I live in 4runner full time, only one problem...

Going on 6 months, having a great time. Very minimalist build. Just a shelf that my feet go under near the rear hatch. I can share photos if people are interested.

I camp in the same spot for up to a week at a time. I also need to adjust my windows a few times per day depending on weather/wind/sun/etc. In order for the windows to get power, the key needs to be turned to the ON position. Why Toyota didn't give windows power in the ACC position, I can't figure out. Anyway, sometimes when I try to start the vehicle it sounds exactly like it's going to start but then suddenly dies just before the engine kicks on for good. It will always start like normal on the second attempt.

I'm guessing that turning the key to the ON position several times over a few days causes the engine to be flooded and that's the cause of the failed start. But because I'm not really knowledgeable on this stuff, I'm not sure if I'm on the right track. Can anyone confirm?

Will I be damaging anything by continuing to do this? Is there anyway to give the windows power without turning the key to ON? I searched high and low and was unable to find an answer to that last one. The closest I found was some warnings that messing with that stuff might mess up the CANbus system so I'm afraid to try something that hasn't been done before.

 

Interesting. So you are not starting it for days in between , correct?

Have you tried holding it in start for longer than usual until it catches for good? If so, Does it start and die, does it light off roughly and stabilize?

 

@proboy what year/trim/etc?

I'm interested in your setup! Sounds very cool!

How many miles?

One possible explanation:

Over time, carbon builds up in the intake plenum. As it happens gradually, the ECU learns to compensate by making tiny adjustments. When you disconnect the battery for a period of time, the ECU loses it's memory and reverts to factory settings. This can cause it to stall, or idle rough.

It's an easy fix. Remove the intake tubing, spray brake cleaner on a rag, and clean the throttle body around the plenum. Put it back together and it should be fine.

 

Fuel pump turns on during that cycle.
Maybe too many on/offs

 

I was thinking along the same lines. Maybe something about the whole system getting all “primed” so to speak, and then just getting put back to bed without anything happening. Maybe the truck is just disappointed. Or maybe it gets too excited when it’s finally go time that it just trips up over itself.

 

On the other forum, there is a rear hatch window switch mod that can be done on our vehicles.
This will allow you to roll down the rear hatch window w/o turning on the ignition:

 

That's weird. Obviously doesn't sound like carbon buildup.

 

If you are leaving the key in the ignition during this time it could be the immobilizer loses the signal from the key. Try taking the key out for a few seconds before trying to start it. I know with my Tundra if I sit in it with the key in the ignition for an hour or so, like while my wife shops, it will do that. I usually just take the key out, flip it over (not really necessary), put it back in, and it will start right up. If you're not leaving the key in it, disregard all of this, lol.

 

Thanks for replies everybody. I'm back to a place with cell connection so I'll respond here to the questions. 2019 Off-road premium with ~30k miles.

Usually it will have this issue when the car has been off for more than 2 days. I can't remember it ever happening if it's been off for less than 48 hours. Again, my theory is that it needs a certain number of "key to the ON position" events before it will have the problem and it takes a few days for that to build up. I suppose I could test it right now by turning the key ON and off 15+ times within the next 10 minutes and see if I can replicate the issue. Maybe I'll do that next time I'm in town just incase something goes awry.

The engine cranks like a normal start and then goes silent just before it would normally catch. Continuing to hold the key produces nothing, no noise.

That's my theory too. Sounds like I may not be crazy to think so.

Key isn't left in the ignition but thanks for the suggestion!

Anyway, here's some photos. Shelf built in rear, held down with paracord and turnbuckles on both sides. Ceiling net up top to keep soft light things out of the way. I'm 6' tall so I had to take the rear passenger seat cushion out to fit. Bed is a 75"x25"x4" mattress from Amazon. Small cooler half filled with ice keeps for 7 days in < 65deg. weather, or 4 days in hotter weather. DIY awning and small cargo box sitting on factory roof rack.

 

I have been thinking of doing the same thing, but thinking I’ll need an RV trailer since my dog will be with me.

Do you travel alone or do you stay with a group? I would be kind of terrified being completely alone for safety reasons. You just don’t know what kind of people you’ll come across.

 

I think about doing this a lot too, with my dog as well. Not so much because I want to be a nomad, but with the housing market what it is I figure at some point I'll end up homeless. Might as well prep for it now, haha. I agree with you about doing it in a group. A small one though, 2 or 3 other rigs. Or do like some of the people I follow on IG, just meet up with like minded people along the way.

Or maybe sell the 4R and pick up van to park down by the river. Seriously though, I'm already noticing more "van life" people in my area who are definitely not "doing it for the gram".

 

There's room for a dog without a trailer, though it would be much more comfortable (and clean) to not have to deal with a dog in such a small place.

I am solo all the time. The only thing I worry about is mechanical failure or getting stuck. I'm pretty cautious about the terrain I'll try to tackle because of that. I'm looking forward to wearing out this set of factory tires and shocks so I can get a slight lift and be a little more capable. Though I always have plenty of food and water to hike to the nearest road if something should happen.

No need to be fearful of people. The world isn't that dangerous of a place despite how it might seem on TV. People you encounter out in the wild are just doing the same thing you're out there to do. When I do sleep in the city, which is rare, I carefully choose where to sleep so I don't cause any suspicion or inconvenience to others. I've never had a problem. That's one of the great things about being in an SUV as opposed to a van or camper.