2009 Yaris starting issue -need help

[CTScott]

The reason that I am thinking fuel issue is that it takes so much to get it going, but once it is running it stays running fine. I am thinking that when it sits that sediment settles to the bottom and it takes some work for the fuel pump to suck past what's stuck to the filter to initially get running. Once running, the fuel pump has a little bypass hole that washes the surface of the filter, so that may be why once it is running it stays running. I too could be wrong, but it makes sense to me.

Also, there is a fuel filter. It is a plastic mesh one that snaps onto the bottom of the fuel pump. It is replaceable, but requires pulling the fuel sender assembly to do so. That's something that you'd really prefer someone else to do for you on their nickel if possible.