Hesitation from a stop, long cranking times

Tiny
TIMMYBANANA
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 LEXUS ES 350
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 151,000 MILES
Starting the car sometimes works great, and sometimes takes an extra 3-5 seconds of cranking to start. In the cold, in the heat, whether the engine is at operating temperature or sat overnight, the problem happens about 7/10 times.

Also, when stopped at a light, or stopped waiting to cross a street, the pedal response is delayed. Sometimes not very noticeable, but usually noticeable, and once recently the rpms dropped almost to zero.

I suspected fuel valve or pump, but since the engine temp and ambient temperatures don't affect consistency, I am now led to believe MAF or IAC issue. No check engine light, but I have not scanned for codes.

Thanks!


Edit (just saw edit button):

I should clarify, the hesitation happens when pressing the gas after stopped, and sometimes not even stopped all the way. Could also be crank or cam sensor, but I figured that would be a more consistent problem.

Engine runs fine otherwise, although I do hear a whine through first gear when going through parking lots at low speed. And something tells me the p/s pump is being weird; a couple of times when I steered all the way one way or the other to park the car, the engine will seem to struggle/bog, or drop in RPMs.
Friday, March 11th, 2022 AT 11:50 AM

2 Replies

Tiny
TIMMYBANANA
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I should clarify, the hesitation happens when pressing the gas after stopped, and sometimes not even stopped all the way. Could also be crank or cam sensor, but I figured that would be a more consistent problem. Engine runs fine otherwise, although I do hear a whine through first gear when going through parking lots at low speed. And something tells me the power steering pump is being weird; a couple of times when I steered all the way one way or the other to park the car, the engine will seem to struggle/bog, or drop in RPMs.
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Friday, March 11th, 2022 AT 11:56 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
Hi,

It does sound like a fuel pressure-related issue. I want you to try something. Perform the following when starting:

1) Turn the ignition key from off to on (engine off) and count to 5. Turn the key off.
2) Repeat step 1 three times.
3) Try starting the vehicle to see if it starts normally.

If it does, then I need you to check fuel pressure. Here is a link that explains how it's done. You will need a fuel pressure gauge, but most parts stores will lend one to you free of charge.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Friday, March 11th, 2022 AT 7:37 PM

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