Turn key to start car and click...

[Fungi2003 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fungi2003]

Something weird has been happening to my Prado, when I try start it I only get a click, try start it again (from same position) click again. When it turn the key to the off position and turn it back to start it goes on.

I don't think its the battery as the car turns on with no problems. Anyone else come across this?

[ozwapet2 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close ozwapet2]

Re: Turn key to start car and click...

In the old days that used to be caused by a sticking starter motor solenoid. A tap with a hammer on the solenoid would fix it for a while.
I'm not sure what solenoid arrangement the 120 has, but it sounds like a trip to your friendly Toyota dealer may be in order.

Actually, just reading you post again, I reckon it's more likely something to do with the ignition/auto trans lever interlock switching.
Maybe one of the switches has some dirt or a loose connection.

[Fungi2003 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fungi2003]

Re: Turn key to start car and click...

In the old days that used to be caused by a sticking starter motor solenoid. A tap with a hammer on the solenoid would fix it for a while.
I'm not sure what solenoid arrangement the 120 has, but it sounds like a trip to your friendly Toyota dealer may be in order.

Actually, just reading you post again, I reckon it's something to do with the ignition/auto trans lever interlock switching.
Maybe one of the switches has some dirt or a loose connection.

Thanks for the quick repky!

If it is the starter motor or the trans lever how much is it to get fixed?

[ozwapet2 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close ozwapet2]

Re: Turn key to start car and click...

Hard to say .... I presume you are out of warranty ?

The hard part will be trying to make the problem happen while you are at the dealer's = take it down to them anyway see what they say.

[xvprado Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close xvprado]

Re: Turn key to start car and click...

These days I would doubt its the starter, the interlock on the 120 has been known to be a bit iffy, but, i would be pretty confident you have a dud battery connection
Take both battery connections off, clean them properly (hot water is good as are wire brushes) replace and tighten up fully...see how that goes before you spend any hard earned

[Fungi2003 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fungi2003]

Re: Turn key to start car and click...

These days I would doubt its the starter, the interlock on the 120 has been known to be a bit iffy, but, i would be pretty confident you have a dud battery connection
Take both battery connections off, clean them properly (hot water is good as are wire brushes) replace and tighten up fully...see how that goes before you spend any hard earned

I thought that might have been the case but doubt it as the electrics in the car go on immediately when I'm starting the car. Regardless, I'll have another look at the battery terminal just to be sure.

I've even booked in the car for its 120,000km service and mentioned that they look into it.

[deeozzy Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close deeozzy]

Re: Turn key to start car and click...

Hi Frank.

My wife complained about the exact same thing a few weeks back. It turned out to be a low battery in the key or some kind of connection between the immobiliser in the key and the ignition switch.

Pulled both keys apart, replaced both batteries, cleaned out the dust/dirt inside they keys, and havent had a problem since.

Cheers
Oscar

[Fungi2003 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fungi2003]

Re: Turn key to start car and click...

You know whats funny, it just stopped happening. Got a mate to have a look into it and he confirmed it was the starter motor. Running fine at the moment!