Car will not start first thing first try

Tiny
DARIAWOODS
  • MEMBER
  • 2000 TOYOTA AVALON
  • 250,000 MILES
When I put my key in I have to hold down the little part and put the key just right and get it to start it. Like once the start. You can hear it start and then it won't and then once it started. I run it it starts right up most of the time the rest of the day a not. My problem is it's cold outside red where a lot of people are complaining when it's hot outside I haven't tried just opening a window and let it going to get colder in there.I just go and put the key in there and play with it until I can get it started. But I generally going places and don't stay very long and I leave my car running. But like first thing in the morning it won't start and I have to goof around with it. So nobody knows what's wrong with it. The original key I can pull it out as I'm driving down the road so I got a new key made and that one won't come out. So it could be the ignition switch. I don't know nobody else does.
Friday, January 10th, 2020 AT 7:20 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi,

If I understand, when you first turn the key to start, nothing happens. And then you move the key around and it does work. Is that correct?

Joe
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Friday, January 10th, 2020 AT 8:35 PM
Tiny
DARIAWOODS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes, that is correct. The original key that came with the car I can pull the key out while I'm driving down the road. So I had a new key made thinking you know they're the teeth for one or something like that and it still does it with the new key, but I can't pull the new key out of the ignition just the original key.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, January 10th, 2020 AT 8:36 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
I have to be honest. The idea that the starter doesn't engage the first time leads me to think there is an issue with the ignition switch and not the key lock tumbler. If you look at the attached pic, I highlighted the key cylinder and the ignition switch which is at the opposite end of the tube which connects them. If I had the vehicle, for this issue, I would take the two apart and see if there is something preventing the actual switch from making good contact or preventing the key lock tumbler from turning it.

Take a look at the pic.

Joe
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Friday, January 10th, 2020 AT 9:07 PM
Tiny
DARIAWOODS
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Okay, that's exactly what my son thought it was. I did order a new ignition switch so we're going to give it a shot tomorrow and not see what's going on.. If you have any videos that are helpful to help him could you pass that along to me as well?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Friday, January 10th, 2020 AT 9:11 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Because of the model year, I don't have the information in front of me. However, when you get the switch tomorrow, ask the seller if the system will require reprogramming after the install. Some of these did and others didn't. If it does and you don't do it, the anti theft will not allow the vehicle to start.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Friday, January 10th, 2020 AT 9:21 PM

Please login or register to post a reply.

Related Engine Not Running Content

Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
VIDEO
Car Cranking but Not Starting? Try This
Instructional repair video
Engine Not Starting
GUIDE
Engine Not Starting
Over the past 20 years at 2CarPros we have identified the top problems that are easily fixed. This guide can save you a trip to the repair garage or calling a tow truck and...
VIEW MORE