Hi, So with the factory key, car will not start. On a hunch got a new battery, and still won't start with factory key (red battery light on dash).

So on a second hunch, from outside the car i used my wife's remote start button, and the car cranked strong and started right up. It's a low frills Avital remote start, single button, installed in 2014. I spoke to the installers and they said something about how the remote start uses the main power line and bypasses the ignition lines so, it could possibly be the ignition system fuse. I pulled the 20a ignition fuse under the hood and it looked in great shape. Any other ideas or thoughts on fuses or otherwise?

With the 5th gen and an after market remote start systems installed at that time, one of the downside/features was it would remote start, but as soon as you open a passenger door, the engine stops. So if I sit in the car and remote start, as soon as i hit the brake to change gears the engine cuts. I'm facing a pretty good tow charge if I can't figure it out in the driveway in freezing temps

Any ideas would be appreciated. I'm using this fuse box diagram: Toyota 4Runner (2010 - 2012) - fuse box diagram - Auto Genius

Thanks!

Does it crankwhen you turn the key.. can you shift the gear into netral. If not use the gear over ride and put it in neutral try to start it,

The battery light indicates charging system issues. Maybe alternator regulator going bad or the wiring is corroded or loose. Check the wires going to the alternator are connected properly not loose corroded or broken.

Using the remote start button (after market) the 4runner cranks and starts immediately...i visually looked at the ignition fuse under the hood and it looked good. Will have to continue to do a better test of it tomorrow. Also there is a starter fuse under the hood and another in the cabin, wondering about the one in the cabin...I think I will have to test as many fuses as possible. No fun as below freezing outside.

Does it crank with the key?


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If it starts with the remote start, then you have an issue in the circuit for the key ignition. Look for a blown fuse, loose wire, or chewed wires.

Thanks. The main ignition fuse looks good under the hood (20a low profile). tested fine, replaced anyway...still looking around.

Agreed, wiring issue. The remote start would have tied into (or between) existing wiring. So possible wire from ignition got undone (for instance) and so remote start works but not ignition key.

Gave it my best shot for a while in 19-20 degree weather in the driveway...going to a dealership tomorrow via tow

Got a call back from service advisor. He said there was a key system code stored. They suspected the remote start went into some reset mode locking out the normal ignition from the smart key. The mechanic did some research on the remote start and found some procedure to reset it involving both the single remote start button and the smart key. Once done, the code cleared and the vehicle starts normally. They are keeping it overnight just to make sure the ignition is still good in the morning. They said they would get me a copy of the procedure. I can’t find it on Avital’s site. Will post here after we get the car back.