Has anyone had problem starting key less GXL

[Connors Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Connors]

Good afternoon,

Just wondering if anyone has had problems starting their Prado GXL t/Diesel Auto, with the push button, key-less entry? I bought the car new in 2012 and have traveled 110,000 kms, and have had it happen three times. It is almost like it is confused and doesn't recognise the key fob.

The dash lights will illuminate however the ignition button wont turn green (LED in switch) for start. After a little mucking around it starts and unfortunately I have pressed buttons, open and closed doors, moved the transmission selector, applied the brake etc, and it will eventually recognise and fire up.

The problem is that I am not sure what helped it start, obviously the correct procedure has been followed to start it.

Has anyone had this problem and know what the procedure is when it happens, to start it.

Regards Aaron

[netarch Member Find all posts View Profile Close netarch]

I had similar issues that I could press the start button and nothing or take a long time until it tried to fire. It turned out to be filthy contacts within the starter. Easy to fix took the starter out undid the three screws where the solenoid is located and cleaned all of the contacts. Fires up first time every time now. Mine was getting to the point where it would take minutes to get it started sometimes it went from a minor inconvenience happening occasionally to all the time over a couple of months. I would press the start button it would make some whirring noise and then nothing after multiple attempts it would then fire up.

If it doesn't recognise or cant find the fob it wouldn't turn on at all and you would have a key looking light lit up on the console.

[kenny5000 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close kenny5000]

Maybe a new battery for the fob.

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

If the dash light turn on the key has been recognised. If the light in the button remains orange it is a problem with the "ok to start" parameters in the car. Could be the transmission selector indicating it isn't in either park or drive (that is assuming it's an auto) or a problem with the brake pedal switch not indicating your foot is on the brake. That is of course saying it is in either park or neutral and your foot is on the brake. The first place I would be looking is the brake pedal switch.

[Januke Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Januke]

Not sure if this is obvious, but, an addition to Aussie Andys list is to check that the steering lock isn't 'loaded up/under pressure'. It got me once when I rolled the car forward without starting it, to get access to the garage. I was loading gear into the car at the time for a big trip, so when the car wouldn't start, it took a while to dawn on me as to the problem. Nearly got the service guys out... ��

I just had to unload the steering a little by turning the wheel while pressing start.

I think it sounded one of its silly chimes when I pressed the start button though.

[Spilsy Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Spilsy]

I have noticed that my start button hasn't turned green unless the brake pedal is pushed hard...this only happens occasionally. So it could be, as Andy suggested, the brake pedal switch...

[Cuvier100 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Cuvier100]

Its the brake switch and clutch if its a manual.

[JimmyC Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close JimmyC]

I know this is completely different but it may be of help. I've found if the key is in the same pocket as my phone it will play up a little.

[Spilsy Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close Spilsy]

I know this is completely different but it may be of help. I've found if the key is in the same pocket as my phone it will play up a little.

This seems to be an issue for a lot of keyless systems

[120D4D Avid PP Poster! Find all posts View Profile Close 120D4D]

This seems to be an issue for a lot of keyless systems

Been noticing by garage door remote not working till im right next to it and then realised that each time this happens my keys are in the console right next to the remote so definately some RF interference going on...

[Connors Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Connors]

Thanks for the tips guys. As I was saying it has only happened 3 times since I bought the car so it isn't a big issue but interesting re mobile phones etc.

Cheers