GX470 no start

[phishtaco]

05 GX470 won’t start. Things I’ve done this past week. Battery died with headlights on for about a half hour. Jumped and started right up. 2 days later parked for dinner and would not start after dinner. I used the flat key thing and it started. I assumed it was my key battery. A few days later it died while parked for 10 minutes. Bought new battery. 4 days later no start. I assume I will be changing an alternator this weekend? Sound about right? Any other thoughts? I feel like I hear the starter relay kicking in.

 

[VSPro9]

alternator could be it. other option that vexxed me was the neutral switch ( cant remember the technical name) can you switch to neutral and start it? Key battery only controls the remote open etc i believe.

 

[phishtaco]

I’ll give that a shot.

 

[ArBrnSnpr]

I know there is some kind of sensor in the ignition that will cause the car not to start if it doesn't get a signal from the battery. That why we have to have our keys programed and not just cut.
I pulled the trim once to do work under there and forgot to reconnect that wire and it caused the car not to start.
If your remote battery is old, I'd recommend changing it. It's $6.00 peace of mind and preventive maintenance.
Though your problem does sound like the alternator isn't charging the battery.

 

[VSPro9]

I know there is some kind of sensor in the ignition that will cause the car not to start if it doesn't get a signal from the battery. That why we have to have our keys programed and not just cut.
I pulled the trim once to do work under there and forgot to reconnect that wire and it caused the car not to start.
If your remote battery is old, I'd recommend changing it. It's $6.00 peace of mind and preventive maintenance.
Though your problem does sound like the alternator isn't charging the battery.

when i swapped key shells, the key itself isnt connected to anything, and it started just fine with no battery in the fob. im not sure but i dont think the key battery does anything besides power the remote lock/unlock.

here is a thread on the neutral switch for phishtaco. Neutral safety switch? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/neutral-safety-switch.1031516/#post-14004980

 

[phishtaco]

I was under the impression that the key battery had something to do with turning off the immobilizer? New key battery was installed 5 days ago.

 

[gxblade1]

Before you do anything

1. Check battery voltage with a volt meter
2. If you are under 12 ish volts, you need to charge the battery
3. Once you charge the battery, measure the volts with the car running and without.
4. You should see a voltage jump with the vehicle running (alternator charging)
5. If you do not, you need an alternator.

 

[phishtaco]

Well jumped it, let it idle for about 15 minutes, put it drive and it died.

 

[gxblade1]

Well jumped it, let it idle for about 15 minutes, put it drive and it died.

You need to get a proper battery charger and charge it. Jumping does not recharge the battery and constantly jumping will damage it.

Harbor freight sells cheap battery charges and usually has a free volt meter coupon. I would do that.

I've had pretty good luck with this. It does standard and AGM, float and reconditioning.

2/8/15 Amp Automatic Microprocessor Controlled Battery Charger

Amazing deals on this 2/8/15 Amp 12V Automatic Charger Starter at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

[phishtaco]

At work so working with what I have for now. I have a charger at home.

 

[Mitchelllamme]

I’m super close to you. I have another alternator I believe if you want to try that out

 

[phishtaco]

I’m super close to you. I have another alternator I believe if you want to try that out

Thanks for the offer. Joseph Toyota is supposed to have a remanufactured one for me tomorrow. $200, not terrible. I’ll tear into it on Sunday in the heat!

 

[Mitchelllamme]

Nice dude yeah. That’s a good deal. Good luck hopefully it’s not as insane as it has been. Been avoiding anything outside haha!

 

[phishtaco]

Swapped the alternator out this morning in a little over 3 hours with a set of extra hands. Took a little while to fight the belt back around the pulleys. So far so good. Looks like a remanufactured Toyota denso unit had been swapped once before.

 

[hoch]

Some misinfo in this thread.
The keyless entry has nothing to do with the immobilizer chip inside the key. Changing the battery does nothing. Even if the battery were completely dead, it would still start the vehicle.

 

[ArBrnSnpr]

Some misinfo in this thread.
The keyless entry has nothing to do with the immobilizer chip inside the key. Changing the battery does nothing. Even if the battery were completely dead, it would still start the vehicle.

But does the battery inside the key fob have anything to do with the signal sent from the immobilizer?

I don't see how it wouldn't.

 

[hoch]

But does the battery inside the key fob have anything to do with the signal sent from the immobilizer?

I don't see how it wouldn't.

There is no signal sent from within the key itself. Chip is hard coded which is scanned by the immobilizer system in the truck.

This is how the valet key works. Which has no buttons or battery. If you don’t believe me, simply take out the battery in the remote and start the truck.

 

[ArBrnSnpr]

There is no signal sent from within the key itself. Chip is hard coded which is scanned by the immobilizer system in the truck.

This is how the valet key works. Which has no buttons or battery. If you don’t believe me, simply take out the battery in the remote and start the truck.

I believe you...

When it comes to electronics, you could tell me there was a small dwarf that lived inside my key, who told another small dwarf inside the immobilizer that it was time to start the car. Then based on an age-old pact the two proceeded with their mystical ways, magic was done and the engine came to life. Not because I find you to be particularly credible, but because electronics are voodoo. Long story short, I'll take your word for it without dismantling my key.