Four weeks ago went to try and start my car and it wouldn't start, the button would work to turn it on (acc) and off just no start. Battery was good the fob battery was good, brake light came on when you pressed the brake. Put it in neutral still no start. Took the start button from our 2018 RX and it started.. Put the original back in and it started, that button worked for a week then the same thing, pulled a button from a 2016 Highlander and that worked. Ordered a used button off eBay and picked up one locally from salvage they worked for two weeks. Now neither of my new to me buttons start the engine... Does anyone have any ideas what it might be?

 

Could it actually be your Starter that's going bad?

 

It sounds like the problem isn't the buttons themselves. The issue is probably the brake switch. It's a common failure. The computer needs to see that you're pressing the brake pedal before it will let the car start. Even if the brake lights come on, the switch can still be failing and not sending the correct signal to the starter system. I'd test or replace the brake switch first.

 

I think it’s the starter that’s going bad

 

My car will not start and brake lights do not light up where is brake switch located? Behind pedal?

 

The brake switch is located at the top of the brake pedal arm, where it connects to the firewall. It's a small plastic unit that's activated when you press the brake pedal.