Sometimes get no response when turning key to START

I have noticed that more and more often my truck does nothing when I turn the key to START. The lights will shut off of the radio and stuff like normal, but nothing happens. No clicking or anything. Then when I turn the key again to START, the truck starts up normally. Would this be something wrong with the ignition cylinder?

2004 V6 manual, 180k miles

EDIT: Bad starter. Replaced starter.. problem fixed.

 

I'd suspect the electrical switch behind the cylinder before the cylinder itself.

 

So engine isn't turning over? Takes a couple tries with key to get it crank over?

 

It does nothing. Nothing from the starter or anything. Just the lights cut off for a second (like they normally would), and then I realize nothing is happening so I stop, and turn the key again and boom. Always starts right up on the second try.

 

Starter contacts, that's what it sounds like to me. I just did mine this past weekend. Local auto electric shop had contacts and a plunger for 15 bucks even.

 

Word. I figured it would make a clicking sound, but you may very well be right. I bought an OEM starter a long time ago just for this occasion. Currently running a Carquest starter.

 

likely this ^^^. Key cylinder switch. they wear out from turning ignition key on. I have replaced several. good diy videos on youtube. easily replaced. They can and do fail while driving. Vehicle will die like it has no power/ electrical. The key will not return or stay in the on position if it is this switch when the key is turned to the start position.

 

Perfect. Replace contacts and plunger in carquest one and you have a good backup. Well done on thinking ahead on the starter. The contacts will wear out one day. Thank goodness they are replaceable/rebuildable so we can keep our OEM Denso starters.

 

Yeah, I got it because the OEM start is just so much quieter. I ruined my first OEM starter in the mud and ended up picking up a used one along the way. The aftermarket starters are so much more high pitched and annoying. haha

 

Hmm. I will 'start' with the starter first, and diagnose the plunger and contacts first. If it isn't that, I will look into this. Can you link these videos you speak of?
Saw you have a 2016, does this diagnosis apply to first gens?

 

just google or bing "how to replace ignition switch for a 2004 tacoma". YouTube videos should show up in search.

I replaced one on my gen 2 Tacoma and Tundra and 2003 Honda Accord - all failed about 120k and all had the same symptom - key won't stay in the run or on position once you turn to start. you can actually see it returns to the acc position and won't hold in the run or on position. If that is not it then check the starter. simple to diagonse if it is the key cylinder. took me about 30 minutes to fix.

 

Speaking of starters, I was messing with my battery cables over the weekend and I knocked off two brittle plastic pieces covering holes on the bottom of my Denso starter. They don't appear to serve any purpose except to cover the holes. Anyone have a recommendation?

 

Mine did this off and on for a couple months before the battery died on me. Replaced it and haven't had it happen since.

 

Possibly the breather? Was it brittle plastic that used to be rubber? When I did my contacts over the weekend the breather was still pliable... So I'm not sure which pieces you're talking about.

 

Also check for corrosion/connection on battery. That can cause similar symptoms.

 

Two of these snapped off when I was fiddling around down there. Probably are fossilized rubber pieces.

 

I do have a Walmart battery in it right now that is prone to corrosion. I will have to try and clean the contacts and check the cranking amps left. I bought this battery when I was a poor college kid. I have sprayed some fluid film on the contacts and it has helped with the corrosion, but there might still be some on the inside of the rings.

 

If your battery is suspect, and over 4 years old, replace it with a good one ( ie - NOT from Wallyworld).
I like Napa batteries, and they are only about $100

 

Defiantly sounds like a bad contact somewhere.

Yeah, battery cables first. I've had corrosion do that. Try some dielectric grease on the terminals after you clean them up. When my battery died earlier this year, it would still engage the starter, but there was not enough power to turn the starter for more than a micro second.

After that, starter contacts are cheap and easy to do. If that fails, key cylinder switch.

EDIT: I've also got a Maxx Start battery, which is made by Johnson Controls, and is higher rated by CR than most other major brands, and is cheaper.

 

I'm still thinking starter contacts, but if it is battery issue, Costco now carries Interstate batteries for like 80 bucks or something. Those are quality batteries at a great price.