Starting Issues (not the infamous immobilizer) (1 Viewer)

[cadeucsb]

I have had my 2000 for a couple months now. Got her with a brand new battery (receipt in hand). Always started right up, zero issues, zero hesitation.

• Sunday I take it to the store, starts right up at home and then in the parking lot to leave...no crank, let alone no turnover.
  • Accessory mode works fine, radio plays all power items work.
  • Security light goes out when the key is in.
  • I take the key out, put it back, starts right up.
• Monday, I take it work, starts right up at home. Take it out for lunch, starts right up. Headed home from lunch, takes 2-3 key removals but eventually starts right up.
  • I leave work Monday and it takes me a good 3 min of key in/out before it starts right up
• Tuesday, try to take it to work, no amount of key in/out gets it out
  • Hasn't started since.

I replaced the infamous EFI fuse (with a 30a) just in case, but I know from experience that the engine cranks but never turns over with immobilizer issues.... this doesn't crank. Its acting like my previous jeep that didn't think it was in Park and wouldn't start until I wiggled the shifter (doesn't help here).

Starter issues seem possible, but to go from starting up instantly every time....to never again isn't usually how a starter dies. Thinking maybe the starter relay...ordered a new one and also planning to jump the starter relay to see if I get life from the starter.

Also planning to clean all battery terminals and grounds... but I wasnt sure where all the main ground points are in the engine bay....please chime in if you know

The weather did get colder here starting this weekend...but not sure if that would cause such a drastic issue.

Any thoughts/ideas/things to try appreciated.

 

[whitec13]

Next time you get no start, pop it in neutral and see if it fires. I had a similar issue that randomly worked itself out, but putting the truck in neutral made it start every time. I bought the starter relay, but it just stopped doing it one day with no intervention. Sorry I have nothing more to offer, but hopefully this at least gets you back on the road!

 

[cadeucsb]

Next time you get no start, pop it in neutral and see if it fires. I had a similar issue that randomly worked itself out, but putting the truck in neutral made it start every time. I bought the starter relay, but it just stopped doing it one day with no intervention. Sorry I have nothing more to offer, but hopefully this at least gets you back on the road!

Forgot to mention, I did try the neutral trick (read about someone else doing it in the immobilizer thread) and no luck

I appreciate the suggestion

 

[cadeucsb]

Quick update...

I think its ignition related. Got a suggestion to wiggle the key and/or steering wheel while starting....

Started right up first try.

 

[alecrexmac]

I am having the exact same issue on my 07. It is very strange. I will try the wiggling method and see if anything changes

 

[Eyedaho]

Quick update...

I think its ignition related. Got a suggestion to wiggle the key and/or steering wheel while starting....

Started right up first try.

I had a similar issue and solved it by replacing the ignition contacts on the back of the ignition assembly. Pretty easy to replace. I opened up the old one and the contacts were crusty and green, like a PO had spilled a drink into it.

For my '99:

 

[cadeucsb]

I had a similar issue and solved it by replacing the ignition contacts on the back of the ignition assembly. Pretty easy to replace. I opened up the old one and the contacts were crusty and green, like a PO had spilled a drink into it.

Worth a shot... today the key wiggle wouldnt get it to start. I hear the starter click and nothing.

How hard is the switch assembly install? where is it located?

 

[Eyedaho]

Worth a shot... today the key wiggle wouldnt get it to start. I hear the starter click and nothing.

How hard is the switch assembly install? where is it located?

I don't remember it being very hard. Just a little awkward with the body position. I think I had found a thread on here about it, and I just found this video by searching the forums for that part number.

Post in thread 'EFI or ECU relay clicking while rig is off???' EFI or ECU relay clicking while rig is off??? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/efi-or-ecu-relay-clicking-while-rig-is-off.129429/post-14516078

The ignition switch is on the bottom side of that assembly.

 

[cadeucsb]

I don't remember it being very hard. Just a little awkward with the body position. I think I had found a thread on here about it, and I just found this video by searching the forums for that part number.

Post in thread 'EFI or ECU relay clicking while rig is off???' EFI or ECU relay clicking while rig is off??? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/efi-or-ecu-relay-clicking-while-rig-is-off.129429/post-14516078

The ignition switch is on the bottom side of that assembly.

Thanks...I found this video replacing a tacoma's. Look similar?

 

[Eyedaho]

Thanks...I found this video replacing a tacoma's. Look similar?

View attachment 3770319

Yeah, looks similar from the screen shot. To be clear, I don't know if this is your issue, but it's one more thing to rule out based on the path you're on.

 

[cadeucsb]

Yeah, looks similar from the screen shot. To be clear, I don't know if this is your issue, but it's one more thing to rule out based on the path you're on.

Found an OEM part for $40.... worth a try. Worst case, one more new part on the LC

 

[cadeucsb]

Taking the dash apart to install the new ignition assembly (part arrives tomorrow). I found this odd wire thing wrapped around the key slot on the ignition. Any idea what it might be? Its wired to the little black box in the second pic... Is it an antenna for the immobilizer? Doesnt look like an OEM install

One of these?: Immobilizer Bypass

Update: is in fact an immobilizer bypass. It even had a key in that black box. A key that disables the security light when placed in the ignition but when in the bypass box, doesn’t bypass anything as the security light flashes until key is inserted. I will be removing it.

 

[cadeucsb]

If anyone has any idea how these bypasses work... trying to figure out how to remove it. Two connectors on the unit (see 1st pic). Black wire is the antenna looped around the keyslot (easy removal). Red connector has a red and blue wire, these wires are spliced into a main harness (see 2nd pic) into a light blue and white wire under the steering column coming out of the electrical taped wire set... it looks like the light blue/white wires were cut to tap these in, but cant find another side of these wires.

 

[cadeucsb]

Swapped the ignition assembly..no different.

I think she's getting towed to the shop for a new starter perhaps....not sure what else it could be at this point

 

[2001LC]

First I've seen.

I hate aftermarket wiring or Rinky-Dinky fixes like this.

I'd remove all aftermarket wiring and restore to factory.

If, the immobilizer system recognizes that key as master, your golden. If not, you'll likely need ECU flashed. @Mauser a great guy, and the best on issues with keys. Find his thread on the issue!

 

[cadeucsb]

First I've seen.

I hate aftermarket wiring or Rinky-Dinky fixes like this.

I'd remove all aftermarket wiring and restore to factory.

If, the immobilizer system recognizes that key as master, your golden. If not, you'll likely need ECU flashed. @Mauser a great guy, and the best on issues with keys. Find his thread on the issue!

All my keys (4) turn the security light off when inserted..so I think its ok from an immobilizer perspective.

The issue restoring to factory, is that light blue and white wire...couldnt figure out where they go or if they are indeed aftermarket (since I dont see another side of a cut wire... so I am hesitant to remove the wire nut splice.

I think the fact that I get a single click when and nothing else probably indicates its the starter

 

[2001LC]

All my keys (4) turn the security light off when inserted..so I think its ok from an immobilizer perspective.

The issue restoring to factory, is that light blue and white wire...couldnt figure out where they go or if they are indeed aftermarket (since I dont see another side of a cut wire... so I am hesitant to remove the wire nut splice.

I think the fact that I get a single click when and nothing else probably indicates its the starter

Perhaps, or current to start from battery issue. But wiggle key trick, is not a common report fix of bad starter. Perhaps was coincidence!

 

[cadeucsb]

Perhaps, or current to start from battery issue. But wiggle key trick, is not a common report fix of bad starter. Perhaps was coincidence!

That and the fact never any issue starting at all prior to now just getting a single click and nothin.

 

[IrishPride77]

Experiencing the same issue. Turn the key and accessory mode works fine, radio plays, ventilation starts, all power items work. But the ignition does not crank. It takes multiple attempts before it will crank and start. Sometimes third or fourth try, sometimes the 20th.

Did you resolve this issue? If so, what was the problem and the fix?

 

[2001LC]

Experiencing the same issue. Turn the key and accessory mode works fine, radio plays, ventilation starts, all power items work. But the ignition does not crank. It takes multiple attempts before it will crank and start. Sometimes third or fourth try, sometimes the 20th.

Did you resolve this issue? If so, what was the problem and the fix?

Sound likely starter. But I suggest all accessories be turned off, before turning off engine. Each is using battery volts/AMP, leaving less for starting/cranking.