06 tC, 88k miles, Fujita CAI, TRD axelback, TRD short shifter only performance mods.

Still starts right up, sometimes longer key hold than other times. Sometimes the start up is quick and smooth, sometimes it's just downright violent and sounds like it's being choked for air. Cooler outside definitely doesn't help While running normal operating temp everything is fine. Spirited driving is fine. Low end just seems to struggle and bit too. Changed my oil (used synthetic since 10k miles), lucas fuel cleaner + 91 octane fill up, and changed spark plugs yesterday. No change yet. Anything else I can do to help or is mah sht just getting old? Definitely beat it up a little over the last 5 years....

Thanks for any help in advance

 

When was the last time you cleaned your MAF?

 

Good call. No help though. I clean it with CRC MAF sensor cleaner every 10k ish miles. Just did it with this oil change too (last week)

Just thought of something else.
Had a check engine light on for a few days.
Went away by itself...dunno if it could have anything to do with my problem though

P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold (Bank #1)

 

sounds like oxygen sensor issue reset your ecu and go from there.

 

Actually had my battery unplugged yesterday for like 30 mins changing my spark plugs so that took care of that.

 

have you cleaned your air filter at all?

could be the tc is just getting old on ya, its not a teenager anymore lol

 

It sounds like he takes care of her, im sure its changed, you should change the sensor, had the same problem and after it was replaced car ran fine..
go figure
lmk if this is the fix

 

Which sensor you referring to? MAF or o2?

Filter was cleaned about 5k miles ago...never affected the startup positively or negatively when I clean it

 

have you changed out the battery at all or had the battery die on you?? not sure if this can be related to any of your problems but you never know...

 

^^ yeah i agree, have you had the battery load tested? Might be going bad on ya, i've seen batteries go around 3-4 years old, some are lucky and get beyond that but that's the average age for battery issues.

and usually a dirty MAF sensor in my experience is for more rough idling than starting the car unless the MAF is dead, then a check engine light would've come on.