2000 4 runner runs real rough on start up

[jemury]

Hello, This is my first post, so I hope I do it right. I have a 2000 4 runner that I purchased new. It does not get driven very much.It has a v-6 , auto trans, is all stock, and has 48700 miles on it. About 3 weeks ago it started making a weird noise when key was turned to start it. The noise is coming from the starter area, but the motor turns over. However it acts as though it does not want to start. When it does start, it runs terribly rough. Jumps around,misses,makes knocking noises, and sounds like it is running out of gas. This has gone on for as long as 15 sec. to a couple of minutes. Then all of a sudden it smooths out and runs like it is brand new. Wife can drive car all day starting and stopping as much as 10 times, and it works great. Next morning same problem all over again. I have tried turning on key, counting to 10, turn off key, do again three times to see if fuel pump may be problem, but this seems to make no difference. I have gone through all posts and other forums , and I think i may be the only one to ever have this problem. I know you fellas are pretty sharp, so maybe someone can help me here. Thanks so much. Jack

[humanoid]

Dirty throttle body or fuel injectors maybe? Just throwing some ideas out to help you out...

[MTL_4runner]

My first thought would be to check and be sure the starter bendix is retracting properly (ie possibly the wierd noise you were hearing). The next item to check would be the IAC to see if it is sticking and clean if necessary (and clean the TB while you're at it). The last thing that came to mind was a leaky injector, but I can't see it taking 15 minutes to clear out the unburned fuel. It should help to hold the pedal to the floor while starting if that was the issue. The first one sounds like the most likely considering what you've told us so far.

[jemury]

Hi Guys, thanks for the replies.I thought of a few more things . When I get the different noise from trying to start I notice the clock will fade out and the radio face goes out with the radio. When it starts normal,these all stay on. Are these supplied with power from the starter? . Is the fuel injection not recieving elect. current when this happens? Thanks for any ideas you may have. Thanks, Jack

[Lee]

maybe the alt?

[BruceTS]

how old is the battery?
when was the last time it had a tune-up?

It's really hard to diagnose on the net, but since the lights fade it could be battery or starter related.

[MTL_4runner]

It's really hard to diagnose on the net, but since the lights fade it could be battery or starter related.


Ditto......maybe a cell is going bad on the battery.

[Lee]

couldnt the alternator cause this as well?? i mean if he has a weak alternator lights could fade and flicker, correct?

[MTL_4runner]

couldnt the alternator cause this as well?? i mean if he has a weak alternator lights could fade and flicker, correct?


Lee, you're right the alternator could also be the issue, but the lights flickering would be a side effect of the battery not getting fully charged while driving.

[Lee]

gotcha :)

ive never had to deal with a weak alt before so i wasn't sure what the exact symptoms were.

[jemury]

Hi Guys. Thanks for all the comments. Took battery to Auto zone where I purchased it almost two years ago. They said battery tested OK. However, they replaced it anyway for FREE. Wow, was i shocked. Unfortunately no improvement. Would a bad alt. cause radio panel and clock to dim on trying to start? I have no electric problems after it starts, if it does. I think i will replace the starter and see what happens. I have a old starter that is toast so i will use it as a core, just in case mine is still good. Again thanks for all the help. Jack

[MTL_4runner]

Hi Guys. Thanks for all the comments. Took battery to Auto zone where I purchased it almost two years ago. They said battery tested OK. However, they replaced it anyway for FREE. Wow, was i shocked. Unfortunately no improvement. Would a bad alt. cause radio panel and clock to dim on trying to start? I have no electric problems after it starts, if it does. I think i will replace the starter and see what happens. I have a old starter that is toast so i will use it as a core, just in case mine is still good. Again thanks for all the help. Jack


I'd say almost for sure that the starter is the culprit in this case.

[Lee]

if you have no probs after it starts then yes it is likely the starter.