Toyota Tacoma only starts by moving steering wheel up or down

[gary grothmann]

I saw one post on this topic awhile back, was wondering if anyone can help. 2008 Toyota Tacoma standard transmission will not start unless I move the steering wheel up or down slowly. Sometimes it takes a minute, sometimes I can try this for 5 minutes and nothing. If I do get it started, I have to leave the steering wheel in its lowest position, as it will not start when raised. Had this issue last year but it seemed to be okay as long as the steering wheel was kept in its down spot. Once it starts I will not have the problem again until the next morning, especially in cold or wet conditions, regardless of the steering wheel position. I need to do this every morning now. If anyone ever experienced this and fixed, I'd love to hear how you resolved it before I go mad. Maybe a loose connector pin? Replace the harness? Thank you for any suggestions. Had the starter replaced when this first started happening, but starter/connections checked out fine.

 

[gnob]

Id be looking for damaged wires in the column. And sooner than later to avoid fire.

 

[oregon fj]

Might be more detailed advise in the Tacoma forum rather than the FJ40 forum.

05+ Tacoma, T100, Highlander

 

[gary grothmann]

I saw one post on this topic awhile back, was wondering if anyone can help. 2008 Toyota Tacoma standard transmission will not start unless I move the steering wheel up or down slowly. Sometimes it takes a minute, sometimes I can try this for 5 minutes and nothing. If I do get it started, I have to leave the steering wheel in its lowest position, as it will not start when raised. Had this issue last year but it seemed to be okay as long as the steering wheel was kept in its down spot. Once it starts I will not have the problem again until the next morning, especially in cold or wet conditions, regardless of the steering wheel position. I need to do this every morning now. If anyone ever experienced this and fixed, I'd love to hear how you resolved it before I go mad. Maybe a loose connector pin? Replace the harness? Thank you for any suggestions. Had the starter replaced when this first started happening, but starter/connections checked out fine.

Id be looking for damaged wires in the column. And sooner than later to avoid fire.

Thanks, makes sense. I'll try and find some tutorial on it, if I give it to Toyota it may get real expensive.

 

[Preston Preuss]

My friends Pontiac did this, the ignition switch failed. It would never start and then when his dad drove he would move the steering wheel up (he was larger) and it would start just fine. He couldn’t figure out why it wouldn’t start for him but it would for his dad. Changing the position can flex the contacts inside of the switch. If it were mine I would go buy the switch and pop it in but by all means look for damages wires while your in there.

 

[gary grothmann]

My friends Pontiac did this, the ignition switch failed. It would never start and then when his dad drove he would move the steering wheel up (he was larger) and it would start just fine. He couldn’t figure out why it wouldn’t start for him but it would for his dad. Changing the position can flex the contacts inside of the switch. If it were mine I would go buy the switch and pop it in but by all means look for damages wires while your in there.

Thanks Preston, when it's cold its worse. That's exactly what I'll do.