Intermittent Starting Issues: Thoughts?

I have about 6,000 miles on a 4x4 TRD double cab, manual. Recently, I've been getting intermittent starting issues. I put the key in, turn it to crank (as I always do) and . . . nothing. No clicks, cranking, etc. The message on the computer says 'Check Charging System.'

Took it to Toyota. They said the charging system is fine and that no codes have been thrown. Apparently the Check Charging System is a standing thing the computer says. When the truck encounters this problem, I have pulled the key out and reinserted and cranked. But that seems to do no good. The one thing that has worked (most of the time) is trying to crank and after getting no response, I will just leave the key in, let all the diagnostics go through their routines and, when nothing more on the computers are happening, I will turn the key again. That works most of the time.

Any thoughts?

 

I've actually just noticed this on my 4x4 TRD Sport yesterday. I just picked it up last weekend with 2 miles on the ODO and now have 270 miles. It used to start like normal: put the key in, clutch in, crank and go. Now I click the key to "On," wait a min, clutch in and crank. Sometimes I have to clutch in twice before it lets me. Almost as if the truck doesn't sense that I've depressed the clutch the whole way.

I've had the check charging system message since day one and always assumed it was part of the start up.

OA

 

I've seen this problem before here multiple times. A couple were alternator issues and one was a bad battery cell that still made everything "look" ok.

That is definitely not normal. I have a manual transmission. I always clutch in, key turn, start with no issue. 5000 miles, I have never seen the check charging system error. You need to have yours looked at!

 

I have seen the check charging a couple of times...hmmmn..also thought it was part up normal start up..Over 9k....I'll have it checked at the 10k. point...Will Toyota say it's "normal"

 

Toyota told me today (when I went down to have them pull codes) that the Check Charging System comes on all the time. Guess I will have to check to see if that message always comes on. They told me to call them to have it towed when the truck doesn't start so that can run a thorough diagnostic as it is happening. Nah, not gonna do that.

 

Well, one day it is not going to start completely when you actually need to get somewhere quick. I'd bite the bullet and have them do it while it's free.

 

Ah more turd gen problems ....

 

That warning comes on anytime the ignition is on for more than a few seconds and the truck isn't running

 

Exactly. The check charging system warning is irrelevant at this point. You and the dealer need to look past that. It shows because the vehicle senses key on with no voltage output and is letting you know your battery may run down. There is a problem not related to charging system here. My guess is a clutch/safety switch.

 

IIRC, they didn't find the bed cell until testing under load.

 

^^^This^^^

 

Does it act the same way if the truck is in neutral or in gear?

 

As an update, based on one of the suggestions above, a few days ago it did the same thing. I pushed the "clutch start cancel" button (this is a manual) and it started lickity split. Guess I will bring it in to ask them to check the clutch switch.

 

Had the same issue took the truck in and found out it had one bad cell in the battery. It had enough juice to start most of the time but on short trips it didn't do well

 

Sounds like you found the culprit. One question, do you have aftermarket floor mats? If so make sure that they are not keeping the clutch from going in all the way. In my first Gen Tacoma, my floor mat would slide forward just enough to make the clutch not get pushed all the way in, and you guessed it....not crank when I turned the key. If you have factory mats then this definately sounds like a bad clutch switch. Super easy fix that warranty will cover.

 

@nevadabugle: Well, indeed, I do have the Husky aftermarket. I will look at those. Thanks for the tip. But I have noticed that my clutch sounds really noisy "squeaky" lately. I think something else might be going on, but will indeed check.

 

squeaky clutch is a well known issue with second and third gens. Many of us have had it on both generations. Likely not related but it never hurts to look at it. Again, i speak from expierience, when I say that even a thin piece of floor mat under the clutch can be enough to make the clutch switch not be fully depressed. Did you buy the Huskys that were specific for the Manual? I have read of people cutting a piece of the mat out even on the correct floor mats to ensure full depress of the clutch.

 

Well, with your missive, I took my flashlight into my garage and checked (yes, I ordered the ones specifically for the manual from Husky themselves). And, so, looking up under the clutch as I manually depressed it, the clutch arm did not seem to intersect the matt.

I will take it in to Toyota (they have my history with this issue) and ask to check. I will report back. And, thanks so much for responding!

 

My Huskies were made for the manual transmission and the back of the clutch pedal does hit the floor liner sometimes causing it not to start. Eventually I will wear the liner down enough & this will no longer be an issue. As it stands now, it happens about once a week. I think I'll send Husky an email!!!