Hard Starts

[xthirdimpact]

Hi again, 4runner owners!

My question posed to you all today revolves around starting my V8 2003 Sport.

A couple times, when the outside temp has dropped, my 4runner has had an issue starting up. Let me explain a little in more detail:

Usually, typically, the car attempts a few times to turn over before ROARING to life. A couple times, however, it has attempted to turn over, and struggled, so i disengage the ignition back to ON and its STILL TRYING TO TURN OVER!!!!!! So i disenguage the ignition completely, key out of the dash, and sit for a few seconds. I then try again, and VRROOOOM, it'll start.

My concern is that this hard start doesnt sound healthy. Theres no clunks, thunks or clanks, and theres no smoke or anything of that sort. It only has 19k on it and has never been abused or used for towing.

Battery going possibly? I think it is the original.

Ideas? Recommendations?

Thanks!

[Brian R.]

It sounds like either the solenoid or the starter relay. May be the ignition switch or other things though - the first two are my best bet.

If it's under warranty, just bring it back to the dealer and describe your problem.

[4Wheel]

First as Brian states is go after waranty coverage.
If it's covered, end of story.

[xthirdimpact]

Yeah, its still under teh 5yr / 60k powertrain....would this be included? its goin for its 20k maintenence soon....i'll bring it up. Should it be covered by the powertrain warrantee?

[Brian R.]

Definitely. Starting problems affect the reliability of the powertrain.

[xthirdimpact]

Thanks! i'll be sure to have that looked at. I just better not get a "we didnt find anything wrong" outta the tech's mouth. They have a funny way of NOT finding issues when the warantee is covering the issue.