'19 Taco wont start unless brakes are pumped

Sold my 2019 basic 2WD automatic SR truck, with only 2,500 miles on it, to a friend a few months ago. I bought it new and never had a problem with it. My friend just called to say he's always had problems with it starting unless he pumps the brakes first, and that the other day, it wouldn't start at all and he had to get a jump start from a neighbor. To me it sounds like the battery, but I find it odd that pumping the brakes would help get it started. Anyone ever had a problem like that?

 

Is it a push to start?

 

No, it's just a basic bottom of the line 2019 SR truck.

 

Auto or Manual?

 

Auto

 

mmm...well i know my truck will crank without pushing the brake

 

Low / bad batteries make these truck do weird things! Change the battery and it should be good. Stock batteries suck!

 

This 100%

It’s a 2019, and a lot of batteries need to be changed every 3 years depending on environment and driving habits.

 

Don’t understand why I keep on seeing this. What’s wrong with stock batteries? Do you have a source that supports this?

 

No source, just personal experience. Have had three of these trucks now.

2016 bought it 1 1/2 yrs old. Needed a battery within 2 months...making that stock one no more than 2 yrs old.

2021 new truck off the lot on lease. Battery died in the middle of August, 8 months old. It was dead, truck was stock. Making that stock battery no more than 1 1/2 yrs old.

2020 used truck ...From Canada with only 7800 miles. Been in service since new for 1 yr 1 month per OG owners notes and receipts before it was changed to a die-hard battery. So that one was no more than 1 1/2 yrs old also.

So I guess your on the stock battery still? If so I guess you got a good one.

 

i've never had to replace an OEM toyota battery in any of my toyota vehicles. even ones that were over 6 years old. maybe i got lucky?

one time i had to clean the terminals and another time i had to charge it with a trickle charger but that was my own fault.

 

Yeah, if it starts OK when jumped I'd look at the battery first. Not sure about the pumping the brakes thing? Might be 2 separate problems? Try swapping batteries first and see how it goes.

 

Wow that’s crazy. I’m still rocking original battery and my truck sits outside 5 days a week with no tender.

FWIW OEM battery on my dads 2013 4R lasted 8 years.

 

My 2009 OEM Battery lasted 8 1/2 years to

 

I cleaned terminals once and sprayed some red anti corrosion spray on them. Been great so far, curious how long my OEM battery will last. Truck still starts just fine.

 

Not sure why some folks have such shitty luck.

Maybe leaving interior lights on? Playing music a lot with engine off? Short trips?

 

not positive but I think there is a safety switch on the brake pedal that is part of the start system (ignition) - if the switch goes bad or is stuck in the wrong position it will prevent you from starting the vehicle. I think it is located up under the cover below the steering wheel - follow the brake pedal arm up under the cover - you should be able to see it and inspect it to see if it is gummed up and not working properly when the pedal is pressed and released.

 

try moving the shifter?

 

Short duration trips perhaps? Not enough drive time to fully charge the battery.

 

This thread needs Pumping…