My 2007 ES 350 has always starting with a quick stab of the start button - - the starter can't be engaged more than a second.

Lately, it cranks for 2-3 seconds or more - -enough longer that I wonder if there's a problem. The pitch of the starter makes me think the battery is still good - -it's not very old- and all other service/mechanicals are current.

Anyone else have this issue and what was the cause?

thanks

 

How many miles

 

Sorry - -woulda been a good fact to have . . .just turned 50k

 

Original battery?

 

no-- batteries don't last that long here in the heat - - less than a year old . . sounds like full power but haven't put a tester on it . .

 

If the engine is otherwise operating normally then try another brand of fuel. Does it exhibit the longer cranking time on a "cold" start or only on a "hot" start, or both? Did this issue happen to coincide with the real hot weather of the summer?

 

Hhmm . . . yeah, actually I recently filled up at the local convenience store with the unbranded stuff as compared to the normal Chevron or Shell - - good point . .and yes, only notice the situation on cold starts.

Any additive I should use to help out or just fill it up with Tier 1 91 octane ?

 

Don't use ANY additives.........just use a top tier fuel and one with the minimum of ethanol. Where I am Shell's 91 octane has no ethanol and the Chevron 91 has 10 % ethanol, with both having the same price.

 

Thanks - - I used to work for ConocoPhillips and generally ran our Union 76 fuels when we sponsored NASCAR . . . I miss having that nearby, but Shell and Chevron are fine . .

Will let you know-- thanks.

CQRT

 

UPDATE:

It was indeed the battery- and not all that old by the way, but took it to the shop we use in town, they let it sit overnight and it started slowly (nothing on that would drain the battery) . . put it on a tester and it was DOA . .

Put in a new Interstate battery - - all is well. Didn't have to index the windows or reset the radio presets . .. it's all good.

 

 

Bought same type for my late 2007.