Engine hesitates to start when warm

AGUSTIN ROIG

MEMBER
1996 TOYOTA RAV4
4 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
185,000 MILES

First thing in the morning when the engine is cold, it will start up with no problems. When the vehicle has been driven for at least an hour and gets hot, it hesitates to start. It will crank up but with hesitation when the engine is hot. Could it be a problem with the coolant temperature sensor? You help will be Greatly appreciated. Thank you.

5 Replies

BMDOUBLE

MECHANIC
1,139 POSTS

Have you retrieved the engine codes? Here is a quick guide that can help: https://www.2carpros.com/articles/engine-cranks-excessively-before-starting

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, November 4th, 2019 AT 9:49 AM

AGUSTIN ROIG

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Here is a video of what is happening when trying to start it when the engine is warm. Also when you touch the radiator it is extremely hot.

Video (Click to make bigger)

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

+1

Monday, November 4th, 2019 AT 10:38 AM

BMDOUBLE

MECHANIC
1,139 POSTS

Sounds like a long hard crank condition that I usually get when a fuel pump is dropping pressure, or one or more injectors are bleeding down into the cylinder/s. The fuel pressure spec is 44-50 psi at idle, and should remain above 21 psi after 5 minutes of the engine off. Also verify the engine temp with a temperature gun if you think it is too hot. And again, make sure there are no memory codes in the engine computer.

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

+1

Monday, November 4th, 2019 AT 11:57 AM

AGUSTIN ROIG