Hard Starting Any Suggestions Please?

[toyota-NJZ]

I have the 2013 Yaris 1.33 vvdi petrol, and have been driving frequently without realising the fuel level was low, I have been using petrol injector clean to a full tank every 5k miles too so I don't think my cat is damaged and smells are fine on cold start, the car hard starts with hesitation first 2-3 seconds what do you think it could be guys? I'm a technician anyway but i just wanted to know what to do, I have already changed the Battery and topped fuel tank until the nozzle shuts off, roughly 40 litres. but still it hard starts! I even removed the air filter cleaned it and put it back. the spark plugs should be fine as they are ngk platinum Iridium fitted at about 30k now at about 71k miles on odometer. I'm not too sure if fuel needs properly priming, maybe a starter motor needs replacement? or a change of spark plugs? someone please let me know what I should do.

[stantheman1]

Do you mean that it's hard to start taking 2 to 3 seconds then idles poorly? Once the engine has warmed up how does it run? Has it lost any power under load?

It's not recommended to run the vehicle when it's so low on fuel as debris (if present) can be sucked in and block the filter. If you've refuelled with aprox. 40 ltrs then you must only have had 2 ltrs left in the tank!

Are there any warning lights lit?

[toyota-NJZ]

2 hours ago, stantheman1 said:

Do you mean that it's hard to start taking 2 to 3 seconds then idles poorly? Once the engine has warmed up how does it run? Has it lost any power under load?

It's not recommended to run the vehicle when it's so low on fuel as debris (if present) can be sucked in and block the filter. If you've refuelled with aprox. 40 ltrs then you must only have had 2 ltrs left in the tank!

Are there any warning lights lit?

It runs 100% fine when it’s idling or when driven under load, it’s just the start is quite hard, i’ve turned ignition off and on for about 10 seconds 6 times and added more fuel to the tank until nozzle shuts off, maybe the fuel pump pressure went low? Because i drove the car all the way till 0 mile range a few times. 

[toyota-NJZ]

There are no warning lights either nothing at all, just when you crank it by turning the key full for the starter, it kind of hesitates then starts and runs and idles fine

[paul9]

If you have your foot on the throttle when starting, then try with it off. One of my old cars used to get fussy with even a slight amount of throttle at startup. Also, don't just assume the spark plugs are fine just because they are low mileage. Not saying you need to change them, just that they could easily be fouled.

[stantheman1]

Check that the Battery terminals are tight especially the -ve, follow this cable to where it's connected to the bodywork and make sure that connection is clean (no rust) and secure. Whilst you're at it check the fusible links found 'piggy backed' off the +ve terminal of the Battery.

So, is it the cranking/turning over of the engine that is hesitant when trying to start? 

[flash22]

18 hours ago, toyota-NJZ said:

 I have already changed the battery and topped fuel tank until the nozzle shuts off,

Did the problem start after you changed the Battery ? Have you pulled the spark plugs ?