Hey guys and gals,

Like the title states, I am having some very rough cold starts. it will wine for about 10 sec then turn over. once she is warm i have not issues, any thoughts


89 4Runner 3.0 SR5

 

Sound like a bad Cold Start Injector (hence the name) or Cold Start Injector Switch. What's the temperature outside when it has issues?

 

23* - 45*

 

I don't think Luv is getting to the CSI.

If it "whines" before it turns over, the starter is spinning without engaging. Possible causes: loose starter, damaged pinion gear (on the starter itself), damaged flywheel (into which the starter engages). Can be temperature dependent at first (metal contracts with cold).

Replacing the starter is what I would recommend, because even if it is only loose you've already damaged the pinion gear. More importantly, every time you start it that way you're damaging the flywheel; once it's bad enough it is a bigger job to replace.

 

Yeah, that would be a good place to start looking then. The purpose of the CSI is to provide extra fuel during a cold start. If it's malfunctioning, it'll have a rough time starting up. You can view some info from the FSM here on how to troubleshoot the CSI and CSIS.

http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...ne/97colds.pdf - CSIS check with a multimeter

http://personal.utulsa.edu/~nathan-b...88coldstar.pdf - CSI check. If the switch measures ok and is not damaged, check the CSI as directed then remove it and soak the tip, not the whole thing, in gasoline overnight. Clean up the injector tip a bit (be careful not to drop or damage, it has ceramic parts that are fragile) to make sure it's not clogged up. Be sure to put a new gasket on, you might have to make your own since they are a bit hard to find. I've gotten away with re-using the crush washers since they require a fairly low torque, they are a dealer-only part.

If this doesn't fix it, next you'll need to inspect your fuel system. This means jumping terminals (forget which ones at the moment) to make sure your fuel pump is working, replacing the fuel filter, checking for leaks/damange, etc. But definitely check the CSI system first.

 

Perfect, thanks you for the diagrams I have printed them and will get on this tonight after work. thanks again.

 

I didn't think about the starter (we posted at same time lol), it could also be your issue. I've been told that a slight tap with a hammer when you are cranking will help figure out if that's the issue. If it fires up, your starter is going bad.

 

Thank you for the advise, turns out the cold start ignition sensor was unplugged, how i do not know, but hey better that then spending 150$. thanks for the advice

 

Gotta love the easy fix. Sometimes the connector is loose since the clasp breaks, just make sure it doesn't come off easy or use a zip tie or electrical tape to hold it on.

 

yeah wish the issue i am having with my front power windows was a simple.