eightnine

I was just at my buddies house, and it was really cold outside like -20C and the truck took longer than usual to start.. it usually starts on a dime but this time it took maybe 2-3 seconds longer. Then after I turned it off to put some more oil in the motor, I tried to start it and it would even make a sound. I then held the key on the start position and it started to try to crank, eventually starting (6-7seconds of cranking). I just got home and after turning it off i started it again 3-4 times and it started in a little longer than usual like 4-5 seconds longer. Any ideas what it could be?

CJM

Your battery is weak..

toytech76

Sounds like your starter contacts might be getting worn. If you held the key in start position without it cranking, your cold start injector is pumping gas into eng resulting in a longer crank time when it does turn over because its slightly flooded.

eightnine

But all the lights were working fine and i didnt even notice them being dimmer?

CJM

My work van does it to when its cold outside. The contacts could be getting worn as well, always possible.

eightnine

If the lights are one fine, would that disqualify the battery completley? I guess im just trying to hope its the battery instead of the starter. The battery is rele old 8 years+ btw

toytech76

You can have lights and still have a bad batt. If you experience a rapid clicking sound when the truck doesnt start then its probably your battery. Other than that I would susp your starter contacts or a bad connection somewhere

eightnine

If it only occurs when it is really cold, would it disqualify the starter?

toytech76

no. extreme cold and heat will create more resistance. If your battery is 8 yrs old you should replace it anyways just so you dont get stranded. See how that works and if you still have a problem go from there. Possibly check your starter

eightnine

I just went out again to start it and this time all the lights dimmed a lot and then lit up while i started to crank it. It did crank after a few seconds tho? Is this sounding like a crap battery? Im gona get it changed anyway

BTW thanks for all the quick responses

CJM

Yep, sounds like a bad battery. Check the terminal connections on the battery too and see if they are all nasty and clean them, then see if it helps. If it wasnt a bad connection its a bad battery. If you havent replaced it in about 3-5 years its time.