Intermittent starting problem

[Davo68 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Davo68]

Hi all, great site lots of interesting topics on here.I have been having a starting problem with my prado that has got worse over the last 6 months.It has been to Toyota and they have told me it is not getting spark.Some mornings i have to crank it over for ages till it fires up and sometimes it will start basically straight away.They have checked the crank sensor and that was OK.They told me the starter motor sounded odd but could not diagnose what is causing this.No fault codes.Seems to be worst in the morning.Immobiliser has been removed.Could a faulty stater cause this drama?.It just seems that one day it will not start and i dont want to get stuck.Any suggestions would be a great help as Toyota basically couldn't do anything without replacing a whole bunch of parts.
Cheers Dave
It is a petrol 3.4 v6 auto

[Davo68 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Davo68]

Re: Intermittent starting problem

Thanks for the quick reply.I replaced the battery about 6 months ago.The starter cranks over fine.Toyota told me to go to a auto electrician and find out how much voltage was being used while starting the car.Just checked the fault codes just now and gave me code 12.Just wondering if the code 12 was from when they checked the crank sensor on friday.The car starts really good when its warm its just after its been sitting for a few hours it seems to take longer.They also thought it could be the ignition barrell. I'm at a loss where to take it now .

[MickL Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close MickL]

Re: Intermittent starting problem

5vz-fe engine right?

*Code 12 is "RPM Signal" - No signal to ECU within 2+ seconds after engine has been cranked.

Check- Open or short in crankshaft position sensor circuit, Crankshaft sensor fault or ECU fault*


Mick

[Davo68 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Davo68]

Re: Intermittent starting problem

Thanks Mick it is a 5vz-fe.Just seems a bit weird how there was no codes on Friday when it was in at Toyota but now there is.The crank sensor would make sense though.The car itself runs like a clock once it has started.It just seems to be getting worse.Would that code have been left when they were mucking around with it ?. Would it be worth changing the crank sensor myself to eliminate one less thing ?.
Thanks heaps for the reply's as the missus doesn't want to come fishing with me till its fixed.(maybe that's a good thing). :roll:

[Bushbasher Out of control poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Bushbasher]

Re: Intermittent starting problem

My 98 GXl V6 had a similar problem, even down to where there was nothing when key was turned.

After checking both batteries, earth leads, replacing ignition switch (nothing wrong with this item) I finally found out the starter was corroded on the inside and basically there was a short which prevented full current to engage starter.

WARNING: My brothers 2002 T/Dsl Prado has similar starting problems. The vehicle was ex-govt with dual batteries and col-hersy swith. An electrical fire erupted one day and he had to have the complete starting, charging and lighting wiring harnesses replaced.

Find an auto electrician who can be relied upon to sort out your problems.

[Davo68 Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Davo68]

Re: Intermittent starting problem

Hi all, Just replaced the starter motor and its fixed it. Its weird how the starter could be linked to my engine not getting any spark.Thanks for all the replies