Engine is hard starting

Tiny
GAGAR
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 1,234 MILES
Whenever I want to start the vehicle it will crank three to four times before starting.
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Sunday, January 15th, 2017 AT 10:14 AM

20 Replies

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent it. See link.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

Please run down these guides and report back.
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Sunday, January 15th, 2017 AT 11:02 AM
Tiny
RENEE L
  • ADMIN
  • 1,257 POSTS
Hi GAGAR ,

For HMAC's suggestion to scan for codes I am sending you a link to an article that features written step by step instructions and pictures explaining how to do the scan yourself. also, I have included a link to our YouTube channel with a how to video on code scanning.

This is applicable even if your check engine light is not on.

Most scanners are inexpensive to purchase, you can purchase one online from sites like Amazon.com

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/checking-a-service-engine-soon-or-check-engine-light-on-or-flashing

https://youtu.be/YV3TRZwer8k

Once you have the codes please get back to us so that we can further assist you. We are always happy to help.

Thank you for visiting 2CarPros.com.

Kindest regards,

Renee
Admin
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Monday, January 16th, 2017 AT 1:47 PM
Tiny
MOJOMANE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 1.6L
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 250,000 MILES
My corolla has been having this problem for a year now. Sometimes this hard start goes away and then comes back. Iv had fuel pump replaced and it showed that its not the one.

Im at loss as to what causes this. Pliz help

Eric
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Scan for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge auto parts rent them. Check crank sensor shold be 1630-2740 cold and 2065-3220 hot resistance in ohms. Cam sensor to 835-1400 cold 1060-1645 hot
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DLATHAM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 90,100 MILES
HEY GUYS!

Yesterday I drove my car for about an hour, then parked(illegally in disabled parking of course) and when I return 5 min later to restart my car it wouldn't start. All of my lights and radio are fully operating. I waiting 30 min and though it hesitated- the car started. I had the battery checked and It is good according to the mechanic. He had me get in the car and attemp to start it again, while he "tapped" what he said was the starter. Voila! It started so he says I need a new starter. Could it be something else? Once running all is fine. Also, can I buy a started from an auto parts store and have it installed rather than paying the 215 for the starter alone? If so what type? HELP PLEASE!THANKS IN ADVANCE

-Woman with no knowledge of automobiles
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
You can remove the starter and have it tested for free at most autoparts stores.

OR, you can have the charging system tested at most autoparts stores, including a starter "draw" test which measures the amps the starter requires to start the engine, if excessive, it may indicate a bad starter.

OR, it could be a loose electrical connection to the starter or starter solenoid.

Finally, any autoparts store will sell you a new or remanufactured starter, you need to know if the starter is the problem. Bench testing the starter (off the car) is the best way.

Try the free stuff first.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JUAN ANTONIO HERRERA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 19,200 MILES
I just recently changed the fuel pump on my car and now I am having trouble starting the car. It takes three tries in order for me to get the car started and for it to actually stay on. At the third try I actually have to force the key for it to stay on. Why is that?
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
WRENCHTECH
  • MECHANIC
  • 20,757 POSTS
Sounds like the check valve in the new pump is bad and causing the residual fuel to siphon back into the tank so it has to fill the lines again every time you start it. You need to use a fuel pressure gauge to see if it is holding rest pressure when shut off.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JOHNFZ1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 236,000 MILES
My corolla has a starting problem. It cranks fine but wont start until I open the throttle and then it runs bad for a couple of minutes. The weird part is it only has this problem when I put gas in it. I normally fill the tank with the engine off, but I even tried leaving the engine run and once I start pumping it dies. Perfect starting every where but the gas station. Any ideas would be appreciated
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:05 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
A problem with the EVAP system which, among other things, recirculates gas tank fumes to intake.

Sounds like the gas it going into intake due to solenoid malfunction.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RAY DUNCAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2001 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 65,000 MILES
Good Day,
My 2001 NZE Corolla is hard starting on the first tumble. The car would only start on the second tumble. When it starts it runs okay but it idles a bit rough.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
Check fuel pressure with a mechanical gauge, you may simply have a clogged fuel filter.

Other possibilities are the crank/cam sensor, but check fuel pressure first.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
RAY DUNCAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
To All

Thanks for the heads up on hard starting.

Is the there another fuel filter besides the one located in the tank?
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MMPRINCE4000
  • MECHANIC
  • 8,549 POSTS
Just a strainer attached to the fuel pump assy.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GRANGE 27
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2000 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 140,000 MILES
I have a 2000 Toyota Corolla that gives me trouble to start in the morning have to try cranking it about 5 times before it starts running smooth. At the 3rd and 4th try it starts but idles but it misses then stops. After I get it to run I can do couple things when I shut it down and try to start it again it does not start I have to spray starter fluid in the intake so it starts. My car idles good for about 20 minutes then as the cooling fan comes on it starts to miss then it runs properly again. Then when the fans comes on again the car misses like if its starving then it stop. Once I get it to start in the morning I could run a long distance but has I reach my destination and the cooling fan comes on it does the same problem like I explain thanks for your help. I suspect fuel pump dirty injectors and coolant sensor. And when the car starts you can smell its burning rich but no black smoke.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
The coolant sensor is a good start but I would verify fuel pressure first. Without pressure, it will not start

ROY
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
GRANGE 27
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Where is the fuel pressure port located on my car I don't see any one the injector rack. Does this model car have a inline fuel filter apart from the one in the tank
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,797 POSTS
You will need to connect into the rail. There is no port.

Toyota does not recommend replacing the fuel filter. It is on the drivers front down low by the axle shaft.

Roy
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
MIKE BUNNER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 TOYOTA COROLLA
  • 118,000 MILES
Hi, every so often my car starts but it runs rough for around ten seconds and then goes into a generally smooth idle. Two weeks ago I got a full tank of gas and the problem has pretty much gone away. It comes and goes and the lest time it went away was after the check engine light issue was fixed. I was wondering if it is the gas. It seems worse in the summer.

As far as the engine light is concerned, I fix the problem and the engine light comes back on. The last time it was off for two weeks and came back on.

Now the engine runs pretty good. I can still hear a little what sounds like the engine unclogging but it is much better since I got gas two weeks ago. But the engine light is still on. I am not sure if they are related.
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:06 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,554 POSTS
What did you fix to make the check engine light go off? It sounds like the spark plugs are worn out.

Here is a guide to help you get the problem fixed:

https://youtu.be/jvWqrAFQQmg

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-spark-plugs

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

Please let us know what happens so it will help others.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, October 16th, 2020 AT 10:06 AM (Merged)

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