24Runna

Whenever I go to start the car either in the morning or night (must be cold engine), and ever since it has gotten cooler out.

When I try to start it just clanks(starter contact) and clicks(relay), but just once, until I try again, and again, and again.

Finally after a bit if turning the the key alot, it starts. Usually normally, sometimes a bit rough then normal.

Last night was the worst, and also the coldest. It took like a good minute, minute and a half, and then when it finally started, it was really rough, even if I gave it gas, and then I grew concerned and then it was normal.

A little background info, I doubt the O2 sensor has ever been replaced. I realize this because no matter how I drive (from flooring & hard braking, to calm, gentle acceleration with a max of 2.5k RPM) I still only get 14.0 to 15.0 MPG. Even if I make it run rich or lean 3 clicks.

Please help!! Its my DD!

Thanks!

abecedarian

O2 has no influence on cold starting.

pull your trouble codes, post them here

a4runnerfreak

Check your Cold start injector and cold start injector time(?) switch.....and like Abe suggested, have any codes?

24Runna

No CEL, but I'll see if their is any codes (probably Tuesday)

I realize that the O2 has no influence on cold starting, but I was wondering if that would have to do with MPG, using the scenario I listed.

ontario4runner

my truck currently does this.. because my cold start sensor fell off.. but when it was getting weak she was having trouble starting cold and is only now throwing CEL

ontario4runner

ps is the vehicle idling high?

24Runna

uhh, you know I think its pretty normal. lol.

where is the cold start sensor exactly? Would that hove to do with the actual starting?

I should take a video.

24Runna

Ok guys, REALLY need some solid help.

Today I was 10 minutes+ late for school, and after school it took 5 minutes for it to even begin cranking.

After it starts to crank, it runs rough and if i let go (the key) it dies, so i give it gas, then it smooths itself out.

I REALLY need it because I can't turn the car off, otherwise it takes awhile. BTW, it gets worse everyday.

And it is not the battery, or the amp, or the charging system.

Could it be all i need is a big 3 upgrade, along with a new wire to the fuse box, or the relay inside by the pass footwell (it clicks loudly), or the starter itself, or the starter contacts?

I would REALLY appreciate all responses! thanks!

24Runna

I have a million things I could say right now, but I would get banned. :p

Long story short, I'm stuck 50+ miles from home in Chicago.

thankfully I wont get charged for overnight parking, but I won't be going to school tomorrow, so that kinda sucks.

Two guys tried to help me, but nothing worked. I mean a guy in FORD F350 was helping me, from West Virginia (and he claims that it has 211k on it ['04])

So now I have to pay to get it towed, plus a new starter. Oh the joys of bieng 17 and poor.

I have a video of me trying to start it, if you guys want me to post it.