2008 Toyota Sienna starts hard

[18 inch Crappie]

My wifes 08 Sienna is starting to start hard, like it takes an extra 3 second to start. Any thing I can check before I have to drop some cash at the dealer? This started sometime this summer the van has 70,000 miles.

[Scott K]

Possible low fuel pressure? Sounds like a bad fuel pump issue.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Does it do this when the engine is hot or cold?

[18 inch Crappie]

Does it do this when the engine is hot or cold?

Mostly when cold,I had this same kind of problem with my 2000 chev Silverado and it was a leak in the fuel regulator under the hood. I asked around I was told the Toyota did not have one.

[Jeremy airjer W]

If its predictable, meaning you know exactly when it's going to happen, try this. Turn the key on, do not try to start the engine. Wait 3 to 5 seconds. Turn the key off. Repeat three times. On the third time start the engine. If it starts right up every time than I would agree with fuel being the issue.

I am aware of a fuel injector issue on some of these. The symptom wild show up hot so I don't think this applies to your situation.

[rundrave]

I am an owner of a Sienna, I am not certain but I believe the fuel pump will not energize unless the engine is rotating, either by the starter or when the ECU computes an engine load above a certain threshold. I think it operates this way for safety reasons.

I would start by making sure you have a good battery, if your on the original from 2008 its probably due for a replacement.

[rundrave]

did you ever get anything figured out with this? I am curious as to what it was.

[18 inch Crappie]

It was the battery, auto doors would close half way and stop also.

[rundrave]

interesting, glad it wasn't anything major, hopefully you didnt have to pay for a bunch of labor at the shop to find that out though