Ignition Problem - Toyota 4Runner Forum

906-Runner · 04-28-2020, 05:46 PM

First off of this has been discussed please point me to the correct thread, I’ve been searching but I can’t find anything that is close to the same problem. My 4Runner was driving fine until I pulled it into my shop and took the fender flares off. They were broken already so I didn’t do it very gently, I just literally just ripped them all off.

Once I got done I went to pull it out and it won’t start, only cranks over. Scanners telling me the ignition is not reading the key, would tearing the fender flares off have triggered the anti theft system hence it not starting? If so is there a way I can fix it without having to go to a dealer?

phattyduck · 04-28-2020, 07:10 PM

There's nothing related to the fenders (or flares) that should have any effect on the ECU. Your truck is listed as an SR5, which is unlikely to have the immobilizer system anyway... so that wouldn't be causing a problem.

-Charlie

906-Runner · 04-29-2020, 12:19 AM

Well it does have the Toyota Security light, so I’m not sure if that means it has the immobilizer or not. If that’s not the problem, could it be the ignition has gone bad and needs to be replaced? Would getting a new key cut to the VIN make it start?

phattyduck · 04-29-2020, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 906-Runner

Well it does have the Toyota Security light, so I’m not sure if that means it has the immobilizer or not. If that’s not the problem, could it be the ignition has gone bad and needs to be replaced? Would getting a new key cut to the VIN make it start?

For your year, "security' light in a button cutout (left of steering wheel) is the RS3200 security system, not the immobilizer. The immobilizer is the LED in the center console, next to the passenger seatbelt warning light. You can have either/both depending on options and they do different things.

If the key is working to turn the ignition cylinder, you don't need a new key cut. I'd suspect something else is going on, but I'm not sure what yet.

-Charlie

906-Runner · 04-29-2020, 06:07 PM

I’ve not seen an LED by the seatbelt light so I’ll guess I don’t have that. Another thing I just realized is I don’t have any of the original keys, I got the truck with one valet key and had new keys cut from that. Would having an original key anything different?

phattyduck · 04-29-2020, 06:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 906-Runner

I’ve not seen an LED by the seatbelt light so I’ll guess I don’t have that. Another thing I just realized is I don’t have any of the original keys, I got the truck with one valet key and had new keys cut from that. Would having an original key anything different?

If you had new keys cut and they weren't programmed to the truck you *definitely* don't have the factory immobilizer. The non-immobilizer trucks came with three keys - a plastic-headed master, an all-metal master and an all metal valet key. If the key can lock the glove box, you have a master key, even if it is all metal.

Once again though, if the key turns the ignition cylinder and the starter spins, the key is not the issue.

-Charlie