davisac3

Our rx300 has been acting strange lately. When we go to start it, everything works find until you turn the key to the start position. Nothing happens. It is almost like the battery is dead or the starter isn't getting any juice. It doesnt happen everytime and it only happens when the car is cold. Once you drive it it won't do it again the rest of the day. I've had the battery and alternator checked and they both are fine. Any suggestions?

Carver

How fresh is the battery in your remote?

davisac3

Probably not very fresh. The remote has trouble unlocking the doors which I've always chalked up to a weak battery. Can that stop the car from recognizing the key?

salimshah

The key-id (imobilizer) has nothing to do with the starter. All it does is kill the ignition (spark). Without the right ID, the starter would still work ... only engine would not run.

When the key fails to operate the starter, the problem can be
a) Battery, terminals, wire to the solenoid, actual solenoid and actual starter.
b) Neutral-park interlock switch, Wire to the ignition, ignition switch, wire to the solenoid.



Salim

davisac3

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll start there and see what I can figure out.

bob2200

My recollection is the the key immobilizer doesn't depend on the key battery for it's operation. Rather, it works passively by induction off of the auto electrical current. That's why the credit-card-sized back-up one works too.

You might want to search the forum regarding the solenoid contacts. This is a common problem and you can replace just the contacts, and not the entire solenoid (using Toyota parts) as I recall.

davisac3

I would assume the key uses the current from the car but it'd be a good idea to replace the key fob battery anyway. I will definitely look into the solenoid contacts too. Thanks for the help guys and if you think of anything else let me know.