Delicate Ignition Problem

I have been trouble shooting an ignition problem for a while and I would really appreciate some help.

My 2014 was seemingly having some issues starting up, starting a few weeks ago. Battery is fine. I took out the starter and brought it in for a rebuild - wasn’t the problem. Tested the alternator - not the problem. Check the terminal connections and replaced the negative connection - not the problem. I then noticed that it wasn’t necessarily that it wasn’t starting, but if I turned the key too far it wouldn’t go. If I turn slowly up until I get some resistance, it will start fine BUT there’s only a ~3mm or so area in the rotation of the key where it will spark and start-up, but if I go beyond this sweet spot it will not go.. no click. nothing. The sweet spot is no where near the full rotation of the key. Sometimes when I am hitting the sweet spot it will take two or three goes to get it to turn over.

The truck is at 147,000 miles. Next on my list to try is replacing the fuel pump, replacing the ignition switch,… I am just throwing what ever I can at it. It’s not critical since it seems to be starting fine, but it is concerning, and I expect that this could get worse and eventually leave me stranded. I appreciate any suggestions.

 

Sounds like the issue is the ignition switch.
Likely in the ST1 or ST2 leg of the switch.
You could check with a voltage meter at he STA fuse or pin #5 of the STA relay.

 

You may need a helper to turn the key while you watch the multimeter but you may have all you need right here. Turn the key "past start" and check both the relay and fuse terminal of the appropriate circuit and see if one goes mia compared to when it does start, your ignition makes sense to be worn...The parts cannon gets expensive to shoot in a hurry

 

Sounds like it needs an ignition switch - the electrical portion at the bottom end of the ignition lock housing. There are big brass contacts inside for each position as the key rotates (off, accessory, run, start). They will get burned spots on them and cause this symptom

Don't put a fuel pump in it. If the fuel pump was bad the engine would crank over but not start

 

You may find this link helpful should it be the ignition switch.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/remove-ignition-lock-cylinder.502007/

 

Thanks for the help! Replaced the ignition switch today and it’s starting like a brand new truck.

 

Great news.
Thanks for the update.