# Hard starting / long crank before start — cost 2016 Toyota Scion Fr-S > ClearTheCode — Experiencing a hard starting or long crank before start issue with your 2016 Toyota Scion FR-S? Discover common causes, diagnostic steps, and potential repair costs to get your engine firing quickly again. Source: https://clearthecode.com/articles/symptom-hard-starting-long-crank-cost-toyota-scion-fr-s-2016 Author: ClearTheCode # Hard starting / long crank before start — cost 2016 Toyota Scion Fr-S Few things are as frustrating as turning the key in your 2016 Toyota Scion FR-S and hearing the engine crank for an extended period before finally sputtering to life. This **hard starting / long crank before start** issue can be intermittent, occurring only when the engine is cold, or it might plague you every time you try to start your vehicle, regardless of temperature. It's a clear signal that something in your FR-S's starting, fuel, or ignition system isn't quite right, and addressing it promptly can prevent further complications, save you money, and restore your peace of mind. ## What drivers notice on this 2016 Toyota Scion Fr-S Owners of a 2016 Scion FR-S experiencing this problem typically describe a noticeable delay between turning the ignition and the engine actually catching and running. Instead of the quick, confident start you expect, the starter motor spins for several seconds—sometimes 3, 5, or even longer—before the engine fires. This can be particularly pronounced after the car has been sitting for a while, such as overnight, requiring multiple attempts to start, or surprisingly, sometimes only when the engine is warm and has just been shut off for a short period. Drivers often feel a sense of dread or anxiety each time they try to start the car, wondering if it will eventually catch or leave them stranded. The sound of the prolonged cranking can also be alarming, suggesting a struggle beneath the hood. ## At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow - **Difficulty Rating:** 6/10 — Easy to moderate - **Common Symptoms:** Engine cranks for an unusually long time (e.g., more than 2-3 seconds) before starting.; Engine may hesitate, stumble, or run rough immediately after starting, sometimes requiring a few seconds to smooth out.; A faint smell of raw fuel from the exhaust, especially after a prolonged crank, indicating unburnt fuel.; Reduced fuel economy over time, as the engine might be running rich or struggling with inefficient combustion. - **Estimated Repair Cost:** $80–$900 (parts + typical shop labor) - **OEM Tooling Required:** Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools **Diagnostic workflow:** 1. Confirm the symptom on your vehicle. 2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool. 3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first). 4. Run verification tests before replacing parts. 5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive. ## Symptoms and warning signs When your 2016 Scion FR-S exhibits a hard starting or long crank condition, you might observe several related symptoms that can help narrow down the potential cause: * Engine cranks for an unusually long time (e.g., more than 2-3 seconds) before starting. * Engine may hesitate, stumble, or run rough immediately after starting, sometimes requiring a few seconds to smooth out. * A faint smell of raw fuel from the exhaust, especially after a prolonged crank, indicating unburnt fuel. * Reduced fuel economy over time, as the engine might be running rich or struggling with inefficient combustion. * The Check Engine Light (CEL) may illuminate, indicating a related issue in the fuel, ignition, or emissions system. Even if it's not on, pending codes might be present. * Difficulty starting in specific conditions, such as only when cold, only when hot, or after sitting for an extended period. * Noticeable loss of power or hesitation during acceleration once the engine is running. * Rough idle or occasional misfires after the initial start, which might smooth out as the engine warms. * Battery appears strong, and the starter motor sounds robust, yet the engine still struggles to catch. * A distinct whirring or groaning sound from the fuel pump area (typically under the rear seat or trunk) that is either absent, excessively loud, or weak when the key is first turned to the 'ON' position. ## How to verify and confirm the issue Confirming a hard starting / long crank issue on your 2016 Scion FR-S involves a combination of observation and diagnostic checks. This process helps differentiate between a weak battery, a failing starter, or issues within the fuel or ignition systems: * **Listen carefully**: Pay attention to the sound of the starter motor. Does it sound strong and consistent, or weak and struggling? A strong crank with no immediate fire points away from the battery/starter itself and more towards fuel or ignition problems. A slow, weak crank, however, could indicate a dying battery or starter. * **Observe the tachometer**: When cranking, does the tachometer show RPMs immediately? If it shows zero or very low RPMs for a prolonged period while the engine is cranking, it could indicate an issue with the crankshaft position sensor, which is vital for the engine's computer to time spark and fuel delivery. * **Check for fuel pump prime**: Turn the key to the 'ON' position (without starting the engine) and listen for a faint hum or whirring sound from the rear of the vehicle. This is the fuel pump priming the system. If you don't hear it, or it sounds weak, inconsistent, or excessively loud, it's a strong clue pointing to a fuel delivery problem. * **Scan for trouble codes**: Even if the Check Engine Light isn't on, use an OBD-II scanner to check for pending or stored diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). Codes related to misfires (P03XX), fuel system pressure (P01XX), or sensor performance (P01XX, P04XX) can point directly to the root cause. For general diagnostic information, you can explore our extensive library of repair guides. * **Monitor live data**: With a capable scanner, monitor live data during cranking. Key parameters to observe include fuel pressure (if available via OBD-II, or with a manual gauge), engine RPM from the crankshaft position sensor, engine coolant temperature, mass airflow sensor readings, and short/long term fuel trims. Abnormal readings here can quickly identify a faulty sensor or component. * **Fuel Pressure Test**: This is a critical step. Connect a mechanical fuel pressure gauge to the fuel rail. Check pressure with the key on/engine off, during cranking, and while the engine is running (if it starts). Also perform a ## Related pages - All repair guides - [Browse vehicles](/vehicles) --- This guide is not a substitute for OEM service procedures; use a qualified technician for safety-critical repairs. ## Frequently asked questions ### How urgent is this problem? If symptoms are worsening or safety systems are affected, diagnose soon; minor issues can often wait for a scheduled service visit. ### Can I drive with this issue? Short trips may be acceptable for some faults, but stop driving if you notice overheating, loss of braking, steering problems, or strong fuel smells. ### Do I need a dealer scan tool? A basic OBD-II scanner helps confirm codes; some steps still need visual checks and meter tests described above. ## Explore related guides on ClearTheCode - [Browse OBD-II codes](/codes) - All repair guides