I've got this 2001 Tacoma that I love to death. Almost 250k miles. Second one I've had. Runs like a champ. Only issue is if I start it, let it run for a minute or so, then shut it off, it will not restart unless I wait 3 or 4 minutes. I can tell it's flooded because I've always noticed it does smell like it's running very rich on cold starts. If I give it a few minutes it'll eventually start. I replaced the upstream O2 sensor when I bought it about a year and a half ago because it would not pass emissions. No check engine lights. And no other issues with the engine. My old 95 sig Tacoma never had this issue. Any idea what would cause this?

 

I would check batt charge. Check and clean batt posts, wiring and grounds for dirt or corrosion interference. If click, no start, check starter contacts. And see how plugs look to get more clues.

Check that the CEL turns on briefly at key on to rule out burned bulb.