08 starting issue

I know this has been posted on here before, usually on 05-07, but I wanted to post and get thoughts. I have searched and I wanted to see if this is the issue everyone has been posting about and the mystery one that dealers seem to struggle to fix.

I just bought my 08 TRD Sport 4.0L, manual transmission with 96K miles. It has one owner and the carfax was clean, except not any service records so not entirely sure of the service history.

After I finished all the paperwork and they handed me the keys I went out to start it and the ignition just clicked; all the accessories lit up and the radio came on, just no starter cranking. I shrugged and tried again. Same thing. I took the key out, pushed the clutch in again and it started right up. I blew it off as me not knowing a feature or not being used to the clutch.

The next day it did the same thing so I read the owner's manual to see if there was something I was doing causing the immobilizer chip to activate or something. I read about how that all works and determined it shouldn't be an issue since it is embedded into the keys. I then came on these forums and did a search and started reading.

I saw a post about the starter not activating and maybe it should be replaced. The starter seems to be just fine and it starts right up everything when using the clutchless start. I then read it could be a key issue or the immobilizer computer.

I have made it a point to have the clutch buried in the floor everytime I try to start it. I now keep both keys on me and when it fails to start I switch keys. Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't. I can usually get it started by simply waiting but it is very frustrating and I'm really shocked the dealer sold it to me this way, if they even knew.

I did not buy this from a Toyota Dealership, but bought it used from a Honda dealership. It didn't come with a warranty and I didn't purchase any of their extended warranty crap as I wasn't expecting problems. This happens almost daily. Once it starts the initial time it doesn't happen for a while; I can turn it right back off it if fires right back up. If it sits then it will do it again.

I've linked two videos. The first one the clutch is all the way in I turn the key and nothing happens. I used the same key after removing it from the ignition and letting of the clutch.

http://s708.photobucket.com/albums/ww84/roseforeplay/?action=view&current=VID_20111115_113936.mp4

The second video I switch keys and it doesn't help. All I do to get it to work is let off the clutch and remove the key, wait a couple seconds, then try again. It is mind blowing.
http://s708.photobucket.com/albums/ww84/roseforeplay/?action=view&current=VID_20111115_123749.mp4

My main questions...

Am I doing something wrong when starting it causing this?
Is this the issue others have seen?
Should I contact my dealer (Honda where I purchased it from) or go straight to the Toyota dealer?
What are the chances of me convincing a Toyota dealer to apply the TSB from the 05-07s?
Could this be a starter problem if it never engages?

Any answers would be appreciated and advice as to the next steps. I haven't called either dealer, though I was planning on calling the Honda dealer this afternoon.

 

I just read a post about the clutch start switch. I will crawl under the dash and take a look tonight to see if I can determine anything. It seems like the immobilizer to me. I was tempted to try getting a new key as well.

 

maybe try disconnecting the battery for a little bit and let everything reset not sure

 

I had the battery disconnected for awhile. No more than 20 minutes, but it is worth a shot as well. I was going to look at it again after work. Maybe check all the relays again and definitely the clutch switch under the dash.

 

now that i think about it it could very well be the clutch switch. my dads 88 5 sp manual sometimes does this and you have to hit the clutch start cancel. maybe needs adjusting or loose or need a new one thats the only thing i could think of

 

I had a Nissan that did that. It ended up being the clutch thingy. The mechanic ended up bypassing it so I didn't need to put the clutch in to start it.

 

http://i708.photobucket.com/albums/ww84/roseforeplay/IMG_20111115_191232.jpg?t=1321402714

Is this the clutch switch? Can I just splice the wires on the left? I bet the switch isn't very much to replace. Looks easy too.

 

Mike
Don't splice the wires.

#1 you will be able to start the truck without pushing the clutch in like bypass switch. 30 years ago it didn't matter, now MMMMMMM
#2 If you have cruise and you push the clutch in while in cruise all sorts of bad stuff can happen.

Switching keys will not make a truck not turn over.
Make sure you don't have a thick floor mat under the area where the pedal hits the floor.
It does sound like a clutch switch but check to make sure the switch plate doesn't seem bent or tweaked. They are not hard to change. The adjustment is the tricky part.

 

good point about cruise

 

Did you try the by-pass switch? The button on the dash.

 

Thanks all for the advice. I got new TRD floor mats yesterday which are much thinner and not as long. I'm also going to NAPA to get a new switch since it is easy to change and probably not very expensive.

There is no damage of bending to the clutch plate or the plate the switch is on. It is very dirty down there from the previous owner so some dirt might have gotten in the switch or something. The by pass switch works everytime so I am confident it is the clutch start switch.

 

Very good
Enjoy your new ride..

 

My 06 had the same problem. Installed new mats that were a bit longer not allowing clutch pedal to fully engage sensor switch.