Car will not start first thing first try

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.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 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

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Friday, January 10th, 2020 AT 8:35 PM

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.

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Friday, January 10th, 2020 AT 8:36 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 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

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Friday, January 10th, 2020 AT 9:07 PM

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?

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Friday, January 10th, 2020 AT 9:11 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,133 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.