2004 V6 4.0 Litre Auto Intermittant starting problems

[Snakesharbour Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Snakesharbour]

Hi Prado point members - I wonder if anyone can help.
Our 2004 4.0 litre V6 auto has developed a new starting problem, it only happens when the engine is cold or if its been running for a short period of time, is then stopped and then we try to restart (and only sometimes - perhaps every 3 or 4th cold start (In QLD so not that cold)).
It follows a very strange procedure which I have read in the manual is supposed to help with a flooded/failed to start engine.
You turn the key, the starter cranks and then it is almost as if it fires on one cylinder then stops - a funny high pitch whine is emitted from the engine somewhere for 3 or 4 seconds and then the starter cranks again on its own and sometimes it does start and sometimes it doesn't.
If it doesn't start you can usually start it straight away with the next turn of the key but occasionally you have to repeat the above one more time.
It always starts perfectly well when it's warm and it runs beautifully once it is going.
It started doing this about 2 months ago when it was due a service - I replaced the plugs, oil filter etc as they were due but it made no difference. I'd say it has happening more often now so I'd like to resolve it. The car has about 220k km on the clock.

Has anyone heard of this - a friend said it might be crankshaft sensors but I don't have any OBD readers - just a few spanners and sockets and lots of enthusiasm.
The only possible difference I think I've noticed with the car is when it successfully starts there is sometimes a bit of a clunk as the starter motor disengages - but I'm not 100% certain this is new or if it is just that I am listening out more.

Thanks very much

Bob

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Sounds similar to what mine did. New starter motor sorted it. They are quite finicky on their crank speed and start process. A dirty or sticky starter can create unusual issues.

[foxclan Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close foxclan]

Hi Bob
Recon you should crack out those spanners and sockets that you speak of, about a 17&12mm ought to do it.
After you have disconnected the battery, chocked the rear wheels and taken off the left front wheel.
Peel back the plastic splash guard between the chassis and the panel, to reveal the starter.
Now I'am not saying it will be a fun task, I will predict you may lose some knuckle skin and therefore cuss quite a bit.
Hell you might even have to give your spanner a slight "angular modification".
But once you've got that starter motor out of it's snug little mounting point, you may feel slightly sympathetic when you see the crud that has accumulated in it's 220k km life.
You could at this point take it to an auto sparky, whom will most likely suggest a replacement unit without as much cleaning it up to test.
Or use some of that "Enthusiasm" and a tin of (Toolbox ina Can) to give it a bit of a clean and lube yourself.
Refit the starter to the engine and power on for another 220k km.....
As always the above advise is of a general nature base on my experience with a similar issue to yours.
Note "Enthusiasm" can be greatly diminished when Toyota scalloped head bolts chew out on the hex..
p.s. starter connecting plug can be tough to separate.
Cheers
Troy

[Snakesharbour Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Snakesharbour]

Thanks Troy, planning to bash up my knuckles this weekend - I'll let you know how it goes. Bob

[Snakesharbour Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Snakesharbour]

Thanks mate

[Snakesharbour Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Snakesharbour]

Hi Troy,

Just wanted to say 'Thanks'.
Took me a while but you were exactly spot on.
I got the starter out after a few bruises and lots of cussing and a severely chewed hex bolt - took it apart, full of crud, cleaned it with a tin of the magic stuff and hey presto she's been running beautifully since.
Have a great Christmas.
Bob

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Good work!