04 Matrix Occassional hard start...

[phebert17]

We have an 04 Matrix, which we bought brand new 2 years ago, and since we've had it we've had a recurring issue; every week or two it has difficulty starting. We turn the key over and it takes an excessive amount of cranking time to turn over. We have become so used to the problem that we recognize the symptom and back off the key, and then turn it over again and it starts right up. If you don't back off and continue the excessvie cranking, it will eventually start up poorly...sputtering for a few seconds before it runs nicely. Toyota dealership has checked out the issue several times over the last two years, but has never been able to duplicate the problem, and since it's not throwing any codes they have no explanation. Any thoughts of what it might be?

[croft532003]

I've been told to ease starting, turn the key to the on position and wait a few seconds (5?), before turning it all the way to cranking. This gives the time for the fuel system to pressurize and all the computers to come on line and be happy - seems to help my vehicle.

Good Luck!

[bloo_ink]

This extended crank / hard start issue is for 2005 and new Matrix and Corollas with automatic transmission.

2005 Toyota Matrix w/ automatic transmission
- intermittent issue which has no pattern
- Occurs when: the engine is warm and is turned off for usually about 20 minutes(sometimes hours or sometimes minutes)
- trying to restart the warm engine requires extended crank time and multiple tries
- I have no other keys on the key ring
- I always turn the key until the beeping stops then crank the engine (does not help)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCa3mYJJRU0
File download links
http://www.megaupload.com/?d=W8A77KZL
http://depositfiles.com/files/1465306

[sparkeykev]

Originally Posted by phebert17

We have an 04 Matrix, which we bought brand new 2 years ago, and since we've had it we've had a recurring issue; every week or two it has difficulty starting. We turn the key over and it takes an excessive amount of cranking time to turn over. We have become so used to the problem that we recognize the symptom and back off the key, and then turn it over again and it starts right up. If you don't back off and continue the excessvie cranking, it will eventually start up poorly...sputtering for a few seconds before it runs nicely. Toyota dealership has checked out the issue several times over the last two years, but has never been able to duplicate the problem, and since it's not throwing any codes they have no explanation. Any thoughts of what it might be?

I had a camry that started great first time everytime intill I had the clutch replaced after that it wouldnt start first time from cold but would start everytime on second turn of the key never found the problem but it started every second key turn

[quickstrike]

Thanks a bunch for the tip. I have a Matrix also and have had that problem also.
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