ROSCOGX470

My truck always fires up and starts immediately, however, this morning it cranked for about 5 seconds and than started. never had it crank that long to start. Ive been using regular unleaded for the last year without any problems. I hoping it was just a fluke, and I filled it up with premium fuel. Could it be signs of something to come? fuel filter, fuel pump etc.?

redrocks

How old's the Battery?

ROSCOGX470

Not the battery, Cranks hard and fast just didn't catch like it normally does. Like a fuel issue.

Lexus 4 ME

When its cold sometimes it does. I had GS430 same problem. Go to Pepboys or Autozone and check the voltage on battery. I just replaced mine.

ROSCOGX470

Really? the battery sounds strong. Did your 430 crank fast as well just took a couple extra seconds to catch?

Lexus 4 ME

May be you right, if its crancking fast it couldn't be a battery. I can you only guess starter?

hammer0008

I would do an OBD reading.

BlairC

I would still be suspicious of the battery. The reason it might not be firing up immedately is that the battery is not supplying the same amount of peak cranking amps. leading to a slower throw of the starter and a longer start time.

this is usually how a dying battery first presents then one day after a cold night you will get in your car, one click and nothing.

ROSCOGX470

Thanks for the responses, however the battery tested fine- although I think it may br the original Toyota battery. No OBD codes. I recently filled it up with premium fuel(I usually use reg. unleaded 87) and I have not had the problem. I'm guessing cheap gas was the issue. Like I said it fired strong and fast just took an extra 3 seconds to catch. Just cant remember where I got the cheap gas so i can stay away.

mann777

The Fuel is totally unrelated with the start up. Here you case should be the one off case that is the battery CCA would be low. These are very few cases where they dont fire up and next thing is they do after a jump start. To add to these is the Alternator which when on low volt power from the Battery you would get the TEC TEC TEC sound on ignition stage.
Sometimes the battery is very good but the alternator is totally dead.
So ur guess is as good as mine. Just ensure on any Engine Bay wash ensure dont have any direct water hit the alternator , you could cover it up so that water would not short the coils and you end up buying a new one.

gilgoncl

Same thing happened to me. In my case, turned out to be a dead cell in the battery. Replaced battery, turns on Great.

cdew002

Mann, I typically always agree with you, and you have really helped me out with some of your tutorials, but...how do you say fuel has nothing to do with start up? I agree that the octane is an unlikely culprit, but could condensed water on the fuel line not cause a hesitation?

mann777

No, Fuel Lines on GX have got insulation towards the Engine Area. One more important things are the Plugs if there are any signs of oil within the electrode, it would best to replace them. Dont try cleaning them and adjusting gaps and installing them, As the camshaft Position Sensor would have a low resistance buildup. ultimately firing in-oridinately and longer crank. Sometimes the Starter Relay if there is low continuity would result in delay cranking.

ROSCOGX470

Thamks Mann, however since that reply I have not had a repeat tough start. Battery cranks strong and it fires up 1 second from crank(with the pretty exhaust note once started)