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My 2003 Toyota Echo has developed a starting problem. It does not start right away as it used to, but instead, it takes either about 5 - 10 seconds of continuous cranking, or, turning off the key after just a few seconds, and then re-starting a second time. Either way, the engine always starts, but the choke does not seem to engage until the engine is already running at very low RPMs. The choke then seems to kick in after a few seconds (without pressing on the gas pedal), and the engine then runs at normal RPMs. Turning off the engine and re-starting right away, the engine starts and runs - just the way it is supposed to.Please note that I have already:Changed plugs & coilsChanged air filterChanged mass air flow (MAF) sensorChecked compression (All cylinders O.K.)Changed fuel pump (A hole in the corroded fuel tank filler neck had been repaired. But just before Christmas, the engine would not start at all due to water and salt contamination that had entered the fuel tank. This was cleaned when the fuel pump was replaced, and is no longer an issue.)Any further ideas or suggestions would be very much appreciated.Perry Benedik(XXXXX@XXXXXX.XXX)
Hi,My name is XXXXX XXXXX X'm an expert here at JustAnswer.com. I'd be glad to help you out with this problem.What you need have done is have the fuel pressure checked when the engine cranks but won't start. If the fuel pressure is lower than it's suppose to be while cranking you most likely have a bad fuel pressure regulator. The fuel pressure regulator is in the tank with the fuel pump on this model. Hope that helps.
Kyle Northrop:This was something that was also suggested by my own mechanic. However, if the fuel pressure regulator does not work properly when first starting the engine (when it is cold), why does it apparently seem to work perfectly well - when the engine is running?Perry Benedik(XXXXX@XXXXXX.XXX)
Perry, It's not holding pressure it's bleeding off fuel pressure when it sits so it's hard to start after its been sitting awhile. Once running its not a problem. If you restart it right away it's not a problem as the rail is already pressurized with fuel
Kyle.Is there any easy way that you know of to correct this problem without replacing the fuel pressure regulator?
Hi again, The fuel pressure test will pretty much tell you if it's bad. You hook up the gauge and run the engine then shut it off and wait. If the fuel pressure drops to zero and doesn't stay pressurized after say 30 mins. then the regulator is bad and the cause of the issue. Kyle Northrop41004.8996249653
Kyle.Sorry to be a bit of a pest, but if the fuel pressure regulator turns out to be the cause of my starting problem, if it is NOT replaced, could this result in anything MORE than just a starting problem ?(Thanks for you patience.)
Hi again, you're not a pest don't worry about it. If you left it the problem won't get any worse or anything. It's just leaking down when sitting. You can try to turn off and on a couple of times with the ignition switch to give the engine a little more priming time.
Kyle.Your answers have been very helpful. Thanks very much, and all the best to you and your family for the upcoming holiday.Best regards.Perry Benedik
Thank you Have a good Easter holiday yourself. Good luck
Experience: ASE Master Auto Technician, L1 certified, CA. Smog Lic.
(I clicked on "Accept Answer", but when I tried to post my comments on the Feedback page, I kept on getting "Access denied", so here is what I wanted to say): Rate this expert: Positive Feedback: Your patience, and quick, courteous replies confirmed something that my own mechanic suspected himself. Thanks very much.
Thank you