Engine Immobilizer Malfunction?

Geez, stories like this worry the crap outta me. What a shame. So how did he trade it? For parts only?

 

He went to ANOTHER Toyota dealership while it was running on that day and traded it in for a new Tacoma with a big fat warranty this time.
So someone probably thought they got a bargain 70k Tacoma hopefully the buyer got a used warranty from Toyota for it

 

It sounds like a key coil issue, I would remove the steering column cover and inspect the ring around the ignition switch.

If thats ok, its a BIG NASTY problem. The transponder ecu... you have to remove the dash....then the hvac unit.... They hide it to protect against theft.

 

I'm wondering if a new blank key/fob re-programmed by a locksmith would have worked on that $3,500 + $1,000 disaster, and maybe on the OP's truck?

 

Toyota replaced every immobilizer part including the keys, fob, re-program, both computers etc.
None of these things worked. Maybe there was a wiring issue that was defective.
Risking 1000 plus the 3500 already invested just was not worth it with no guarantee.
To pay out 4500 to Toyota to guess at trying to fix the immobilizer system is ridiculous with no warranty

 

Hey all — we went out of town this past week, so I ended up just letting the truck sit in the driveway as to not make it completely obvious we weren't home all week. Anyway, getting it towed in to the dealer today.

I did wonder if a locksmith would be able to reprogram a new key to get it started, beyond that I couldn't really think of much else to look into. We got the truck probably a year and half ago, certified-used. So I believe it may be just outside of that warranty program. We did get coerced into a Toyota VSA plan which at the time felt regrettable... but hopefully it'll save us with this repair, whatever it ends up being.

Thanks for all the input, I'll update soon.

 

Hopefully it’s an easy fix

 

UPDATE! We're back in business.

The shop was able to replace the transponder key coil to fix the problem, and everything is back to normal. It took a little longer than expected to get replacement parts, apparently its a pretty uncommon issue. But it was all covered under the original 3-year/36k warranty.

Thanks to all for the input here, much appreciated!

 

So it was the key coil after all, damn. Bishop84 nailed it

 

Yep. Shoutout Bishop84 for all the effort and informed input on this thread. MUCH appreciated.

 

Thanks for checking back in and settling what the issue was

 

Just ran into the exact same issue with my 2011 trd off road. At the moment she still hasnt started... Praying its just the key coil as for ive tried everything i can do without having it towed to the dealership!! Ive been reading through forums everyday for the last week since the problem started with no luck whatsoever. Had keys programmed etc etc! Praying to the tacoma gods that its just the key coil. THANK YOU for posting this and THANK YOUU to all of the members with all of the helpful responses.

 

It's a cheap fix if that's the issue. Let us know if that works!

 

sure was!! she’s good as new, thanks to all for the help!

 

Having same issue with my 2015 TRD Off-road. Luckily I have a viper remote start installed. So as long I start with that first. Then insert and twist key, it works.
Will be checking the transponder coil when I can and or a locksmith. All else fails I'll bring it to the dealership.