Non-mechanic, looking for troubleshooting help

Hi, all:

2006 Tacoma, automatic transmission, 140,000 miles on it.

I have had the engine not start twice now, and both times the thing that got it to start was to put it in neutral, let it roll (or push it) and pop it into park. Then it would immediately start up.

The battery, spark plugs, starter, fuse for the starter, and oil have been replaced recently.

After the first time, I took it to my mechanic (where of course it started fine 15 times in a row) and he couldn't think of anything at that moment that could be causing it, OR think of why pushing it in neutral / popping it into park would get it to start.

Ran it by a new acquaintance who it turns out has a Toyota (though not a Tacoma) and has worked on cars professionally, and she gave me two suggestions:

1. Neutral safety switch
2. Corrosion *inside* the sheath of the battery cables

Wanted to see if y'all have had experience with either of these, or any other thoughts you might have on what else it could be.

Thanks in advance.

 

Definitely check your grounds

 

From your description of what you do to get it started I would suspect the Transmission Range Switch/Neutral Safety Switch but I have to ask when it doesn't start does it not do anything or does the engine turn over but not fire?

 

The only activity when I turn the key is the radio/lights/etc coming on. No engine activity of any kind.

 

Will do.

 

Next time it does it move the transmission shifter to neutral and see if it starts there, if it does then it's most likely the range switch on the side of the transmission.

 

Will do! Thank you!

 

Check em in opposite order. Battery is easy because it’s on top. If it needs cleaning that’s also very easy. New battery recently doesn’t mean the terminals and posts have a good connection. If when it was installed and the terminals and new posts weren’t touched with a battery brush, that could be the problem.

 

I agree on the prndl switch being suspect.

You could also try foot on the brake, hold the key to start and swiping the shifter from P to L then back while still holding the brake and key to start to see if it catches in any gear but park or neutral.

 

Excellent advice. Will try!