Rough engine start

sounds like it

 

I just bought a 2002 and it does the same thing. Have a friend/Toyota tech bringing a tech stream to my house today cause we are all curious.

 

welcome!

will be interesting to see what turns up, since gen1 is not known for this afaik

 

I exactly had this happen the night before. Moved car in driveway in morning. Engine started. Ran approx 30 seconds till it shut off. Turned the car off. Sat all day. Evening moved car back in driveway. I think i turned ignition off as engine was starting. Next morning very rough start. Short drive. Started normally next 3 times. Definitely think it comes from a quick start/shutoff. Same as a gas engine. They dont like that either. Fuel evap issue i think.

 

Just had this happen today to a 2011. Similar circumstances: Moved it out of the garage on a cold (19-degree) Chicago day yesterday, the engine barely went on, then moved it back to garage 5 minutes later, engine went on for maybe 10 seconds the second time. Rough start today for about 6 seconds, then normal, and fine on subsequent starts today so far.

 

There was reports of shaky starts after a previous few second start-up. I've experienced one of those myself. That said:

What's the miles on it?
Has the EGR system every been cleaned?
Engine coolant level stable in reservoir?

 

What's the miles on it?
Has the EGR system every been cleaned?
Engine coolant level stable in reservoir?​

104K miles. Driven regularly but 6K/year until 2021. Still original plugs. Runs fine normally, this rough idle has never happened before.
EGR never cleaned.
Can't be sure of stability of coolant in reservoir because I haven't been monitoring it, but right now it's at about 5/6th level.

 

keep an eye on it. rough start isn't always the head gasket

 

Sounds like condensation in the intake manifold.
This is normal

5/6th? What does that mean?
Coolant level should be right at the seam on the coolant tank.

 

Is there supposed to be airspace at the top? If so, it's full.

 

The coolant tank, on the passenger side of the engine bay, should be half way.
Right where the seam is. I always fill it so it's just above it so I can see it.
If it's full, you over filled it.

 

The “full” line on engine coolant reservoir is maybe 1/4” above the seam; hard to see. “Slightly above the seam” is good.

 

Yes, sounds like it's good then, it's right at the seam. I've never had to fill it. But this reminds me that I probably ought to have the coolant drained and reilled now that I am over 100K.

 

Yes. Toyota stipulates 100k miles or 10 years, whichever comes first.