9 a can is cheap to rule out fuel problems and the least it can do is clean things up.

    You can then move on to spark, and throttle body clean ups to rule those out.

    Put your voltmeter on the battery cold and then with engine on and read those out.

    All cheap and easy to help start the diagnoses.
     
    Aerindel[OP] and 15whtrd like this.
  8. Feb 16, 2020 at 9:32 AM
    #8
    lsaami

    lsaami Let ‘er buck

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    Next time you cold start, cycle your key on and off a couple times prior to cranking.

    if it starts easier/better, you either have a leaky injector(s) or some other leak where the fuel system is losing pressure.
     
    FirstGenVol, BubbaW and 15whtrd like this.
  9. Feb 16, 2020 at 6:20 PM
    #9
    Aerindel

    Aerindel [OP] New Member

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    Didn't do it today so not much to work with. The truck has always been slow to start compared to some others but most other people here have mentioned that as well saying that the fuel pump doesn't run until oil pressure come up on these trucks?

    In any case, going to check the battery and try and get some stuff to clean the throttle body.
     
  10. Feb 16, 2020 at 8:25 PM
    #10
    SouthPaw

    SouthPaw The headlight guy

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  11. Feb 16, 2020 at 8:28 PM
    #11
    Aerindel

    Aerindel [OP] New Member

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    Throttle body issues do seem likely considering that taping the throttle pedal seems to be what fixes this when there is an issue.
     
  12. Feb 16, 2020 at 8:37 PM
    #12
    SouthPaw

    SouthPaw The headlight guy

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    I found a TSB saying that FGT were having hard starting after the PCM/ECM would lose 12v power (I.E, turning key off). When I would notice the most is when I would cold start it, move it quickly, shut it down, then try to restart it. I’m not mechanic but I think it had to do with the TPS sensor getting a signal for a cold start, bumping the throttle up and then me shutting it down quickly threw it for a loop.
     
  13. Feb 17, 2020 at 5:30 AM
    #13
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    You should be able to hear your fuel pump running when you turn your key all the way without starting. Soft whinning sound. Runs at all temps.

    Take pics of that throttle body for us.
     
  14. Feb 19, 2020 at 4:33 AM
    #14
    zombie

    zombie Master at Something

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    I never in my life saw a need for any additive. Gasoline is all you need. Poor mans tune up. Go drive it like a race car once in a while. Take it to the Red line.......it's not going to break, it's not a Chevy.
     
    Aerindel[OP] likes this.
  15. Feb 19, 2020 at 11:34 AM
    #15
    PCJ

    PCJ New Member

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    Like everyone in this world you are entitled to your opinion, but for those reading that do not have one about fuel additives yet you are wrong.

    Fuel additives like Techron and Seafoam do work and have a purpose. They are not "Tune-up in a can". They will clean injectors, intake valves and the fuel system. They will help/fix some runability issues. Using them once or twice a year as normal maintenance can help prevent problems.

    When I was in a mechanics repair school about 40 years ago when they discussed fuel additives Chevron Techron was the only additive they recommended and said actually worked at that time, anyway.
     
    BubbaW likes this.
  16. Feb 19, 2020 at 4:37 PM
    #16
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    That SeaFoam Engine Spray really cleaned my upper manifold chamber and if I could see the back of the intake valves and piston heads, without dismantling the engine, I’d say they probably got cleaned as well. Gasoline can’t do that on port injection engines.

    As far as additives, most gasoline has varying degrees of them depending on where you go.

    Fuel stabilizers for gas do well in Marine environments.

    Oil additives do wonders depending on age of engine and needs.

    Additives have specific purposes and do well if used correctly.
     

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