Just bought a 1995 2WD 4Runner with history unknown. Wife drove it from Utah to Colorado and it ran perfectly with one exception. On cold start, engine sounded as if it was still trying to start (stuck starting noise) even after car did not initially start. Finally this ended and car would crank - but sounded flooded. Let rest and would not start, but still had all power and continues to try to start. It sounds like it almost wants to get a good start going - no clicking like a dead or depleted battery.

Thoughts? Similar experiences?

Mike

 

Thoughts:

Sounds like two problems.

If your starter is still trying to start the engine even though you let up on the key, sounds like a bum solenoid.

As far as the car trying to start but not kicking over, that sounds like a problem with your ignition system. Check the coil wire and all plug wires for good connections, then run resistance checks on them. If they check out OK, then pull your plugs, ground them, and make sure you have adequate spark.

Next suspect would be something in the fuel system, but you say it "sounded flooded." Don't know what that means. Did you mean to say "smelled" instead? If so, then you know fuel delivery is not a problem.

 

Thank you for your input! As far as "sounding" flooded, I was in a hurry to get to work so I didn't look under hood. Sounded as if the engine was trying to crank over the course of 3-4 tries.....but was not as hard as the 1st 1-2 tries. I chose to drive a different car to work and let it sit.

Ideas from this update and other posters readily sought.

Have appointment at respectable auto store on Friday and State Patrol is inspecting vehicle on Tuesday to give the go ahead for out-of-state transfer of title.


Mike