1994 Toyota 4Runner Starting Problems

RAINEDANCER

MEMBER
1994 TOYOTA 4RUNNER
6 CYL
4WD
AUTOMATIC
93,000 MILES

I recently put in a new battery and my cables were cleaned up. This morning when I went to start it at -1 degrees, it was slow to turn over. Take about 4 to 5 seconds before it caught. Can't even call it a crank as it was more of a whining before it caught. Going to be colder come tomorrow and this has me worried as I need it for work.

5 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Could be your oil thickness and also check the fuel pressure/coolant temperature sensor

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Sunday, December 14th, 2008 AT 12:11 PM

RAINEDANCER

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi. Around here the oil used is 5w30 and just had it changed 2 months ago. Grew up believing that 10w30 at least should be used but apparently not anymore. Never that cold until now. So not sure what you mean by oil thickness. Would you elaborate?
Thanks.

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Sunday, December 14th, 2008 AT 12:45 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

5W30 is good for that temp its thinner-when engine is cold the oil thickens and makes it hard for the engine to crank ove.

Okay here we go-Take the battery out and get it load tested-to check its condition-if okay make sure its properly cleaned and tightened and try again.

Possible causes: Igntion switch, park and neutral switch, starter relay/inhibitor switch and starter itself

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Sunday, December 14th, 2008 AT 5:16 PM

RAINEDANCER

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Ok. Thanks. Battery was replaced on Thursday of this week so know that and the cables are fine. All cleaned etc.
Tests had showed that the starter was starting to go but mechanic said it wasn't "gone" might be fine still for a year or even two. So know that it has to be replaced. It only has trouble the first time it's started for the day. Rest of time. Starts right up. Friends seem to think I am a ways off of it not starting at all in the morning. But I stress about it anyway. She is about 15 yrs old and just starting to have parts replaced. Just need it to hold on while I save up more money. Just it's that darn whining instead of cranking that has me worried.
Thanks for all your help. You think if I have the garage do a diagnostic. Whatever is going on might show up?

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Sunday, December 14th, 2008 AT 6:24 PM

RASMATAZ